This is a good place to be

It's been a while since I posted any details about how I am medically. In January, I finished up with 3 years of Zoladex injections (which kept my estrogen low by inducing menopause). About a year ago, I finished up a clinical trial for a pill that targeted cells with HER2 neu receptors. Little by little, my safety blankets (treatment protocols) are being taken away from me. Yes, this is because I am closer and closer to the big 5-year No Evidence of Disease mark. Now, the only thing I do to try to limit any risk of recurrence is take my daily dose of Tamoxifen.

The further away I get from the experience, the easier it is to forget the realizations that diagnosis brought me. I'm struggling a bit because having cancer taught me so much about living. I don't want to forget those feelings and the associated lessons that shook me to my core. Getting cancer is like being instantly given the ability to zoom out from earth. You can suddenly prioritize in new ways given this view from space. I don't want to lose that perspective and get bogged down by being well back on earth

I still see my docs every 6 months for mammo and bloodwork, but I finally reached a place in life after cancer where I don't think daily about having had cancer in some way. Even when I take my Tamoxifen every day, I don't really think about cancer.

This is a good place to be and uncharted territory for me.

I am reaching a place where advocacy is becoming more comfortable for me. Other young women are reaching out to me for perspective when they are diagnosed or find a lump and don't know what to do.

Despite all the sadness from losing my dad 6 weeks ago to cancer, I am feeling more whole than ever on my journey through the abyss that is life after cancer.

This is a good place to be.