And for the next 5 years, Tamoxifen

Because my breast cancer was Estrogen Receptor Positive, the week after Thanksgiving, I started my daily dose of tamoxifen It is supposed to block the effects of estrogen, and reduce the chances of the cancer reoccuring. As with the chemo, reading the possible side effects was scary. So far, nothing other than the hot flashes, which started after the second round of chemo, and haven't stopped. Now that's another long and negative post!

The end of Radiation

Radiation wrapped up at a perfect time -- two days before Thanksgiving!

During radiation, Elise brought ANOTHER DELICIOUS dinner.

It was a BBQ chicken skillet pizza with a cornbread crust. Yum!

To celebrate the end of radiation, I finally took what I called my radiation pass out of my purse.

When I arrived, every day, I passed it in front of a scanner that read my unique bar code and let them know that I had arrived. Pretty cool system, actually. Once I had scanned my card/pass, I donned a lovely hospital gown and waited in the Women's waiting area until I was called back. On a good day, I was in and out in 15 or 20 minutes. On a bad day, I could be there for almost an hour. On one really good day I was back in my car 10 minutes after I had left it for the parking valet!

During my last full week of radiation, the clip fell off of my pass. I had debated whether or not to request a new holder. I figured for the last few days I could get by with the old one.

It was a good feeling to take this out of my purse and know that I didn't have to make sure it found its way back for the next day.

I had Marc take a picture of the radiated area. For me, and to share. I apologize if you find it unpleasant. Just scroll on past it if you prefer.

For the first 23 days, the radiation targeted a more broad area. My entire left breast. While my skin started to look sunburnt, I was fortunate that it was no worse than that. It felt a bit dry, kind of papery, but that was it. This photo was taken a week after I had completed radiation and just over 2 weeks after the broad area radiation was done. By that time the redness had subsided and it was looking more like a weird suntan.

Under my left arm, one of the scars is visible in the photo. I had two incisions: one to remove the tumour, and one for the node biopsy. The last seven rounds of radiation target the area where the tumour had been, and that's why there's a red triangle shape in that area.

Its been about six weeks since I finished radiation, and that red triangle is now a lovely brown colour, and the brown that covered the larger area is now gone.

At the time radiation was done, I was the lucky recipient of flowers from my Mom and Dad, and sister and her family.

Aren't they beautiful?! They were delivered the day after I was done, which was the day before Thanksgiving. Beautiful fall colours, they made a gorgeous centerpiece for our Thanksgiving table.

Marc also sent flowers.

What a beautiful way to celebrate the end of radiation!

Chemo Caps

Around the time of my last lengthly post, my Aunt sent me an email with a couple of photos attached. She had crocheted several chemo caps for an organization that collects them, and was preparing to donate them in my honour.

I was moved to tears. Both she and my Mom had done this, Mom knitting and Auntie Judy crocheting.

I had saved that email with the attached photos, for this post. The first thing I did was move the photos from the email to the folder in which I keep blog photos. But they're not there, and they're no longer attached to the email. I've done several searches on my computer and have come up empty. But I did see a lot of images I didn't know were there!!

I didn't want to let Auntie Judy know beforehand,  but now that this post is up and looking quite naked without the photos, maybe I can ask her to resend them so I can share them.

Cousin Jodene to the rescue. She saw this post and forwarded the photos -- thanks Jo!!

So here they are, lovely handcrafted chemo caps ready to be given to people who will make good use of them. I certainly know how appreciated they will be!

A close up of the tag is necessary.

Now you see. I'm still moved to tears. Love you Auntie Judy.

Another one of the many kind and thoughtful gestures made during this time. I can't say enough how blessed I feel. Thanks you crafty ladies. I love you both!!

Catching Up -- Again

It's been over 2 months since I last posted here. Can't believe that! My theory is that, the combination of feeling better and Christmas approaching had me so busy trying to catch up with so many things that I had let slide. And of course, the Christmas season brings with it shopping, baking, decorating and gathering.

Finished up radation 2 days before Thanksgiving, started tamoxifen a week later, and that's about all I'm up to right now. Except for recovering from Christmas, Christmas travel and gearing up for Gaby's birthday celebration. And trying to do some catching up on my other blog .

Having said that, I should get started!