Almost there...

This week has brought about 2 final appointments for me. I had my last expanders fill and am now awaiting my final surgery date, to take place within the next month, and I am happy with my new size. What a change. I can't wait to get my body back into shape, and even better shape than I have been in a long time. I've got the image and the desire of a much healthier me, physically, mentally, in any way I can be. This was NOT the way I wanted to have a reduction, but I will certainly make this the best I can.
Second, I had an appointment with my oncologist and everything is going well. I received great praise for how well I made it through all the chemo, but I get a break before starting my tamoxifen. He wants to see if the symptoms I continue to experience are residual chemo side effects, and wants me to shake those before new side effects begin (oh great, right?). Headaches are one of the main side effects and I have already been fighting them off for the last few weeks. Yep, the steroids are nasty little buggers, but thank God for them at the same time. So, instead of having to start the medicine now, I can wait another month before I do. AND, I can take the rest of the summer off, away from oncology appointments, until just after Labor Day. I've been told I will then start going in about every 3 months for regular oncology check-ups, to include blood work, to make sure all stays free and clear.
I cannot rave enough about the amazing care I have received through this whole ordeal. I feel as though I have new family members in the doctors and nurses that have been there with me every step of the way. So much compassion and concern, from my appointment with my midwife in January, my first (and last) mammogram and ultrasound where I whinced in pain as the lump was squashed within my right breast, through my two biopsies the next day where the tears rolled when my first biopsy began with not enough numbing juice.....then when my second biopsy was about to begin and I just sobbed on the table at the injustice and fear of it all set in...thoughts of not being here for my children, my husband, my family and friends......my children..............
EVERYONE, right down to my anesthesiologist, have been the best. At a time when life shows how fragile it can be, the amount of encouragement and support, smiles and cheers, through my bilateral mastectomy to my chemo-filled Wednesdays, those who have known me most of my life right down to those that have only just gotten to know me have been my strength. People who have never met me have sent prayers that I KNOW have been helping to heal me. This is a horrible diagnosis for everyone involved, but it has essentially been just a huge ingrown toenail. It had to be removed and dealt with to prevent it from coming back.
My life is about to take a wonderful turn. Now that my energy has begun to return, and won't be zapped away again next week, as would be if I was still going through chemo, I am determined to be a stronger and healthier me. I have to be. My family will be growing stronger with me. I don't want to be gone, and I refuse to let this take me before my time. I realize it is not for me to say......I know that when I have done my work here, and when God has decided I will better serve him there, then I will leave. But this buttercup has so much more to offer. And I have so many people to thank. If you are reading this, you know who you are. So thank you for the love and support and prayers. Please keep praying...I know I will.