It’s hard to believe that I finished treatment five months ago!

Today I had a radiation oncology follow up visit with Physicians Assistant Emily. She said everything looks good. I offhandedly mentioned that sometimes the area around my scars really itches. She said that could be from radiation and to moisturize it every day. She also said this is a side effect that will last forever!

I’ll see Emily again in six months, then nine, and eventually once a year for five years total.

Next up: In December, I have a mammogram and then a check up with Dr. Brufsky – coincidentally scheduled the same day even though they’re in two different places.

I feel more like myself these days. My taste buds are back, and so is my energy. After not exercising for a year, I’m now working out four times a week! 

I actually got a haircut in September. Somehow it felt wrong cutting my hair when I’m trying to grow it, but there were parts that looked bad. I figured maybe the stylist (who specializes in curly hair) could make it look better while not sacrificing the length. She did!

When it feels like my hair isn’t growing, I look at pictures from May or even this summer, and can see the difference. Most days I don’t hate the current look. I’m still planning on growing it out at least to my chin to see what it looks like. It’s harder to grow out than to get it cut! 

During treatment, I planned a trip to Spain in October, which helped get me through the tough parts. I called it my Belated 50th Birthday, Empty Nester, and Surviving Cancer trip! The last time Aaron and I did this kind of trip was when I turned 40! We went to Madrid, Toledo, and Barcelona, and had a great time!