Today was breast checkup day. This morning, I had a mammogram, scheduled for when the radiologist would be there to look at the films. Sure enough, she ordered an ultrasound to look more closely at the area that was biopsied this summer. I started getting nervous, but thankfully the tech reassured me a few minutes in by telling me it looked good so far. A little while later, the doctor confirmed that everything was fine; the area she had been concerned about was benign. She recommended another mammogram in a year.
She also told me that I’m an excellent candidate for a study that determines to what extent having Contrast-Enhanced Mammography every other year improves cancer detection compared to yearly 2D and 3D mammography. This is similar to the study I did before the biopsy this summer. Since I can’t have a MRI, this will be a nice additional screening tool. Participation is for five years.
This afternoon, I had my three month check up with Dr. Brufsky. Everything looks fine. They took bloodwork to check my liver numbers, which increased after I started chemo and immunotherapy. It looks like one of my numbers is still high; its increase started with my treatment, which is interesting. I have a feeling that Dr. Brufsky will have me see the liver doctor to follow up.
I saw something online recently that describes what it’s like to have cancer. The author is unknown but it’s worth sharing:
Imagine you’re going about your day, minding your own business, when someone sneaks up behind you…
You feel something press up against the back of your head, as someone whispers in your ear.
“Sssshhhhh…. don’t turn around. Just listen. I am holding a gun against the back of your head. I’m going to keep it there. I’m going to follow you around like this every day, for the rest of your life.”
“I’m going to press a bit harder, every so often, just to remind you I’m here, but you need to try your best to ignore me, to move on with your life. Act like I’m not here, but don’t you ever forget… one day I may just pull the trigger… or maybe I won’t. Isn’t this going to be a fun game?”
This is what it is like to be diagnosed with cancer. Any STAGE of cancer. Any KIND of cancer. Remission does not change the constant fear. It never truly goes away. It’s always in the back of your mind.
Please, if you have a loved one who has ever been diagnosed with cancer, remember this. They may never talk about it or they may talk about it often. Listen to them. They aren’t asking you to make it better. They want you to sit with them in their fear… their sadness… their anger… just for the moment. That’s it.
Don’t try to talk them out of how they are feeling. That doesn’t help. It will only make them feel like you are minimizing what they’re going through. Don’t remind them of all the good things they still have in their life. They know. They are grateful. But some days they are more aware of that gun pressing into the back of their head and they need to talk about it. Offer them an ear.
Here is hoping that 2024 will see nothing but positive check ups and a healthier year — for me, and all of you! Happy New Year!
13 responses to “Finishing Out the Year”
Great News. Wishing you a wonderful healthy 2024!!!!
Thank you for posting this Lisa. As a cancer survivor, it’s perfect for those of us who have gone through this.
Happy and Healthier New Year to you. 💕
❤️❤️❤️❤️!
So happy to know that you are in a much better place than a year ago! Here’s to a Happy, Healthy 2024 filled with lots of good reports. Plan another trip (if you haven’t already). xoxo
Lisa: glad to know that you are in remission. Hope the liver functions will return to normal soon! Thank you for sharing that online story about being a cancer survivor. Sometimes it is not easy. But we cancer survivors have to get on with life with gratitude. Happy to be around, commencing my 27th year since initial diagnosis. Thanks for reiterating mutual support! 💕💕💕 Terry
27 years? Amazing!
I haven’t dealt with cancer, but, as you know, I am dealing with a progressive disease with family members. Each visit to the specialist has me in knots, and so I understand somewhat. Sending you hugs and wishing you a happy, very healthy New Year.
👍😘
Hi friend!
So happy to hear that everything is clear and okay! What a great way to end this year!
That passage about having cancer is so profound. What a way to look at it! To describe it. That is super powerful. Thanks for sharing that.
Lots of love to you!
Well once again you have enlightened me. When I read that paragraph regarding Cancer and how your life changes instantaneously it was such an eye opener. Your sharing your experience with us has enabled everyone to be better informed and with a great deal more insight of the situation.
The very best part of your missive is the clean bill of health that you received and I am so so happy that once more you’re a part of a “study”. Being a research assistant allowed me to see the difference that study member’s gained simply by helping. You will never “fall through the cracks” when you’re part of a study.
Finally, I am so happy for you and everyone who supports and surrounds you with their love. You are one of life’s bright lights.
This has been quite a journey for you, and I (for one) feel so lucky that you took us with you. In February, it will be 40 years (I still can’t believe it) since I was first diagnosed with cancer; and in August, it will be 40 years since my metastasis. For 10 years, I faithfully attended my oncology appointments. During those 10 years, I did feel as if I had a permanent stalker. 10 years past that, I had a GP who flippantly ordered a scan and threw out the word ‘recurrence’ with no symptoms or medical reason. The scan was clear. All of my experiences with cancer taught me to be a good medical ‘customer.’ I left that GP’s practice (after giving her an earful about her callous language and schooling her on survivor mentality). As my cancer left me with the need to take thryroid medication (not a big surprise in Buffalo – we are one of the biggest areas of thryroid cancer and all thyroid issues) and permanent nerve damage in my neck, I have daily reminders of my journey. My scar, my medications, and my neck issues are a small price to pay for good health. As a cancer survivor, you take on a new role – cancer advisor. How lucky we both are to have reached that place. Your blog and other writings are ways that you help others navigate their own cancer journeys. Thank you again, Lisa, for what you have done for others this past year!
Thank you, Syndi! Congratulations on the soon-to-be 40-year anniversary – what a milestone! Glad you left the GP and told her off! Love you!
Thank you Lisa for sharing your story with us! It has been really informative and I have learned a lot, much better understanding of what goes on with a cancer diagnosis, treatment, and the aftermath. Really pleased that all is going well for you, best wishes for a fantastic New Year! from Katherine