I had a follow up appointment with Dr. Brufsky today. The upshot:
I’m cleared to get the shingles vaccine, which I should get now that I’m 50. I think I’ll go tomorrow after work. It’s supposed to rain all weekend and we have no plans, so it’s a good time to get it over with. I’m dreading it, because I hear the side effects are brutal – and even worse for the second shot 2-6 months later! I’ve had enough of feeling like crap (understatement of the year)!
Now that I’m no longer in active treatment and the cancer is gone, I can say I’m in remission. If it comes back, it’ll likely return within three years of diagnosis. There’s a 90+% chance it won’t come back. After 5 years, I’d be able to say I’m cured.
Over the next two years, I’ll see Dr. Brufsky every three months just to make sure everything is going ok. My next mammogram is six months after finishing radiation, so that will be early December. I asked if they’ll do an ultrasound with the mammogram given my diagnosis and dense breasts. Typically they don’t, but Madelyn said she’d check.
After two years, my visits will be every six months.
The ladies at the front desk were so excited to see me! The one who helped me schedule my next appointment said more than once how amazing I look. Frankly, anyone would look amazing after treatment!
I asked if Rosanne was working today so I could say hello, but she was off today.
This sign was on the check out counter – it’s so true.
I happen to be wearing the same top I wore the last time I posted a picture. So here’s an update! My curls are definitely poking their way through. My wavy sides can’t be controlled. Not quite in an awkward phase yet but getting there.
I have yet to try an apple to see if I can taste it, but will do that soon. I think I’ve been putting it off out of fear, haha.
A week from tomorrow will be my last day on the blood thinner. Yay!
My cancer wasn’t hormonal, so I don’t have to take medication for the next five years like many do.
Now the hardest part will be trying not to think about the odds and just living my life. And figuring out what tattoo I want to get to show that I’m a breast cancer survivor!
20 responses to “Remission!”
Hallelujah!!!!
Congratulations Lisa on being in remission!! Wohoo!! Also, you look so much like your Mom now that you both have silver hair! Xo
Thanks!! I think I look just like my grandma (Mom’s mom)!!
Oh my goodness, congratulations!!!
Congratulations on getting through all your treatments and feeling so much better. 💕 I know it was a tough challenge but you did it.
My hair grew back (in 2015) and it had some silver streaks in it. I decided to never color it again. People tell me they like my highlights.
Be well…. hugs 🤗🤗
Best news to hear ! Sending virtual hugs 🤗
Lisa, you look marvelous! and I am delighted to read that you look marvelous because you have so many good reasons to feel mavelous!. Ps: I had almost no reaction to both shingle shots – wishing the same for you ! See you soon at the beach house.
Love, Larry
Lisa. We are so thrilled to hear the wonderful news. You look fantastic love your hair. Stay well and we all here in Atlanta love you. 💕💕💕💕
GREAT NEWS, WARRIOR.
1. SHINGLES SHOT: i had the original one and the recent 2-shot one. NO SIDE EFFECTS AT ALL.
2. CONTROLLING CURLY HAIR: having fought this battle all my life [as your parents can verify since they’ve known me forever], a few years ago, i found hair products for afro-american people work best for me FOR CONTROL AFTER HAIR HAS BEEN WASHED & DRIED: nothing better than KINKY-CURLY SPIRAL SPRITZ. its a gel, dont need much. also great for controlling frizz. about $15 for a bottle that will last months & months. amazon carries it but check your local drugstore.
You look awesome and that was an awesome post! YAY!
The word remission has a nice sound to it. I think it’s my new favorite word. Too bad it’s too long for Wordle. So you are “One and Done”. Cancer B gone and now on to living your best life! Hooray! Sending MANY hugs!
Lisa you look absolutely beautiful. Your hair has such curl to it, zero frizz and it’s growing so quickly. Everything is going your way and with that amazing attitude of yours it is all looking up. You are a much loved person and have been a role model for us all.
Rejoicing over your post! Such great news. You look terrific, and yes, there is a resemblance to your grandmother who I remember well.
Big hugs to you, our fierce and fabulous cousin.
This is awesome news and you look gorgeous. I can’t wait to see the tattoo.
Hooray! I see those curls!
You look beautiful and happy! The curls and color of your hair look nice, may not be frizzy any more. Don’t worry too much about the side effects of the Shingrix shots, the risk benefit ratio is very low. Considering that shingles can be quite painful.
Congratulations! You are a true warrior, and remember that you have a sisterhood of warriors to support you if you ever need it! As for thinking about recurrence, that’s a tough one. I had a recurrence six months after my first cancer diagnosis (I did no chemical treatments following my first two surgeries after my initial diagnosis). After the metastasis, not thinking about recurrence was difficult. I decided to give it up to the universe. There was nothing I did wrong to create the first diagnosis or the metastasis, and there was nothing I could do right or wrong to prevent a recurrence; so I decided to live well instead. There has been no other recurrence (not my control either) in the last 39 years. How much life would I have missed out on if I worried about something over which I had no control. I used cancer as my stepping stone to a better me, I hope. Don’t get me wrong, I can still be quite the bitch sometimes and I worry about a lot of things; but I try to be better each day and live each day well! So much for my rambling! Your hair, by the way, looks like you are growing it out. We curly-haired girls grow out rather than down at times. You are a newly healthy cancer survivor with newly growing hair – that takes a bit of getting used to – right? Have a wonderful weekend and try a head band!
Lisa,
So happy to hear such positive news!! This is great!
And like the others have said, you look amazing. I love the gray and I’m digging the short do! You rock it. I can’t wait to see what tattoo you decide on. Are you and Doran going to go together? Love you, friend!
Thank you!! I’d love to go with Doran! If we figure out our tattoos around the same time, that’d be so fun! Love you too!
YAY Lisa! You look terrific, happy and healthy. I’m glad you shared your difficult adventure…I hope it lightened your load. May you enjoy your long and healthy life🙏🏼
❤️Lynda Treger