The local breast cancer group, 412 Thrive, is holding its second annual Casino Night fundraiser in April. Held at Acrisure Stadium (which locals will always call Heinz Field), it has dancing, silent and live auctions, and casino games (without money or prizes), and a Casino Night Gallery.  As the website says, “The images…showcase each woman’s…

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…

Despite not having any signs of lymphedema, yesterday I met with Dr. Atilla Soran, Director of the Comprehensive Lymphedema Program. I had heard he assesses risk and advises on prevention. I made the appointment when I learned that it is possible to get lymphedema years after treatment. That scared me since that happened to a…

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…

Last week was very emotional. On top of waiting for my biopsy results, we took Doran to college.  Just like being empty nesters will be a new normal, so will scares like this, I think. It’s impossible to memorize how my breasts feel today; in a couple of weeks, I won’t remember if all the…