November 16, 2010 = 5 Year Cancerversary

November is always an interesting month for me. It's my cancerversary (month I was diagnosed) and it's my birthday. I always take a positive twist on it and celebrate LIFE and SURVIVORSHIP all month long. 5 years is an exciting yet scary time for me. It's exciting because every year post diagnosis without a recurrence is important. Every 5 years is even more important because typically a recurrence usually occurs within the first 5 years. Of course the work I do I know that there are no guarantees. I've seen too many women rediagnosed around 5 years. I cannot get complacent but I also can't live in fear.

At this point I have less than a year left of Tamoxifen. I'll be done with Tamoxifen prior to my 35th birthday next year. I officially get to stop it mid August 2011. I told my doc that I want a year break before we discuss further treatment.

My life is so different from when I was diagnose. I've changed my career, don't sweat the small stuff, single, new car (April of this year new because my 1999 Accord finally broke down,) new love for biking, braces (October of this year,) and my new family the Pink Ribbon Cowgirls.

Below is a quick recap of my life since September:




Mamma Jamma September 25, 2010 I rode 72 miles in 6 hours in 90+ degree weather and humidity. Throughout my ride I kept thinking about all the girls I've lost along the way. It's weird how it felt like they kept me company on my ride since I rode most of the way on my own. Many thanks to all my friends that donated. I was able to raise just over $1000 which was my fund raising goal. This ride was very important to me both physically, mentally and emotionally.

October 23, 2010 Support Crew Ride. A motorcyclist gave me a big bear hug.


November 7,2010 I participated in my 6th Race for the Cure, 4 as a survivor.