It’s been 18 months since I completed chemo for breast most cancers, 15 months since I completed radiation at this writing, June 2020. My hair grew again a yr in the past. The tingling in my fingers is gone. I used to have coronary heart flutters and a few chest congestion; these signs have handed.
I had a mammogram just lately; it was good. No “signs of malignancy.” That’s how the official language goes. I wasn’t anticipating something unhealthy, however you by no means know.
I noticed my oncologist the next week. She felt my scar tissue. I’ve tenderness below my armpit the place 4 lymph nodes have been eliminated. She stated all of it felt advantageous. She additionally advised me my “blood work was perfect.” That may be very encouraging.
However, my BMI hovers between common and obese; 24.eight some weeks, 25.2 on others. I can’t lose 5 kilos, I’ve been attempting for 5 years. I do know it’s not life and loss of life, however it certain means one thing to me. Less stomach fats, extra management of my life?Perhaps. An indication that center age is just not attending to me? Maybe. An indication that having most cancers has not rearranged my motivation to be a bit slimmer?
I may transfer extra, eat much less. I’m attempting. It’s so exhausting with the COVID-19 pandemic that stopped our lives for months in Chicago, and even now, as numbers begin to reduce, we should nonetheless apply social distancing and proceed our tremendous cleanliness routines.
Then, the tragedy of George Floyd’s loss of life introduced protests that crippled our metropolis once more, and for us most cancers survivors who’re the “at risk” inhabitants, introduced yet one more new set of challenges for self-care and survival.
I don’t have a automobile. Is it protected to take a bus or a taxi? Even with a masks and gloves, I fear. I stroll to the shops; I attempt to go throughout senior hours. After the protests, many shops have been/are boarded up and have lowered hours. For a most cancers survivor, that is a bit worrying. Where to go, what to do and the way to do it- safely. This doesn’t eat my pondering, however it certain is a part of my each day life planning.
I’m so completely happy and grateful my most cancers hasn’t returned; however I’ve to confess I’m extra apprehensive about not getting sick from the COVID-19 virus. I take my temperature each morning. I’ve by no means cleaned a lot in my life. I’ll get via this, as all of us will. I see a rise in nervousness in my mates. If most cancers is an irritation of the physique, we should be vigilant and so cautious to not develop an irritation of the thoughts.
I’ll attempt to stay optimistic, I’ll smile as a lot as earlier than or extra, I’ll attempt to do one joyous, outrageous exercise day by day, even when it’s solely in my creativeness.