No News is Great News! =)

It's been a long time since I updated everyone. We are getting to a point where updates will be few and far between as I am cancer free and intend to stay that way. I do, however, have a few updates for all of you wondering how the last month has gone...

1) Echocardiogram results:

My echocardiogram (heart test) was relatively unchanged. This means that I have been approved to continue the infusion of Herceptin every three weeks. Taking Herceptin (a targeted therapy drug) has proven to reduce the chance of reoccurrence. Hopefully, I can continue this therapy until completion which would be until the end of September.

2) The decision about radiation:

After much research and debate, I decided that I'm not going to go through radiation. My goal is to make the best choice for me. And, since I had a bilateral mastectomy, I'd like to keep other parts of my body that aren't part of the problem unaffected. In my opinion, the risks outweigh the benefits for my specific case.

3) Physical Therapy:

I am seeing a physical therapist twice a week with great results. I hope to achieve full range (180 degrees) of motion with my right arm. I started out at 140 degrees. On 4/22, I reached 156 degrees and on 4/29, I reached 162 degrees. All these measurements were taken before the therapist stretched and massaged the cording under my arm. I'm excited to report that immediately following the stretching and massage, I did actually reach 180 on 4/29. There is still an 18 degree difference between before and after stretching that I want to close the gap on but to actually reach 180 is fantastic. We are staying the course to hopefully achieve my goal of full mobility!

3) The Race for the Cure:

On Saturday, I participated in the Susan G. Komen, Race for the Cure in Winston Salem. Not only did I complete the 5K (plus, a few extra miles due to far away parking), but Doug, Aidan and Regan also completed the 5K. Aidan ran the whole way. Doug ran about half of it. And, Regan and I did mostly walking with a few sprints of running when Regan felt the need to go fast. A good friend, Larissa, and her team "Charity Chicks", adopted me into their group for the event. What a great bunch of women! Thank you!

4) Follow up visit with the plastic surgeon:

This morning, Doug and I travelled to Chapel Hill to discuss the final stages of reconstruction with Dr. Halvorson. There are three options for nipple reconstruction. I believe I will be doing the "CV flap" and areola tattoo. However, I've decided to wait until the end of August for this procedure so I can enjoy the summer! It takes about 5-7 days to heal but Dr. Halvorson recommends that I not swim for 3 weeks following the procedure. Overall, Dr. Halvorson is pleased with my result and I'm excited that I'm nearing the end of this journey!

Other than that, I've been staying busy with family and friends and feeling great.