One Year

A year ago today I had my first appointment at the Cancer Center. I started chemo two days later. I can't believe it has been a year.

A lot has happened during that time. Surprisingly a lot of it was good. I may have lost my hair to the disease, but it has grown back. Now I have curls, which is a novelty and I look pretty good in short hair. In fact my new driver's licence photo may be the best one I've ever had taken.

I've grown closer to family and friends...this may be evidenced by the 154 cards I received and the numerous trinkets and gifts.

I've learned to cherish the small moments as well as the big ones.

I got to participate in Casting for Recovery.

After more than 50 trips across the city I appreciate the fact that I live here and didn't have to drive into the capital from eleswhere in the province. However, after all of this I very much want to move back to the country where I have space to grow a garden and room to roam.

I appreciate the fact that I have a good drug plan. Out of pocket I paid $145.25 for my various prescriptions. Less than I paid for parking which came in around $190.

Yesterday I had a follow-up appointment with my radiation oncologist. He is very pleased with my progress and won't need to see me again. Follow-up from here on in can be done by my family doctor and my surgeon.

Really?

Who could imagine that after the year I've had I can be checked twice a year by my family doctor and once a year by my surgeon? Shouldn't I have monthly blood work? Scans? Tests? But no; no blood work, no tests, no scans. Check ups are basic and consist mostly of examining my chest wall for signs of lumps. It is a little scary. I don't want to go through this ever again.

My doctor says it will probably take a year for my skin to completely recover from radiation. It is still discolored (it looks like I was in the sun and my shirt had a big hole in it). The area on my neck where the skin blistered is still itchy and he says it will continue to be for awhile.

Tomorrow starts the next little chapter of my adventure. I attend a pre-surgery clinic for my hysterectomy. The main event is scheduled for next Wednesday (March 10).