R and R

I got my pre-induction notification on May 25, 2012 when I got a mammogram that showed a shadow that was not there last year and needed to be biopsied to check it out. I definitely got inducted into the force on June 4 when I got the results of the biopsy which confirmed that the enemy had invaded my breast and had to be destroyed!! I had invasive lobular carcinoma and had a lumpectomy to remove all cancerous cells on July 11. To further insure a positive outcome, I had radiation therapy for 7 weeks which killed any renegade cells which happened to hang around.

The battle is long and furious since the healthy cells have to suffer the radiation as well, not to mention the breast tissue and exterior skin. Oy!! But radiation ended 2 weeks ago and right after, I went on R and R like all good soldiers do! The first week, I went to Houston, Texas where we celebrated the last days of Succos, the days of joy and harvest ending the High Holidays that began with Rosh HaShanah. How nice to be with my son and his family! I did no cooking thanks to my wonderful daughter-in-law Rochella (first days I did not cooking either  thanks to Elana, my other wonderful daughter-in-law) and played games with my grandchildren.

The next week I went to Rhode Island for 4 days to be with my sister Barbara. We played Scrabble, watched movies and laughed and talked as only sisters can. It was so relaxing and healing! I was supposed to be there for her since she had minor surgery a week ago, but it ended up we were there for each other. She could drive and we just took it easy and had a restful and relaxing time.

Joining the forces to fight the enemy Cancer takes energy and courage but you have no choice. You just do it!! Battle after battle, step after step, and take the respites as they come… giving yourself treats along the way. I get a massage a month now. But these last two weeks of R and R, of being away, since I could not go away because I had to go to radiation treatment 5 times a week, were just what the doctor didn’t order and just what I needed!!

In a week I am on to the next step and the next phase of treatment. More about that later…