So...How's Terri Doin?

My husband, Rob has grown to dislike the question, "So, how's Terri doin?" It's such a loaded question. You'd think it would be pretty easy to answer since it's been nearly 18 months since I finished my chemo therapy for breast cancer.

Well...part of my treatment plan includes a drug I take daily for five years. Because the breast cancer I had was estrogen fed, I have been prescribed an estrogen blocker called, tamoxifen.

Upon my return to Mayo Clinic in recent weeks, I shared with my oncologist the struggle I was having with fatigue and depression. Come to find out, some of the side effects from tamoxifen can be fatigue and depression. For a small percentage of women who have preexisting depression, it causes depression to worsen. I have discovered I am in that small percentage. This summer has been rough. The fatigue and depressive state I've been in has clouded my view of life.

Thankfully, my oncologist has allowed me to take a reprieve from this drug for a few weeks. In a matter of 10 days off tamoxifen my energy level has improved and my view of life is brighter. I am thankful to have an explanation for the way I was feeling. I was beginning to worry I had cancer lurking somewhere else in my body due to the fatigue & depression that was weighing me down.

Also, during my visit at Mayo Clinic on September 14th, I met with a surgeon about a second opinion for a hysterectomy. The surgeon put it this way, "You're a walking time bomb. Since you've had stage 1 breast cancer, you have family history of breast AND ovarian cancer, plus a BRAC gene mutation, you're at the highest risk factor for ovarian cancer. It's not a matter of IF you should have the surgery, but WHEN to have it done. The sooner the better." How's that for a clear direction?

My hysterectomy is scheduled for Tuesday, October 19th. It will be laproscopic surgery so my surgery recovery will be shorter, however it will throw me into menopause abruptly. My GYN warned my husband and I of the hormonal jolt that will occur. Please pray for my adjustment to this next phase of my treatment plan to reduce my risk factors for breast & ovarian cancer.

That's the long, honest answer to the question, "How's Terri doin?"

Breast cancer treatment doesn't end with chemo or radiation for many women. The road can be long. The road can be steep, but there is hope because of the progress that has been made in the treatment of this disease.  Early detection, is a key. I'm a living example of that. October is breast cancer awareness month, it's around the corner. Schedule your annual mammogram, ladies. It could save your life, it did mine.