Three Years From Diagnosis

Three years ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. It was a long road but I am happy to say I feel great and I am very optimistic about my future. I realize the cancer can still recur but I do my best not to dwell on it. A number of women who were diagnosed with similar stage, grade, tumor markers and at the same time as I was have recurred and are now stage 4, but most are fine. I spoke to a lot of women on breastcancer.org. and I have continued to follow some of their journeys. It was a great site and I learned a lot there. Back then people told me I should join a support group. There was no way I could do that since babysitting was an issue for me, plus, a lot of the time I was too tired to go drive somewhere. Breastcancer.org is an online support group, discussion site and wealth of information. I highly recommend it to anyone dealing with breast cancer.

So for me it is a happy anniversary. I am happy to have gotten through tough tines and happy to be looking ahead. Tierney is almost in the second trimester. I really feel like we will make it this time and have a baby. Life is good!!

What's up?

So, I haven't posted here in awhile. What has been happening?

I still have my port. It was supposed to be removed but the surgery was cancelled due to bad weather. Paramedics show up in snow but apparently doctors don't. I am hoping to have it out sometime soon.

I have finished everything! I went back to Dr. Kostroff (breast surgeon) and I passed the exam with flying colors. I go back to the oncologist on 3/28. I will have blood tests and an exam. I will not need any scans unless the tumor markers rise, and that is not expected. It is possible, but statistically the chances are low.

As most people close to me know, my biggest emotional upset about the breast cancer was the fact that I would not be able to have another baby. It was a huge blow. I didn't want Julianna to be an only child. It upsets me for her, but also for her potential children who will never have an Aunt, Uncle or first cousin. My family and extended family have always been very important to me so it was so sad to think she wouldn't have that.

So, good news! I have retained the services of a surrogacy agency. I am going to have a baby but a surrogate will carry it. It will be a gestational surrogacy. That means, the egg will not be that of the surrogate. We will do invitro fertilization and the embryo will be placed in the uterus of the surrogate.

It is similar to an adoption, but different too. We will be able to do a pre-birth order so my name will go on the birth certificate immediately. Also, the agency sets it up so I will be able to room in the hospital with the baby.

I am waiting to match right now. I do have one potential match. There is a distance issue there but I may be able to overcome it. That surrogate lives in Tennessee. She sounds awesome and it may work out. She has been a surrogate before and that is great.

So, it will be great to change this blog from one of sickness to one of life! Keep your fingers crossed that it all works out!

Me and Julianna

                                                                          Julianna