Fist Month of Cancer Treatment.....

 I can now say that I completed the first month of treatment with no problems. It's funny because once your diagnosed with stage 4 cancer everyone thinks..."Poor Linda". Well, guess what? I'm not letting this diagnosis change who I am. The original shock and craziness of  diagnosis and staging is over and I have returned to life as usual. Yes, it sucks, but people,,,"I am not going to let this stop me." Yes, priorities have a been adjusted; but only slightly,  and I am the same person I was before this diagnosis.  Cancer will not change me, at least for now.
So, here is an update...My genetic testing came back with no genetic mutations that would explain why I have been lucky enough to be diagnosed with breast cancer not once, but twice now. So, for my daughter, sisters, nieces, cousins, etc..This is good news, but it does still mean that they are at a slight increase of risk, so please get your screenings done and stay on top of checking your boobies regularly! I started Ibrance plus letrazole and lupron injections. The only change is hot flashes, especially at night, but I am learning to adjust to this change. I have now finished the root canal that, of course, had to happen in the midst of all of this. I can now start Zometa infusions to strengthen bones that are affected by breast cancer.  I did have to stay away from the karate school and my beautiful grandchildren for a few days while my white count was low to minimize infection, but either than that, it is life as usual. I have continue to work full time with a slight adjustment in my per Diem position (second job). I tried to quit, but they would not let me, so I will continue one shift every 4 - 6 weeks. This will give me that day off almost every week, but I spend the day working on my role as President of my local oncology nursing organization. I will continue to serve my colleagues as president of this organization and will continue to be me..Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Daughter, Sister, Aunt, Friend, Colleague, Oncology Nurse, and Apprentice black belt in martial arts. Thank you to all my family and friends for all the support and I appreciate the continued support.  I know this cancer is there and that there is no cure for metastatic breast cancer, but I plan on living many years with this just like I live with Rheumatoid arthritis.

With much love and gratitude

Idalina (Linda)