Update

More good news! I had the drain removed Monday, and although I am still in quite a bit of pain at the incision sites and down my right arm, I can sleep much better, which has made a world of difference.

Monday also started the first of injections that I will receive every three months. The implant injection is a man-made form of a hormone used in women to treat breast cancer. They numb my abdomen with lidocaine injections before injecting with a large, hollow needle, and a grain of rice-sized lump just under my skin can be seen. The implant will slowly release into my bloodstream and send my body into early menopause by stopping my ovaries from producing estrogen – it's sometimes called a medical ovarian shutdown.

Monday, I also started taking a pill that I will be taking daily for the next 5+ years. This medication lowers total body estrogen levels by about 70% within 24 hours of starting the drug. The growth of many cancers of the breast is stimulated or maintained by estrogens. The drug lowers estrogen levels by preventing the synthesis of estrogen from adrenal androgens by inhibiting the enzyme aromatase, which converts these androgens into estrogen. This slows the growth of tumors that require estrogen to grow.

I received my second Covid vaccine Wednesday. The next day was a little rough, and I experienced fever, chills, body aches, and nausea, but I feel so much better today. With my immune system recovering, I can't wait to finally see some of my double-vaccinated friends and family!

My hair, eyebrows, and eyelashes are starting to grow back, which is lovely. Many people have asked if I will lose my hair again with radiation and the answer is "no", which I am thrilled about obviously. (Photo to come in the next post when it's grown a little more and I feel more confident). I have to be honest that I think I preferred myself bald more than this weird tiny sprouts of hair stage, but I can't wait to have hair again. For now, I am trying out the headscarf look and trying to love and appreciate my hair and body for where it is at this moment and be thankful that my body has been fighting such a hard fight for me.

Love to you all. xo