July 1st marked my third anniversary of remission from breast cancer. I look forward to celebrating my yearly remission anniversaries more than my birthday. It is a date I fought incredibly hard to be able to celebrate, and I am grateful for having made it this far without a recurrence. If I can make it to five years, my odds of recurrence are that of the general population. (How amazing would that be?!)
The date brings about so many different emotions for me. I’m, of course, happy and grateful for the gift of remission. And yet, it is impossible not to feel the joy without feeling the pain that goes hand-in-hand with it. The diagnosis came only six months after my father had died and smack dab in the height of COVID, which meant that every single doctor's appointment, scan, chemo session, or surgery had to be done alone without even a single person by my side. I hope everyone reading this can avoid going through the grueling process of breast cancer treatment.
For this year’s remissionversary, Rick and I went to Vegas–he played in a World Series of Poker Event, and I tagged along to enjoy the hotel and spa while he played during the day. We enjoyed wonderful dinners together in the evening. It was nice to get away, reflect, and celebrate this meaningful date. Sometimes, it feels like cancer is still a part of my daily life, with the frequent tests, appointments, infusions, and daily medication needed to keep me in remission. There are mostly good days, with some bad days constantly reminding me that while I may be in remission, the process of treating cancer is still very much present.
This past year brought a scare when I feared my cancer had returned, as I was experiencing new and painful systems last summer, including debilitating bone pain, which can be a common indicator of recurrence. Countless tests, thankfully, revealed this to be false. While the tests were negative, I did undergo a radical hysterectomy (farewell to my uterus, cervix, fallopian tubes, and ovaries); thankfully, I have not been experiencing the bone pain nor the extreme fatigue I did last summer. And while I definitely have my challenging days (usually around adjusting medicine, after an infusion, or just general fatigue), I’m happy to say that 2024 has been much better than last year.
Further, there has been much to celebrate! In January, I began a new position at a K-12 private school, supporting neurodiverse students across all grade levels. Rick and I have a house full of boys: Erick just finished his first year at Cal Poly SLO, Evan completed his junior year at Francis Parker, Seeger is excited to transfer to a new school that best supports his learning needs for the next three years, and Greer will be starting his freshman year at La Jolla Country Day, joining me there. Rick remains my constant rock and the most loving, supportive person. I didn’t know that a love like this was possible, and I feel like the luckiest person on the planet to have found each other. I hope we have many more years of health to enjoy this incredible life together.
In November, I walked 60 miles in three days to raise money for breast cancer research and support for those less fortunate, ensuring they get the help they need in their battles against breast cancer. Six incredible women joined me, and we experienced the most challenging yet most magical three days together as team “Miles for Melons.” This year will be the 2nd year team "Miles For Melons" walks with the Susan G. Komen San Diego 3-Day. Every single person on this team has been affected in one way or another by breast cancer, yet each member is empowered and inspired to achieve our goal: a world without breast cancer. The training is hard. But it's not as hard as a cancer diagnosis. It's not as hard as chemo. It's not as hard as daily radiation for weeks or years on end. It's not as hard as reconstructive surgery and everything that goes along with it.
In honor of my continued remission, I am walking again this year and would be grateful for your support in raising money. You know asking makes me so uncomfortable, but I genuinely believe this is something I must do, and I humbly ask for your help. If you can, please consider making a tax-deductible donation—every dollar matters.
If you’re interested in joining our team, “ Miles For Melons,” we’d love to have you and anyone else who wants to join. All are welcome! Please message me with any questions. Here is the link to register. Walking for one, two, or the entire three days is possible.
November 15-17th, San Diego, CA
Thank you for your continued support, love, and kindness. Cheers to another year of health! If you’re due for a mammogram, please schedule it now.
Xo-
Heather
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