BMX Recovery

It’s been 4 -1/2 weeks since my final chemo treatment. The cumulative effects of the treatments hit me hard after that one but over the last 10 days I have been feeling better and better ! I’m able to get through a day doing pretty normal things like cooking, driving around doing errands, and taking my grandson putt putt golfing Exercising is still pretty limited BUT I am making progress. I got in the pool last week and swam twice, 600 and 800 yards!! It was heaven! When... I put on my goggles and pushed off the wall I had a big smile on my face . That lasted about 45 seconds when I felt like my arms were moving through tar . I’m having some issues with swelling in my legs and feet. Dr says it’s from the chemo so that should subside with time. I’m looking forward to this weekend. We leave for the Scotti summer vacation when my 4 siblings and families head down to Saint Simons Island, GA where my mom lives. We will all be in separate beach houses and only see my mom outside wearing masks as she is 85 y/o with a lung condition. It will be strange for sure but I can’t wait to lay eyes on everyone. Moving forward, I will have check ups every 4 months for the next two years. With triple negative breast cancer, there is a greater likelihood of recurrence in 2 years, versus 5 years for other types. I see my oncologist on Thursday when I’m assuming he will say to me Go live your life! Which I will do! I have big plans. A heartfelt THANK YOU to all who have followed me on this journey. I never lose sight of how blessed I am having so many people cheering me on! Every day a card, email, message, phone call or surprise visit reminds me of it. I have gathered strength and a full and happy heart because of it. I’m looking forward to seeing you all in the future when our health and safety won’t be so much of an issue and those elusive long and tight hugs will be the norm . I’m hoping you and your families are well, safe, and finding the little unexpected joys that this challenging time brings. Janine

Greetings from Delray Beach, Florida. I was feeling good enough to travel down here Friday night. We drove down, and when I say we, it was Brian driving through the night getting us here in record time . I was a little leery leaving the best 15 days of weather Pittsburgh has seen in a long time! But, even with the higher temperatures and humidity, I am feeling stronger and able to do more since arriving here. Fatigue has been quite alarming at times. But I was able to walk ...almost 2 miles on Sunday and yesterday I completed a full yoga session. I’m trying to get as strong as possible heading into my last treatment on the 25th. This picture is from my last treatment. Hoping you’re back to doing things you love; with or without masks, but always being safe! (Socks courtesy of Lisa Standish)

Half way through chemo! Having more good days than bad! Over the weekend I hugged my sister and two friends! On Saturday I GOT IN A POOL AND TREADED WATER FOR 20 MINUTES!! God is good! Life is good!

I began my chemotherapy treatments last Thursday. I am glad I waited a few weeks longer since all the protocols made me feel very well protected during this pandemic. I was not allowed to have any visitors with me and truth be told it was nice to be alone . Nowadays because of steroids and the many anti-nausea medications the infusion itself went very well. The day after the treatment I received a shot to help boost my white cell count. I really feel that caused more side effects than the chemo itself. The last two days have been a little rough but this morning I am feeling much better again. And of course the sunshine really helps..

Greetings from Delray Beach, Florida. I was feeling good enough to travel down here Friday night. We drove down, and when I say we, it was Brian driving through the night getting us here in record time . I was a little leery leaving the best 15 days of weather Pittsburgh has seen in a long time! But, even with the higher temperatures and humidity, I am feeling stronger and able to do more since arriving here. Fatigue has been quite alarming at times. But I was able to walk ...almost 2 miles on Sunday and yesterday I completed a full yoga session. I’m trying to get as strong as possible heading into my last treatment on the 25th. This picture is from my last treatment. Hoping you’re back to doing things you love; with or without masks, but always being safe! (Socks courtesy of Lisa Standish)

Half way through chemo! Having more good days than bad! Over the weekend I hugged my sister and two friends! On Saturday I GOT IN A POOL AND TREADED WATER FOR 20 MINUTES!! God is good! Life is good!

I began my chemotherapy treatments last Thursday. I am glad I waited a few weeks longer since all the protocols made me feel very well protected during this pandemic. I was not allowed to have any visitors with me and truth be told it was nice to be alone . Nowadays because of steroids and the many anti-nausea medications the infusion itself went very well. The day after the treatment I received a shot to help boost my white cell count. I really feel that caused more side effects than the chemo itself. The last two days have been a little rough but this morning I am feeling much better again. And of course the sunshine really helps..

Good morning! I’m hoping you’re all well and safe, and rediscovering some fun homebound activities! (You can tell I don’t have to homeschool any kids with that remark ) Just a quick note to let you know that it’s been decided to push back the start of my chemotherapy about 4 weeks. We will reassess weekly but honestly I’m anticipating it will begin the end of April. ... Suddenly, the world seems so much smaller. I pray that the kindness we’ve been seeing keeps on spreading and lasts well beyond the end of these challenging times.