One more infusion!

One year ago (as of yesterday) I started treatment for triple negative breast cancer. January 29th, 2024 was probably one of the most terrifying days of my life - about to be infused with chemotherapy, not knowing what it would do to me.

A year later, with just one more immunotherapy infusion to go, the overarching feeling is pride. I'm so fucking proud of myself for getting through all of that shit. There is more to overcome, but I am just in awe of it all. I am definitely entering a period of reflection, and I'm sure difficult feelings will continue to pop up. I started therapy in the New Year and I am really glad to have the support of a therapist who has worked with cancer patients and big life transitions. I've only had two sessions and we're still getting to know each other, but with treatment ending and milestone anniversaries like diagnosis and the start of treatment approaching, the timing is just right. I'm thankful to have this resource as my body continues to change with surgery and overall recovery from the all-encompassing trauma of cancer.

So where are we at? What's happening and what's next?

My very last immunotherapy infusion is Monday, February 10th. I think that's when I can declare that I am "cancer free" or "no evidence of disease" and can celebrate on some level. I know I will always be watching over my shoulder because there's always the chance it could return, metastasized somewhere else in my body - but everything I've done up to this point should make those chances very, very low. I will continue to check in with my medical and surgical oncologists every 6 months for the next 3-5 years, then it will shift to annual visits. The end of treatment feels really wild. For an entire year, I've been getting imaging, biopsies, scans, blood work, medications... and going forward, no mammograms, no scans, maybe some bloodwork here and there to watch for any issues that may arise from chemo and immunotherapy (like hypothyroidism or heart problems). I am set off with this different lens of life, and it's up to me to live it to the best of my ability - whew.

Once immunotherapy is completed, next up is the big reconstructive surgery. Here's the timeline:

• March 05 - Pre-op appointment with my plastic surgeon 
• April 07 - Surgery Day 
• April 07-10 - Hospital Recovery

Since I'm going forward with a DIEP flap tissue surgery, I'll need to spend a few days in the hospital so they can carefully monitor my recovery and ensure the tissue and blood vessels survive properly. Then I'll spend the next 6-8 weeks recovering. I'm taking off work during that time to solely focus on healing, building strength, and just being human. It will be a difficult period of healing and adjusting to a new physical form, but I'm looking forward to having the time and space to focus on just me. There will likely be some follow-up surgeries, but I'll update those details as I learn them.

Aside from alllll of that (which is still a lot!), I'm just embracing my growing energy and strength, and trying not to overload my plate (which turns out is easier said than done for me). I can't wait to resume adventures and activities that Jeremy and I love but haven't been able to do over the last year - like shows, traveling, and hiking - and really just ready to start writing this new chapter of life.

Lots accomplished, lots more to overcome. For now, I am proud and happy, and I'll revel in that while it's here.

More in about a month or so.

Love, V

#8 out of 9 Immunotherapy Sesh