It was May 2018 when I had my cancer surgery. I still go in for regular screening, but the MRIs stopped when Covid-19 hit. So far, all signs indicate that I am still cancer-free. So very appreciative for every day!
I'm also incredibly privileged to live in a country where I have such amazing access to free healthcare. I've had such great care over the past couple of years. My doctor at BC Cancer Agency has been fantastic.
The only residual issue I face these days is the terrible hormonal issues - menopausal symptoms have been so hard to get under control. I've tried so many different things from Clonidine to Menosmart supplements to diet and all of them worked for a time, then eventually stopped working. I just recently switched to HRT - and I am aware there is a slight increased risk of cancer with Premarin, but the menopause was really taking its toll on any sort of quality of life. Sorry men... I'm likely oversharing a bit.
Essentially I have been experiencing frequent hot flashes throughout the day and night sweats that were keeping me awake. Sleeplessness was resulting in incredible fatigue during the day and a brain fog that was hard to clear. And then my emotions have been all over the map ... I was crying very easily and feeling very short-tempered. Pretty sure this was both from hormone imbalance combined with sleeplessness. Things have improved a bit over the past 2 weeks, and I'm hoping it will keep getting better and last for a while.
Despite everything, I'm enjoying life immensely on Vancouver Island. I live in the most beautiful place and I am so fortunate that I've been able to ride out the pandemic here on the West Coast. I co-purchased a big 29' boat at the end of last summer which has been incredibly fun - and I plan to do more paddle-boarding and kayaking now that the weather is warm again.
I love reading comments and if you have any questions about my cancer journey, I'd love to hear from you. Here is a recent boat trip we took on a beautiful May day:
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