In 2010 at the age of 36 was diagnosed with Stage IV breast cancer.  After surgery, reconstruction, and hormonal treatments, I was blessed with 4 1/2 years of happy remission.  During that time, I embraced life fully though working, fostering shelter animals, cosplay, volunteering at local conventions, and immersing myself in all things Star Trek and Doctor Who. 

Unfortunately, earlier this year the cancer returned and I started Adriamycin / Cytoxan (aka Red Devil) chemotherapy in July.  Losing nearly 3 feet of hair was quite devastating but obviously quite worth buying more time on this planet. In October I had received the lifetime maximum of this type of chemotherapy and have been switched to Doxil.  Sadly, I'm unable to foster or conduct my previous job duties due to the chemotherapy regimen.  On a positive note the treatment seems to be working as my tumor counts are decreasing with each treatment.  Hopefully next month's scan confirms this as well. 

I'm very proud and really wanted to avoid a fundraiser but unfortunately my loss of income has been a huge struggle in our household as well as the additional medical, lodging and transportation costs required for my treatment.  On top of all that, I recently discovered my beloved dog, Xena, requires surgery now as well.  While I I will never be cured (unless there is a giant scientific breakthrough) I'm hoping to get another long remission so I can go back to work and spend more time with my husband, kids, grandkids, and dogs.


Just a bit of humor to remind myself that I feel happy!!!