taking one day at a time

by Joan Kafer Kerns

I was so looking forward to 2015 as 2014 was filled with doctor appointments and surgical procedures for macular holes in both eyes. But first my cataracts would need to be removed. I was also taking monthly infusions for Rheumatoid Arthritis.

Sometime in the fall of 2014 I noticed my right nipple had inverted, but, I’ll wait. At my appointment the doctor scheduled a mammogram, but before I left the office I had an ultrasound and biopsy. The next day, my husband and I were told the tests revealed cancer and I would need my right breast removed. That evening I did the most difficult thing I’ve ever had to do. I called all of our children and gave them the news. I met with my painting friends and fell apart before I could even tell them. The reality had finally hit me. After that I had no chance to feel sorry for myself and was prepared to face this head on.

Many appointments followed: meeting with the surgeon, getting fitted for a binder bra to wear after surgery, and a physical for surgery. Reconstruction or a prosthetic was discussed. At age 72, I decided the prosthetic was best for me. My surgeon agreed 100%. My prior health issues, including triple bypass, were the determining factor.

It was a blessing that on the day of surgery, I had 17 family members there to support me. Along with removing the right breast, 12 lymph nodes were removed, 4 of which tested positive for cancer.

Surgery went well. After my first appointment with the oncologist, I had a port installed, PET scan, and echogram. My first chemo treatment lasted about 3 hours. This was the first of 4 each two weeks apart. I was told me my hair would fall out maybe after the third treatment but a week later my hair began to fall out. My granddaughter came to buzz (razor) the rest off and I started wearing a wig.

During the remaining three treatments I was getting very tired, had little energy, and no appetite. I couldn't taste food. About the only things I could eat were bananas (must be chilled overnight), fruit, Jell-O, pudding, and strawberry shakes. I continued to lose weight. I was so weak the oncologist sent me to the hospital to get fluids and blood transfusions. My doctor suggested I go to Med-Fit, a program designed for each individual to build up strength in the muscles. This program was a life-saver for me.

A few months later, I started my second round of chemo, a total of 12 treatments, once per week. These were not quite as bad as the first round. I continue to lose weight, but am getting stronger with the exercise.

After that, radiation treatments started five days a week for a total of 33 treatments. My strength continued to get better with the exercise, as well as my appetite increased. I was able to do my normal housework, but tired easily.

I continue to see the oncologist every three months. I have found the prosthetic easy to live with, but ditched the wig after a couple of months, and opted to wear a cap. I will be taking a maintenance hormone drug for 5 years. My hair is now back, a bit of a curl, and a little thicker.

The chemo also had a positive effect on my Rheumatoid Arthritis, not near as much pain as I used to have. I have not resumed the infusions. When I did stop exercising, the pain started creeping back into my joints, so I am back to the exercise routine.

​This has been quite a journey. I’m thankful for my large family and many friends who have been there for me the past couple of years. I learned to take one day at a time and ​enjoy what I have. 

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