My oncologist proposed a fourth treatment in her plan– a hormone-blocking drug, also known as an aromatase inhibitor. She wanted me to start taking the drug after radiation ended and continue for five years. Side effects included bone loss, joint pain, insomnia, and raging hot flashes — none of which would have been good for my tennis and overall health.

I had a bone density baseline test done as I considered this drug treatment.  After giving it a lot of thought, I asked my doctor what was the plan after I finish taking the drug. The disturbing response:  we’d watch to see if my mammograms stayed clear and if I developed pain somewhere. So, basically there was no medical plan beyond five years.  I did some research and found that broccoli, cauliflower, brussels sprouts, kale, and even grape juice are aromatase inhibitors, like the drug. There are also supplements that provide similar, though probably not as powerful, protection. The supplements, though, would not cause side effects like the drug.  So, I declined the drug and focused on managing my diet and stress.

People have asked me if I’m in remission, and I never quite know what to say. I don’t claim to be cured because the cancer cells were invasive. But, I don’t view myself as a time bomb either.

I had my oncology exam at the six year mark. I was supposed to have had my last exam in 2013, as I did with my surgeon, but my oncologist wanted to see me again the next year.  She told me that studies show the hormone-blocking drug is now effective for 10 years. I still declined — No, thank you. She asked if I want her to examine me for another four years. I said yes. Western medicine saved me. And, I’m betting that my plan to support my body through alternative therapies and whole foods will keep me alive and healthy.

Early on, I was ultra-conscious of the lymphedema risk to my right arm from cuts, bug and animal bites, burns, etc. So guess what happened? The more I worried about it, the more things happened that I didn’t want to happen. For instance, I had my first bee sting. Where? On my right shoulder, of course, as I was coming off a tennis court. I’ve also burned my right arm on the oven a couple of times; a rogue dog bit me and pierced the skin on my right wrist; and I had a crazy case of hives only on my right arm after eating bread pudding.

When I’ve thought about it, I’ve let friends know that if I become unconscious for some reason, they are not to let medical personnel take my blood pressure or draw blood from my right arm. I wear a compression sleeve and glove on long flights, along with a medical bracelet. Otherwise, I do not obsess over my right arm.

I still have acupuncture treatments every other week and take Chinese herbs twice a day. I get additional treatments if I’m under a lot of stress. Cancer is not staring me right in the face now, but it’s not in the rear view mirror, either. I keep it in my peripheral vision. I am a breast cancer survivor and a tennis player. I have no physical limitations and am as athletic as ever. I am also a work in progress when it comes to staying healthy and having a balanced life.

Battling Breast Cancer Series – The End