Life SECTION

Through the treatment process (and after), what did you want and need from your friends and family?

Because of the pandemic, I could not have visitors to any appointments or treatment sessions. I also could not have visitors inside my house because of the risk of infection. The biggest help from my friends and family was ensuring that we had meals. I also appreciated everyone checking up on me and asking about my treatment.

I am happy to say that I am currently in remission! Because my cancer was estrogen positive (meaning that estrogen helped it grow), I am currently on hormone suppressant therapy which I will continue for at least ten years. The side effects can be tough, but it significantly lessens the chance of recurrence, so I will continue as my doctor thinks I need to. I see my healthcare team every three months as well as have alternating MRIs and mammograms.

After treatment, my biggest need was for everyone to understand that my body was functioning very differently and so everything was more challenging. Working full-time during the day and working on my art business at night takes everything out of me, so when I do have free time, I often just want to rest. I also have trouble with my memory and am much more forgetful than I was before. I truly appreciate the grace my friends, family and coworkers have given me. Each day I feel more like myself.

What forms of help and support have really stood out?

I had many friends and family who brought over care packages with art supplies, food, lotions, flowers, etc. I was on prayer lists in many local churches and synagogues. I really appreciated people who would come stand on my driveway just to say hello. Those visits meant the world to me during such an isolating time even though they might last just five minutes.