Final Update... for now...

I've decided to let this blog slide into a state of limbo... I may pop back in every once and a while with tiny updates as I settle into a routine of follow-up mammo, mri, and oncology appointments but for the most part I'll just let it stand as is. I'll be starting a new blog for my website, beeboo, as I've enjoyed the simplicity of this online journal. If you want to see how I'm doing post breast cancer feel free to visit me at bethmellor.blogspot.com

Time has flown since I've completing cancer treatment. My energy level is back, as close to 100% as I'll get. I still get twinges of pain and aches on the botched surgery side but was told this would linger on... My hair WAS back in a weird, curly, gray, teddy bear texture so I went last night to get a fresh buzz. If nothing else the breast cancer has given me a new look as I'm most comfortable now with this close cropped cut. Thank you BC. The little "about me" photo to the right is how I hope I'll look for a long time to come.

If you're new to this blog because you've been diagnosed with breast cancer or know someone who has please feel free to dig in. Breakdown of the blog archive if you want to read up on a specific section: My initial diagnosis was in October, November contains dialog of the botched surgery (not at all normal for breast cancer patients!), December is the beginning of chemo, January & March are all chemo. The port was removed in April, radiation in May & June. Please feel free to email me if you want to chat directly.

And I'll end this with my original "about me" section. I'll be updating and don't want to lose track of the original entry. All the best and enjoy every day! Beth

I received positive diagnosis of Breast Cancer on Thursday, October 25, 2007 and met with my Breast Cancer Team for the first time on Wednesday, October 31, 2007. Not a Happy Halloween… Surgery was Friday, November 2, 2007. I am diagnosed as stage II (T2N1). I was supposed to start chemo on Nov 28th but it's been delayed by a surgery mishap. New start date is Dec 13, every 2 weeks for 16 weeks. First 8 weeks is a mix of 2 chemo drugs, Adriamycin + Cytoxan. Second 8 weeks is Taxol alone. They give me an injection every day after chemo treatment of Neulasta to keep my blood count up. After chemo is complete I move on to Radiation and Hormone Therapy. My husband James, 2 kids Phoebe & Sander and I live in a wild-kingdom with too many animals to count. I have a BA in Illustration and am the staff artist at a MA Veterinary School. I create jewelry in my spare time. My father, Herb Maynard, passed away in 2005 after a long battle with ALS (Lou Gehrig’s Disease.) My mother, Natalie was his primary caregiver. Throughout the illness she and Dad continued to make the most of every day, taking it as it came and relishing the time they had together. They are my inspiration.