Today’s post with give you an inspiring update on Maria Heavel’s Cancer journey. To learn more about Maria, check out this post here, which discusses the start of her journey.
I was diagnosed with Invasive Ductal Carcinoma, Grade 3, in December 2021 when two masses were found in my left breast and my doctor also found lymph node involvement. The diagnosis was hard. The treatment discussions were overwhelming. It was only the beginning of a journey of uncertainty and complex life decisions.
The Treatment Plan
My oncologist informed me that my treatment would involve 4 weeks of “AC”–a treatment with the drugs doxorubicin hydrochloride (Adriamycin) and cyclophosphamide, followed by treatment with paclitaxel (Taxol) and trastuzumab (Herceptin). I was also told that I would undergo a double mastectomy, followed by radiation treatment.
You may hear people receiving news of this diagnosis and the treatments involved, however, it is much different when it actually happens to YOU.
It is scary and paralyzing.
It left me with more questions than answers.
What I can say today is this: I AM A SURVIVOR! I have completed all cycles of chemotherapy and had a double mastectomy in July 2022. The final biopsies showed NO CANCER. This was the best news I had heard in months, however, recovery after mastectomy was a difficult four weeks. Simple things, such as washing my hands, vacuuming, using the bathroom and reaching for items became very difficult. I was quite fatigued, but slowly my energy is improving. I am thankful for the help I received during those difficult days. Currently, I am working with a physical therapist with tightening in my arm and an occupational therapist to address lymphedema, which often happens after lymph node removal.
Now that I can see the light at the end of the tunnel, I would like to share some of the more practical things that people without a cancer diagnosis may not think about. And it is often these “little” things that are the most important things to address throughout the journey.
The *NOT SO* small stuff
What kind of “little” things, you ask?
Here are a few of the unexpected symptoms I experienced, along with some practical ways that I addressed them:
Dry skin: I developed dry skin during my chemotherapy treatments. I found relief with Aveeno Oatmeal baths and Mary Kay natural skin care products, which were especially helpful for dry skin on my face
Nail care: Did you know that chemotherapy can cause discoloration of your nails? Neither did I. I used some natural oils to strengthen my nails and prevent damage. Thankfully this helped prevent significant discoloration.
Headaches: These can be BRUTAL on days of infusion. We found that slowing down the
speed of the infusion helped. Benadryl through the IV also provided some relief.
Dry and painful eyes: This is another side effect of chemo. I used simple over-the-counter eye drops which helped to address the pain and kept my eyes lubricated.
Breathing issues: I developed wheezing during the treatment process and my doctor diagnosed me with bronchospasm, which is what asthmatics frequently suffer from. I found myself becoming short of breath when doing minor activities with my family. My doctor prescribed a bronchodilator inhaler, Albuterol, which helped with this so that I could continue activities with my family.
Heartburn: Acid reflux sucks. Thankfully a simple over-the-counter acid reducer knocked this out.
Fatigue: Oh, fatigue. Unfortunately, there is no easy fix for this. However, I personally found that the most important thing was a LISTEN to my body. I also planned my day around my energy level and saved my energy on days when I knew there were important family events. Planning is SO important!
Mental Health and Wellness during Cancer
Did you know that 1 in 3 people experience a mental health problem during or after treatment? Studies show that 50% of cancer patients suffer from depression and anxiety.
I found that wellness was extremely important to address my mental health. While I couldn’t always change my illness, I could change my perspective.
Here are some things that helped me:
Self Reflection: I used a special journal to share how I was feeling during my chemo treatments. I wasn’t afraid to write down when I had a bad day. I also celebrated when days went better than expected. I spent time counting my blessings.
Planning Ahead: I had a special planner to help coordinate the MANY doctors appointments. It also reminded me of special family events so I could save my energy on days when I felt fatigued.
Address Anxiety: There are many ways to address this. For me, essential oils helped me tremendously. Later in my treatment, I discussed it with my doctor who prescribed a medication to help address my anxiety. I would recommend discussing your anxiety with your doctor so that it can be addressed in the best possible way. Your doctor cannot address it unless you tell them how you are feeling.
Leaning on your faith: This was a vital part of the process for me. I had to lean on God to help me when I felt hopeless or sad. I listened to music and podcasts. I meditated, prayed, and worked on mindfulness. All of this helped with my healing process and gave me the strength to move forward.
Exercise: This is a natural antidepressant! Adding movement to my day helped me so much. I primarily walked or performed yoga exercises. The most important thing is to just keep moving! This really can help you stay motivated and more positive each day.
Community: It is vital to have a group of people who are there for you throughout the process. A simple lunch with a family or a friend really helped to lift my spirit on those tough days. I created a private Facebook group called “Maria’s Journey to Beating Cancer” and I was able to share my feelings with my group through the process. The encouraging words really helped on those tough days.
Finances: Even with insurance, there are many costs that you often aren’t able to predict. This was something that can really increase stress and worry. I am very thankful for community resources and local organizations that helped my family. The local fundraisers, GoFund Me site, and Meal train helped me keep food on the table for my family and pay my bills.
Self image: during and after treatment
I struggled with self-image through this process. The most important thing is to talk about it.
I gained 30 pounds during treatment. At the end of treatment, I had a double mastectomy operation to remove both of my breasts. It became difficult to look at myself in the mirror. I didn’t feel good about myself. I didn’t feel pretty. Clothing no longer fit the same. For some cancer patients, lymphedema, sexual dysfunction, and poor posture are just a few of the other issues that can really strike a blow on your self-esteem.
Despite changing to a plant-based diet and intermittent fasting, incorporating exercise/yoga, and everything I have already mentioned, there were some days when nothing really seemed to help. It is important to realize that sometimes you will feel this way and there is no quick fix. It is important to identify your feelings, discuss them with those around you, and, most importantly, show yourself a lot of grace.
Develop your new routine
Life after cancer is not the same, but it doesn’t mean you can’t get back to your “normal” routines. I am a mom of 3 and my kids are very active and love the outdoors. It is hard to juggle life after cancer. Between keeping up with the kids, washing the next pile of laundry, cooking dinner, cleaning the house, trying to keep a consistent exercise routine, communicating with my husband, and trying to keep myself in a mentally good place, it can be a seemingly impossible task. It may seem like life will never get back to “normal.” Just remember that you cannot do it all. Ask for help. Your kids and spouse are likely willing to help if you simply ask them. Be okay with your “new normal.” And as I said before, show yourself some grace.
So, what’s next?
Despite 8 months of treatment and normal biopsies, I am still not done with my treatment. My oncologist told me that because of my KI 67 score (a sort of predictor of cancer), I will need 20 rounds of radiation on my chest. I was hoping I would not need this. It has delayed my breast reconstruction surgery and I am told it will cause pain and changes in my body. I will then need to wait another 6-12 months for reconstruction surgery and a hysterectomy. This has been difficult for me emotionally, but I have learned to just take things one day at a time. I am thankful that my doctors are working together to treat me in the most expedient, but safest, manner.
Giving Thanks
I want to take time to express how thankful I am for my care team with Siteman Cancer Center. Being told you have cancer and then the journey you have to face to get through cancer treatment feels so overwhelming emotionally and physically. My doctors have been very knowledgeable and have collaborated together to make sure I was receiving the best care. They all took time to become familiar with my cancer case and worked hard to provide the best treatment throughout this journey. My Oncologist would listen to me, take notes throughout my chemotherapy treatmetns, and did everything she could to treat my symptoms and make proper referrals as necessary. The nurses would show up every day with a smile, showed empathy, and assured my comfort during treatments. Siteman Cancer Center has a plethora of resources and support that I was able to utilize as well: counselors, social workers, mentor nurses, and more. I feel confident that I chose the best place of care to help me get through this cancer journey.
Thank you for taking this journey with me. And if you are suffering from cancer, please know that you are NOT ALONE. There is help for you through this process. There is a community of people who know your pain, suffering, loneliness, and fears. Lean on your support system. Talk to your loved ones. Take it one day at a time.
My wish is that your live your life to the fullest despite the obstacles that you may face.
LOVE, FAITH, STRENGTH
