Another update
In support of
LaRaie Zimm
View Support Registry
LaRaie Zimm
Hello friends and family!
I am writing to let you know the latest news. It's all good.Β
My oncotype is 9. That means I don't need to have chemotherapy. What a relief! I have now started Tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen drug prescribed for hormone-positive cancer to prevent recurrence. I will have to take this as long as I can, or 5-10 years. Side effects range from mild to severe. If you'd like to read more about it, here's a link:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682414.html
I have been going to PT to get back my full mobility of my arm, which is almost there. I still haven't been able to get into the pool, but I'm just about ready for that. Which is great, because I'm taking my son to Nashville for his spring break and we are going to stay a couple nights in a hotel with a pool.Β
Something that I realized lately is that trying to go back to normal isn't the point. This is a new normal. Physically, mentally, emotionally, I am still adjusting to my new life (and body).
I will be keeping up with all of my doctor's appointments, following the advice of all the experts in the field, and taking care of my health. But when it comes to cancer, you really aren't cured. They use the term NED (no evidence of disease) because cancer is tricky and can hide in the body. However, I was very lucky to have found this early, and am at low-risk for recurrence. 90% of patients with my specific diagnosis do not have a recurrence.Β
I am so grateful to all of my friends and family who have been there for me during this time, especially my partner David, who did everything from help me with my surgical drain to drive me to all my appointments (among a million other tasks). He took on a lot and is the most loving and thoughtful person I could have by my side. I can't imagine having gone through this without him. If you see him around, please tell him he's the best.Β
I will keep this page up a little longer so everyone can read this. Please know that you can keep in touch via email or phone. I hope you are doing well where you are, and that spring gives you a warm hug soon.
LaRaie
p.s. We are playing (I'll be singing, he'll be playing) at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn April 14th. Come say hi!
I am writing to let you know the latest news. It's all good.Β
My oncotype is 9. That means I don't need to have chemotherapy. What a relief! I have now started Tamoxifen, which is an anti estrogen drug prescribed for hormone-positive cancer to prevent recurrence. I will have to take this as long as I can, or 5-10 years. Side effects range from mild to severe. If you'd like to read more about it, here's a link:
https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a682414.html
I have been going to PT to get back my full mobility of my arm, which is almost there. I still haven't been able to get into the pool, but I'm just about ready for that. Which is great, because I'm taking my son to Nashville for his spring break and we are going to stay a couple nights in a hotel with a pool.Β
Something that I realized lately is that trying to go back to normal isn't the point. This is a new normal. Physically, mentally, emotionally, I am still adjusting to my new life (and body).
I will be keeping up with all of my doctor's appointments, following the advice of all the experts in the field, and taking care of my health. But when it comes to cancer, you really aren't cured. They use the term NED (no evidence of disease) because cancer is tricky and can hide in the body. However, I was very lucky to have found this early, and am at low-risk for recurrence. 90% of patients with my specific diagnosis do not have a recurrence.Β
I am so grateful to all of my friends and family who have been there for me during this time, especially my partner David, who did everything from help me with my surgical drain to drive me to all my appointments (among a million other tasks). He took on a lot and is the most loving and thoughtful person I could have by my side. I can't imagine having gone through this without him. If you see him around, please tell him he's the best.Β
I will keep this page up a little longer so everyone can read this. Please know that you can keep in touch via email or phone. I hope you are doing well where you are, and that spring gives you a warm hug soon.
LaRaie
p.s. We are playing (I'll be singing, he'll be playing) at Fitzgerald's in Berwyn April 14th. Come say hi!
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