One year since herceptin ended....

[Mary Jo]

It's been 1 year since my herceptin ended. October 11th to be exact and you know, it truly took a GOOD 6 months to feel back to normal. You know, in all honestly, I think it took even longer when I think about it. Little things. Things you really wouldn't notice unless you looked back and know how you feel today.

As far as weight goes - I feel I've leveled off nicely, and that really was the easiest part. Once the herceptin ended my gained weight (I believe water weight - drugs etc) during chemo/herceptin did drop off quite easily (thankfully). The aches in joints also left quite quickly. But other little things - that you really don't pay attention too or even know suddenly start coming back to normal.

I remember feeling tired early in the evening for a long time. I remember thinking this was probably the "new me." But now being a year out since herceptin ended I feel totally back to my normal self as far as energy goes. Also, when I'd wash my hair or blowed my hair dry I NEVER noticed falling hair. Ever. Not in the tub - not on my shirt and before breast cancer there was always plenty of hair in the tub after I washed my hair - plenty of hair on my shirt after styling it. Just lately, like the past 2 months I've noticed that too is back.

So, in reality, I think it takes a long time after treatment to have our bodies get back to "normal." In some ways it's a bit scary too. I told my husband on the year annivesary since herceptin ended that I feel my body is really back to the before breast cancer body and in some ways that's a bit scary. Oh well, not going to fret about what I can't change BUT will thank God for giving me "myself back" and for all I've learned thus far on this journey. It's been a blessing in many, many ways.

Just wanted to share this with you all and curious as to how others feel about it as well.

Mary Jo