Cancer

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Hey! I’m Kim!

Hey! My name is Kim and I live on Vancouver Island, BC. Shortly after my 34^th birthday, I was diagnosed with ER/PR+ Her2- stage 2b breast cancer. I underwent a lumpectomy, followed by 8 rounds of dose dense AC+T chemo, and 28 treatments of radiation. Read more

Follow me on Instagram @kangell82

Why does it feel so hard to admit when we're not okay? That our struggles feel like a sign of weakness instead of strength? I went to see my GP oncologist yesterday for my Zoladex injection, graduating from one month to every 3 months. I was nervous going in worrying about how my body would react to a new shot but more importantly I was nervous about opening up to my doctor and letting her know how things were really going for me. I've been on hormone therapy now for 2.5 years, a combo of injections and daily exemestane pills. And lately I've had to get really honest with myself about how my quality of life is. I don't remember the last time I had a good sleep. I don't remember the last time I woke up feeling rested. And I don't remember what it was like to have the energy to get through each day. It's been so long since I've felt "normal", that I don't even know what normal feels like anymore. Even as I sat in the office yesterday telling my doctor all of this, those thoughts kept creeping up in my head questioning myself saying "have you really done enough?" "Is it really that bad?" Why am I my worst critic? It wasn't til my GPO reminded me that I would likely be on this for another 7 years and that she could see that things are really slipping that it really hit me. I've spent so much time fighting and feeling I can work harder to get through this. But I've done so much and frankly I'm exhausted. It's time for me to look at making some changes and talk to my oncologist in the next few weeks about what my options are, whether that's switching meds or taking a step back. What has your experience been like?

I've been a bit quiet on here lately. This past weekend finding myself hiking back to the same spot I went to after hearing those words "you have cancer". Reflecting on this past year and what feels like a transition back to where things used to be...sort of. It's just more of a juggling act now. Figuring out what I have space for and where to focus my energy. A lot has changed in these last 3 years and I've had to really step back at times and be brutally honest with myself. Survivorship for me has been accepting that it can still be hard. And to be patient, be kind to yourself, and give yourself permission to do what's best for you moving forward. *A little more up on my latest blog post*

Happy 3 year cancerversary to me🎉 Its crazy to think it's been three years since I went in for what was supposed to be a "quick" routine ultrasound. That the lump I had just found was nothing to worry about. That I would be laying there hearing the words "you have cancer" instead. My life has undoubtedly changed over the years and I am still trying to find my way at times. The side effects and treatments that I continue on a constant reminder of it all. But although this will always be a part of my life and my story, the thoughts have quieted down over time. My cancerversary was actually yesterday and instead of dwelling on this day, I was heading home from a trip I never imagined going on, believing in myself that I could doing things I thought I never would anymore, and thriving beyond breast cancer!

Perfect end to our trip! Spending time with the fam jam in Singapore and celebrating my birthday🎉

Six years ago, I fell in love with this place. The laid back vibes. The quiet pace of life here. Being able to cruise around on a scooter and explore this beautiful island of Koh Lanta. We spent time walking dogs at the Animal Welfare Centre, learning how to cook yummy Thai food, trekking through the jungle, beach bumming it up, and being able to sit and read a book for hours 100% guilt free. A much needed break for my mind and body to recharge again. Now onto Singapore for the last leg of our journey😊

Totally in my element last night hanging out in the kitchen and making some yummy food! We did a Thai cooking class last night in Koh Lanta with the amazing staff at @timeforlime_kohlanta and made spring rolls, seafood salad, tom yum goong, and massaman curry all from scratch. So good! And the proceeds all go to help the animals rescued across the island here by the Lanta Animal Welfare centre. Such a great night with great people!

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