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Third Post-Treatment Checkup

March, 2026

Had my third post treatment checkup. We needed to fly to Bangkok again as many oncology tests are not available in Lao PDR.

This is 15 months after my last treatment, 2 years and one month since the partial mastectomy and I was considered NED (No Evidence of Disease), and 2 years and 7 months after diagnosis. 

One month or so leading up to the appointments are nerve-racking, and I get increasingly stressed the closer it gets. Here is a fairly comprehensive list of my feelings/difficulties -

Waiting

Preparing 

Nerves 

Brain fog

Headaches - has it metastasized to my brain?

Moody

Weepy

Noticing

Jittery 

Chills

Stomach problems

Nausea

Anxiety

Hyperventilating 

No focus 

Stressed

Short

Edgy

Angry

Worry

Snappy

Difficulty concentrating 

Agitated

Sad

Exhausted 

Self absorbed 


Scheduled tests -

  • Blood tests
  • Mammogram
  • Ultrasound of abdomen
  • Ultrasound of breasts
  • Bone density test

Follow-up visit with oncologist -

The doctor is kind and thorough. He had scheduled tests that would show any potential issue. Most of the tests showed I was doing great, but -

  • the bone density was bad enough where he wanted me to see an endocrinologist. Chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone blockers all soften your bones, so the doctors are concerned about osteoporosis.
  • the mammogram showed there was something in the breast near the previous surgery. He did not think it was anything serious, but wanted to make sure, so wanted me to see a surgeon to have a core needle biopsy.

It turned out to be a busy, stress filled week. Craig and I had scheduled an extra day in Bangkok so we could visit friends and go to favorite restaurants. Because more tests were needed, we were not able to do much outside the hospital 😢 


The surgeon scheduled a mammogram/biopsy. I have not seen a table like what they had me lie on for the procedure (should have taken a picture). They had me lie on my stomach with the breast through a hole. I could not see anything, but could feel the familiar mammogram pressure on my breast. After the imaging a nurse cleaned the breast, I was injected with a local anesthetic, and then the surgeon did the core biopsy and inserted a "tracker" so there will be no surprises in future images. ( I now have five or six such trackers in my breast. Maybe this is why it always beeps when I go through the metal detectors at airports 😆) All this happened while I was prone on the table. 


I took off the bandage after three days, and was surprised that the skin had pretty much healed already. The doctor cautioned me from lifting anything heavy for three days, but other than that and feeling tender at the incision it was an easy procedure.


It took a few days for the results to come back, and because we needed to fly back to Lao, we had a scheduled video call three days after the biopsy. I was elated when the doctor said they only found micro calcifications by the scar from the lumpectomy, and that the tissue was clear of cancer. Even though the chance of cancer was small, you worry until you find out for sure. He does want me to get another mammogram in six months rather than waiting one year. I am happy that the doctors are being careful.


The endocrinologist looked at the results from the bone density test and found that the osteoporosis in my lower spine and the forearm was worse than it was six months ago, -2.9 in the spine and -3.3 in the forearm. Because of this she suggested I start getting Prolia injections to curb the osteoporosis that has developed from the chemotherapy, radiation, and hormone blockers. She had me get an injection that day (in my belly!), then get one every six months for a total of two years. I hope this will at the very least prevent the osteoporosis from getting worse. She also wants to add a few blood tests to what is already scheduled for my next visit.


💖 Feelings after receiving good news from the doctor -


Relief 

Breathe

Happy

Weepy

Joy

Awake

Focus on others 


Feeling happy and content right now, not thinking about the next checkup in six months. Want to focus on the joy of not having cancer in my body. 


It was difficult to be in Bangkok so close to friends, yet not being able to see them. We were, however, happy to see old friends from Singapore who flew out to visit with us. Friends are such blessings, and it was good to take some time to reminisce and see friendly faces during a stressful time. Thank you for bringing some peace (and Bak Kut Teh seasoning❗) to a stressed out couple Megan and Alaster. We love you 💖 







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