2nd annual mammogram and living cancer free

my 2nd annual mammogram this May came back clear and I am very relieved and happy. it's always a stressful time. I was able to find out the news through the online medical app, before I even saw Dr. Easson so that was good - I hate the waiting part!!  When I saw her, she said "keep up the good work" and sent me on my way.

Fast forward to now - I had lunch with my breast cancer friends that I met at Wellspring this past weekend.  One of our friend's Tammy may be facing a stage 4 diagnosis.  She is also triple negative like me and we went through treatment at the same time.  She was having issues with her lungs and got checked, and they can tell there is a cancer nodule there.  She is getting a biopsy to see if it is a new primary (which would be best case) or her original breast cancer metastasized.   I'm so upset and scared for her.  This is of course our worst nightmare.  She was so excited to hit 2 years and we were excited for each other - as with triple negative that is the timeframe of most likely recurrence.  I'm just devastated for her. 

And trying to process my own feelings.  It's very close to home and it makes me have anxiety about my own situation.  it's funny, but as time passes you sort of start to think you are off the hook and you couldn't possibly have to go through cancer again.  Something like this just reminds me we are always vulnerable.  New treatments are being found each day for cancer, so this is encouraging. However I think the survival after a stage 4 triple negative diagnosis isn't that great - maybe a year.  

I wonder what I'd want to do for that year if it was me. I'd want to maintain quality of life and do things I love as much as possible.  it makes me think even now - with no recurrence looming - how am I living my best life? how can I make this next 12 months amazing and memorable - regardless if I live another 40 years or one year.  Lots to think about and consider.  

I know right now, I am sending Tammy positive vibes her way.