| Part of a
series of articles about breast cancer survivor Carol Mohrbacher. We
have been following her progress for more than three years.
* * *
By Carol Mohrbacher
It has been more than eight months since I shared an
update on my “battle with the beast,” metastatic breast
cancer.
Last November my doctor and I had agreed that I would have tests on
a six month schedule, unless I had issues, instead of going in every
three months for a check up and tests associated with the disease.
The tests indicate remission or activity. Since February of 2008, my
CA2729 breast cancer protein activity test had been increasing. I found,
to date, medical science had nothing to offer to change the course of
the disease, and that going in every three months was not useful to
me emotionally.
Ultimately, my medical care is called “supportive.” You
may recall in October of 2007 I went back to work. I was able to get
a position at Valley View Casino, which was not only fun, but provided
medical insurance, lots of exercise and interaction with people.
I loved this opportunity. However, the hours and stress of being part
of the management team for the buffet and the physical demands over
the past year began to seriously take a toll on my fragile immune system
and health. As with all things like this, it creeps up on you.
Many of the guests I had come to know began commenting that I had lost
weight and seemed tired. In January I had had surgery for a macular
hole in my right eye, a rather bizarre phenomena that affects less than
1% of the population over 55. I would have gone blind without the surgery
and with the advances in medical science they were able to restore my
vision to about 70%.
So medical science rates: on one hand…not so good…on the
other hand…very good! As a result of the downturn in my health
and associated recommendations from my doctor, I had to resign my job
a month ago and I am now on disability.
Being a type A personality all of my life I am learning, finally, how
to relax. My energy level is low. I assign myself two significant jobs
each day at home, i.e. pay bills and dust the furniture.
My dear husband, Don, does all the floors, vacuuming and washing, etc.
How blessed I am. He has done all the cooking and shopping for years,
as well as work full time as a Harley-Davidson’s technician at
Biggs Harley-Davidson. He has also become a Mary Kay Beauty Consultant
to take care of my Mary Kay clients! What a guy!
I am trying little by little to enter back into domestic life, which
I left almost 40 years ago to “find” my calling in the workplace.
Again, learning to enjoy each day, as if it was Christmas, is my goal.
For instance, today I had an outing to the Valley Center field where
Don Gordon who was the first pilot to fly west of the Mississippi in
1909 be officially commemorated with the presentation of historical
plaque (see story, front page).
It was a beautiful day and great to see good turnout of our neighbors
to commemorate this historical event.
Life goes on…and that is a good thing! Next testing due in November
and hopefully with the retirement and rest, my numbers will improve.
I will update you before the end of the year! Have a great summer.
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