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Addison started BeReal so I joined. Here’s the recap from 2022!

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My besties came to visit AZ this year! So fun showing them around. We went to a Spanish tapa place that had flamenco 💃 dancing. We explored old town Scottsdale most of the weekend. So much to catch up on! Can’t wait for them to come again so we could go explore Sedona next time!

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Lv5 came to visit me in AZ for my bday to celebrate! Sadly, Viv couldn’t make it. She sent us a Marriott giftcard to treat us for some drinks. Thank you! We stayed at the Camelback inn in Scottsdale. We got connecting rooms and did karaoke so started a party on our own! 🤣

I’ve traveled with them to many places and we are a close group of friends. I miss them so much!

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I was able to go back to Santa Clara in Dec 2021 to cohost the cookie & book exchange. So fun eating at my favorite places I’ve been craving.I used to cohost for over 7 years together and it was nice to host again. It was nice to catch up with the ladies. Seeing Bookclub friends was a highlight as well. They are some of my best friends and it’s nice to see them in person instead of FaceTime. Most of us went through rough times, good times and just supported each other for over 12 years. I love them!

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This was our 2nd Annual trip to meet in Portland. We were all neighbors and members of the Bookclub in Rivermark. We all moved away from the neighborhood but still kept in touch. It’s like no time has passed and we laugh, talk and enjoy our time together to unwind. It’s a time we look forward to every year. I love my girls and life would’ve been so different without them. They have supported me in so many ways and I’m eternally grateful. Rosa moved to Portland a few years ago. They live in Lake Oswego and also bought a nice vacation house in Manzanita, OR. I love seeing them happy and enjoying their life in Oregon.

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It’s been a very long time since I posted last. From what I see, I was still recovering from my breast cancer surgeries and then started recovering from ovarian cancer.  Since then, we have moved to Queen Creek, AZ for a change of scenery. We ended up building a home in a nice community. We are loving Arizona and have traveled when we find time outside of Addison’s soccer schedule. Time really flies and the kids are Junior and Sophomore now. I’ll try my best to post some pics of adventures from the last few years and update you with the current travels. We are planning a 6 week rv trip through the US next summer so I'll definitely be posting that trip. 

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[romerofamtravels]

Bean and I usually hang out downstairs during the day. Recently, Bean has been pawing my left chest cavity area which is near the sternum. She was licking that area, pawing and laying on that area. Then i noticed a little hard bump there. I thought it was nothing and went on with my life. However, it kept on getting larger by the week. Initially i noticed it was like 1 cm so it didn’t phase me at all.

This was discovered early December. By end of December, it doubled in size so i texted my sister Tosh (she had Breast Cancer stage 2b at age 32) to check it out when we will meet New Years time.

Tosh checked it out and did her version of self exam check. She definitely thought there is something. When we got back from vacation, i scheduled an appointment with a OBGYN at Sutter Health. The dr wasn’t too alarmed though he thought it was just very thick breast tissue. I told him that i was very concerned as my sister had breast cancer at an early age and my maternal grandmother had ovarian cancer. I also have 6 other people in my maternal side with cancer(some deceased). He reluctantly scheduled a mammogram and ultrasound. The tests came out abnormal so i waited for a MRI referral. The frustrating part was that this dr never checked back on me and unresponsive. They just waited on this for 3 weeks minimum. Tim started to get concerned and i hard to get more assertive. I ended up contacting my primary care physician. My PCP feel the lump and scheduled me with a Breast Surgeon the next day.

The surgeon did an ultrasound in the office. He said it is definitely not a cyst. It is something but didn’t think it was cancer. He decided to do a biopsy anyways just because i was high risk and that the bump was quite large.

The biopsy was so painful. I guess it is supposed to be pretty uncomfortable but i saw him drilling with a large syringe. When he was giving me the anesthesia, i swear he hit a nerve and i was so ready to scream! He got some samples out but I guess i bled unusually so he had to apply pressure for at least 20 minutes!!! He mentioned that it’s probably nothing and we wouldn’t have to do anything ... so not to worry. It took a good 1 week to recover from this swollen pain. I hope i never have to go through that again.

The surgeon told me he would know within a week. However, he called me in 2 days. “I’m sorry to tell you this but you found cancer cells. It is still in the early stages but it is the Grade 3, fastest growing cancer so i am concerned.”That sentence froze me. I was on my way to lunch to try out the new ramen place with friends at Valley Fair. I was only 100 ft away to get in line and that’s when i got the call. It’s so strange how 1 call could just change everything. I completely froze. I didn’t know what to say and i was in a state of shock. He asked for me to bring in Tim this afternoon to talk further. I called Tim right away but i was a nervous wreck but he comforted me by saying it’s the early stages so we can beat this. The first thing i did was group text my sisters. It was so hard to send that message since i know it was a dark time for Tosh. She just said she wanted to hug me really tight. I just broke down at the mall and fell to my knees. “I.Have.Cancer” that’s all i could think of... i thought of my dear friends i have lost from cancer... and all the struggles they had. I went to meet my friends and told them the news. It was a hard moment for me as i don’t know what i was saying or hearing .... everything seemed like a blur .. Tim and i went to see the surgeon. He said it was DCIS(Ductal Carcinoma in Situ) so it is still in the ducts and not invasive. That is really good news! However as it is grade 3, it is very aggressive. He assumes I’ve had this for maybe 10 years. He recommended a lumpectomy and not over treating it by getting a mastectomy. He told us we need to confirm the size and exact location with the MRI.

Weeks later, i had an MRI. The report came out and the tumor was measured 3.8cm x 2.9 cm x 1.7 cm. That is huge. The surgeon said from the size and placement we need to do a mastectomy. As i was sitting there listening to him saying MASTECTOMY is the only option, i started to get very emotional. I mean i was preparing myself to get a double mastectomy but somehow it finally felt real when a lumpectomy wasn’t an option anymore. He also shared the genetic testing and let us know I do not have any female reproductive related cancers mutations. Well that’s a relief. I was so worried about Addison being tested early.

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After having surgery after surgery, I was feeling out of sorts. I don’t think I really dealt with my emotions or it could be my hormones with menopause. I started losing hair, front tooth broke off and intense hot flashes.

I couldn’t relate to anyone around me . I felt isolation and needed to be around ppl who dealt with cancer. I joined a support group and went to a few events for breast cancer awareness month. I connected with them as we all exchanged our stories. It felt so nice to talk to ppl who understood me. I’m so thankful I found them. They gave me other resources for exercise groups and events.

I’m so thankful to all my friends. They have supported me so much. I don’t know how to repay them.

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I had my implant surgery in mid August. It was very uncomfortable as I had to put a breast binder on me. It is like a halter but binder with a Velcro opening. The Velcro is always twisted and is never straight.

4 weeks later, I had my hysterectomy and ovaries removed. Pathology reported I had 10 endometriosis and my fallopian tubes were completely blocked off. Recovery from this surgery was uncomfortable and lot of bloating/gas pain.

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Summer 2019 was full of fun in the sun with softball. There was a break for soccer and Addison played for the Santa Clara Sparks in the summer. The girls made it to the state games again. Here are some photos.

In terms of my health, I had an endometrial ablation in June to help my bleeding. My Obgyn found more complex cysts so she had suggested I see the oncologist for advice on my hormones as she was going to perform a total hysterectomy and ovaries removed. It was complicated as I would lose my estrogen production. I might be of risk of heart conditions, osteoporosis, hair loss and hot flashes.

I was very disappointed as I thought I was done with surgeries. Now, I have implant surgery, hysterectomy and ovaries surgeries then a lipo with dat grafting. I’m so sick of surgeries

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Today I had my last fill for my expanders. I cannot believe it was the last fill. It may sound like not a big deal but to me, it’s a huge deal. It feels like I just finished another obstacle. I have my exchange surgery in August and then I’m done. I reflect on the past few months and I have come a long way. I was supposed to go to physical therapy but I was in so much pain that I had to cancel. My chest gets so hard and it’s hard to move. I just wanted to go home and take it easy.

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Catherine came over for a short visit but long enough for us to catch up on happenings in our lives. I haven’t seen her since the morning of my surgery. It will be 3 weeks tomorrow post-op. I can’t believe it’s been that long! Whenever people visit me, they come to my bedroom upstairs and we have intimate chats. It’s really nice to have the one-on-one chats that i rarely get with them. I had lunch downstairs and hung out with bean for a few hours in the backyard. It was a sunny day so it was nice to have fresh air. Bean definitely was having a blast. I threw the ball so she could fetch. The throwing is kinda lame for now as i still have Trex arms. I can’t raise my arms too much so the ball ends up rolling out of my hands like a bowling ball. I’m doing simple exercises to improve everyday. I’m hoping it’ll come back soon. Stay tuned! Viv & Maddie came over to play in the backyard. Bean is so spoiled with attention and looks so happy! She didn’t want them to leave. It’s ok Bean, they live down the street. Lol. At night, Annie brought over yummy Mexican food. Her family is vegetarian but she made a meaty meal for us.. you are so sweet... Thank you! She also brought over flowers and a card. I love handwritten messages in cards. They are so personal and touching. I know they are thinking of me and the thought of that just makes my pain go away. For Real! I love you guys! I’m trying to stay downstairs as much as possible. I did try to heat up food and some small chores around the house. I guess even the smallest chores requires a lot of the muscles so i was so sore during the night. The muscle spasms get so bad and all i can do is just hold onto my chest which is rock hard like cement blocks. It is really hard to explain this uncomfortable pain. I just keep telling myself it’s temporary and 5 more months for this pain but it is really hard sometimes. I can’t help but cry for a few moments. I know I’m fortunate i don’t have to go through chemo, radiation and take tamoxifen ... people have worse situations but it’s human nature to have to let our my emotions and feel. Anyways, it was a restless night so i took a shower to calm my nerves.

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I went on a 30 min walk with Tim & Bean today. It was refreshing and I actually enjoy the walks. Not the walking type but I look forward to walks around the neighborhood now! Today was my first fill for my expanders. He filled 50cc on each breast and also removed around 90cc of fluid from my right to remove the fluid buildup. When he was filling me, it felt very strange. It felt like some swishing action and lot of pressure. There is also pain associated with it too. The muscle spasms and nerves feel stronger so I know it’s gonna get worse when he fills up every week. I just tell myself that we are getting closer to the finish line. I could do it. I’m stronger than cancer! Terri came over to deliver green chili enchiladas and creamy red sauce enchiladas. It was amazing! She even brought some peanut butter cookies too! Yum! Later in the day, Ella brought over fresh cookies too. What a lucky day for us! At night, Viv brought over groceries for me. It was a huge help since I’m not supposed to carry more than 5 pounds. Thank you so much! I’m starting to do things around the house with my kids help. They have been really helpful. I feel so blessed with so much support.

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Jan decided to go back to San Diego. I am so thankful for her help. We couldn’t have done it without her help. The kids and bean loved spending time with her. Thank you. It was a lazy Sunday! We went back to sleep.. well we were super tired. Addison has a soccer game in the afternoon so there wasn’t much going on until then. It was a blowout unfortunately. We warmed up some leftovers and had a family movie night. I felt uncomfortable with the pain so I had to cut it short but I’m feeling pretty good about hanging out downstairs more. I think things are coming around. Tomorrow will be my first fill. Super anxious and nervous as I heard it hurts a lot. I couldn’t sleep until 2am and I was tossing and turning. Wish me luck!

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It’s ridiculous how many times I wake up during the night. I just get uncomfortable and aches are too much.. I hope it won’t be like this forever.. This morning, Tim and I took a walk to the plaza with Bean. I wanted to go Jamba Juice for the steel cut oatmeal and Jamba Juice. It was nice to go on that walk. Starting to appreciate the little things in life. The family was out and about all day with Addison’s soccer & softball game. I got to relax and catch up on my reading. Judy & family delivered some homcooked meals. Spinach & turkey lasagna, garlic bread, Caesar’s salad, watermelon and pudding. It was soo good. Thank you Judy! Overall, today was a good Saturday!

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I am getting used to this pain. I just have to take a deep breath while these muscle spasms are going on. It takes awhile to get used to but I know it’s part of recovery. In the morning, I decided I have to start walking so I went for a walk around the neighborhood. I am super slow but it felt good afterwards. Lynn picked me up to go get a boba from Sharetea. I was looking forward to getting my new favorite drink, tiger boba. We got there and was told that they don’t make that drink anymore🥺... and get this, the last day was yesterday. 😒☹️😔😳😐😖🤯 was pretty much my facial expression. I had leftover lunch at home. Bhavna made us this incredible red meat sauce spaghetti. It’s so yummy and I’ve been eating that pasta for days. Love it!!!! The family wanted to go to Sweet Tomatoes for dinner as it’s Tim’s mom Jan’s favorite place. She is leaving Sunday so we decided to eat there. I was gonna stay home but I decided I need my high fiber meal so I went. Glad that I went as the soups were delish and I got some healthy kale salad! It was so tiring going out tho. It takes a lot out of you. At night, Sandra came for a visit. We talked for hours and caught up with fun stories. I missed you!