Wrapping it up...
- suzannebanks6
- Oct 31
- 6 min read
💗 Here we are… October 2025!
October holds great significance for me — it’s now been five years since my diagnosis. And fittingly, it’s also Breast Cancer Awareness Month — and just as we head into November, it's the perfect time to reflect, celebrate, and encourage self-care and awareness.
What a wild, often scary, life-changing ride these five years have been. There were highs and lows, victories and setbacks, and through it all, one thing remained constant — the incredible love and support of family and friends. This is not something anyone goes through alone, and I certainly didn’t.
I often think back to those early days — the endless tests, the uncertainty, the constant stream of information. I’ll never forget when Kelsey came to visit that November and went with me to my port appointment; her presence brought such comfort. Telling our kids that I had cancer was one of the hardest moments of my life, yet they and their families surrounded me with unwavering love and strength. I am forever grateful for the incredible people they’ve grown to be. I love each of you, and your families, more than words can say.
When I started this blog, it was simply a way to keep everyone updated. There was so much happening so quickly, and it became easier to write than to retell. It allowed me to “talk” without having to talk — something I needed during that scary, uncertain, emotional time. Some days were overwhelming beyond words. I was told many times... one day at a time — and that truly was all I could do. That became my quiet mantra.
Some situations were more significant than others, first chemo, last chemo, surgeries, along with a few others. But losing all my hair was absolutely devastating, and as much as I thought I was prepared for it, I wasn't. People meant well when they said, “It’ll grow back,” but those words definitely didn’t help me at that time. I still had a bald head! Thankfully, it did grow back — as did Aaron and Bret’s hair after they shaved their heads in solidarity! 💗
And of course, you recall this was all happening during COVID. It was pre-vaccine, with mandatory masks and lockdowns. I was on total lockdown for months except for getting lab tests and chemo treatments, and every doctor visit was solo. My immune system was compromised and I couldn't take chances. I continued to work through it all, from home, with my Zoie next to me basically 24/7. (I miss her every day, still)
(And she may or may not have found her way on the couch with me... lol!)
💗
Thank goodness for technology — phone calls, texts, emails, Teams, FaceTime, Zoom — I used it all... it was my link to you all... to the outside world.
So, to everyone who sent messages, emails, comments, or jokes that made me laugh when I didn’t think I could — you’ll never know how much that meant. I cherished every word then, and still do now... as I still read them.
Fast forward… five years later
My last post here was three years ago, and I’m happy to say that life feels as normal as it can after something like this. But life will never be quite the same.
I am now — proudly — a Survivor! 💗
Does the worrying ever end? Nope!
Does Scanxiety go away? Not yet!
Do the side effects fade? Some do, some apparently don’t!
We survivors may look healed, but we carry a different perspective. Chemo, radiation, and surgeries are behind us, but we still have checkups, scans, meds, and new issues that weren’t there before. We may appear strong and “back to normal,” but we’ve been changed — in ways that deepen how we see the world. My scars and lingering side effects are daily reminders of what I’ve been through. But with that comes immense gratitude — for being here, for the people beside me, and for every sunset.
💗 We are stronger than we were BC!
Life after treatment
Like many survivors, I still manage a few long-term effects — neuropathy, medication side effects, limited range in my left arm, and the constant reminder to protect it from lymphedema. I still receive Zometa infusions every six months and take Anastrozole daily, which helps keep me healthy but comes with its quirks. None of these challenges compare to what I’ve already overcome. They’re reminders of the battle I fought — and won! 💗
I’m forever grateful to my incredible team at City of Hope. They not only treated me but they truly cared for me with compassion and patience. I still see them regularly, though thankfully not as often now.
Looking forward
So why this long post — and why now? Because this is my last blog post! 💗
I’ve decided to close this blog, this chapter. This blog was my voice when I needed one most, and I will always treasure it. I’ll soon be closing this blog site down, however, it will live on in another form — I’ll be preserving it as a book, with every post, photo, and comment, to keep as part of my story.
In addition, my email access within this platform will be shut down when I close this account, so if you don't already have my personal email, and would like to stay in touch, you can always reach me at:📧 suzanne.banks@yahoo.com
Where I am today
I’m here, and I'm doing great!
I’m focused on living a healthier lifestyle — it’s never too late to start!
I’m busier than ever and don’t plan on slowing down anytime soon!
And I’m living proof that early detection saves lives!
If you take anything from my journey, let it be this:
💗 Never give up! The path may curve, but that's okay... you'll adjust.
💗 Live and let live! You do you.
💗 Don’t sweat the small stuff! It's not worth it.
💗 Be your own advocate! Your voice needs to be heard.
💗 Hugs are healing! It's so true, and for the non-huggers, a fist bump works.
💗 Stay positive! Positive thinking benefits our mental & physical health.
Do I feel empowered to share my story? Yes, absolutely… if it helps anyone who is going through this, I absolutely am there for them. Not everyone wants to hear about it, and I’m aware of that, and I totally understand. It’s not a fun topic. I will share, when asked, to help anyone should they ever have to face this horrible disease. As I was told early on… ‘You just joined a club you didn’t sign up for, but the sisterhood you will experience is like none other’! And that is so true!
The stats
1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer
Every 30 seconds, someone is diagnosed with cancer
In 2025, about 2 million people in the U.S. will face some form of cancer
Those numbers are alarming!
Treatments are improving every year, but I hope for a day when prevention takes center stage. If you’d like to learn more, here are two organizations focused on prevention: 🔗 Prevent Cancer Foundation🔗Division of Cancer Prevention 💗
Small choices matter — not surprising, most recommend regular screenings and living a healthy lifestyle. Other websites advocate for consuming less processed foods, and gaining momentum is the topic of added chemicals, dyes and artificial coloring.
Gratitude — always
To all of my family and friends — near and far, whether you're 2 miles away, 6,000 miles away, or somewhere in between — thank you for all your support including every prayer, the phone calls, cards, home-cooked meals, gift baskets, flowers, hand-knitted beanies, blankets, scarves, beautiful jewelry, special treats, warrior bracelets, warrior sweatshirts, my fcancer hat, books, a cuddly robe, shirts, puzzles, lotions, gift cards.... Your support, generosity, humor, and kindness made all the difference. I still have all your cards and notes... and I cherish them all.
To Bret, my rock and #1 supporter: thank you for everything — including being my personal Uber, taking over the household chores, shopping, giving me my shots, changing bandages, charting drains... and always finding a way to make me laugh when I didn’t feel like laughing.
To Aaron, Kelsey, Ashley, Dave, and our four grandchildren (at that time) — Paislee, Hudson, Aubree & Kayden — your love and encouragement, notes and posters, meant the world to me. You showed up when I needed you most, and for that I am forever grateful. All your FaceTimes were pure medicine for my heart. 💗
From the bottom of my heart, thank you all for being part of my journey. Thank you for helping me find courage on the hardest days, and for celebrating with me on the brightest ones. These last five years have taught me what truly matters — love, faith, family, laughter, and resilience. I’ve learned that scars are not just reminders of pain, but proof of healing.
As a Greek woman, I will always be a Warrior.
It’s in my blood — just ask my sisters, Roula & Lefki. My journey may look different now, but the warrior spirit remains the same: strong, fierce, and grateful!
As this blog, mygreekwarriorjourney comes to a close, I want to leave it not in sadness, but in gratitude. Every word, every prayer, every bit of encouragement helped me through more than you’ll ever know.
This isn’t goodbye — it’s simply turning the page.
The journey continues… and so do I. Believe! 💕
With love, gratitude, and strength,
my akas... Suzy, Suzanne, Mom, Mother, Mama, Aunt Sue, & Yiayia 💗
