Last Surgery.........

I have successfully completed my last surgery! Well, I hope this is it. The TATA final reconstruction took place last Friday. This was the first procedure I had under local anesthesia. I have always been under general (completely knocked out). Needless to say, I was quite anxious. I did feel a bit of the "slicing & dicing", so the tears started flowing. The surgeons were so very generous & injected more anesthesia for more numbing. Thank goodness! Now I know what real pain feels like.

Oh, and all of the surgeon shows that we watch on television in which the surgeons talk & gossip throughout surgery.......very accurate.

Fortunately I had two of the best surgeons in the nation working on me, so surgery is second nature to them. Impressive multitasking in my opinion.

Doctor's appointments - go with your first instinct

I thought something wasn't right with the way my right tata was healing. Sure enough, I finally went to my surgical oncologist and he noted that something was questionable and I needed to consult my plastic surgeon. So, I went to see her, and was informed that the skin where my nipple was recreated had essentially died. I was a bit traumatized at first, but then came to the realization that things could be much worse. All I have to do is have another procedure once the scabbing falls off (in a few months). That's it! And, it's only local anesthesia.
I did learn something wonderful...........I never have to have scans again! Very exciting! Those of you that have been through these scans know what a relief this is.
Lesson learned...go with your first instinct. If you think something "isn't right" go to your doctor.

Someone who can relate

I made a new friend! I met someone in my support group that was recently diagnosed with breast cancer. After welcoming her to the group and hearing her journey thus far, she asked me "how old are you?". All with a bit of a puzzled look.
Up until recently, she hadn't spoken to anyone else close to her age with the diagnosis of breast cancer. She's only 32. I told her if she ever wanted advice, I'm the one she can turn to. if she even just wanted some one to listen, I am here for her. Fortunately, she took me up on it. Today we met over a cup coffee and tea. I was able to share my positive outcomes of being a survivor three times now............and she laughed on my perspectives on how to live life to it's fullest. Being that she is very outgoing and positive herself, we got along very well.
We talked about how nice it is to know someone who understands what the other one is going through. We both shared how much we appreciate our family and friends, but don't want to burden them. And unless you are going through coping with cancer, it's challenging to truly relate. I had such a great time joking about chemo and what a great diet it can be, and of course my new tatas that will forever be perky!
I am honestly relieved to have been able to share my journey with someone who can relate. I was thrilled to help her, and continue to support my new friend go through her journey. We both agreed the only way to get through this is to kick cancer's butt!

Physical Therapy

I walked into a physical therapy evaluation 2 days ago for lymphedema and post surgery muscle strengthening. They poked a bit to check out my framework, and analyzed my posture..........which I thought was good until that point! Now I know that one leg is 3/8" longer than the other, and my back muscles need some serious strengthening! Hello to honesty!

Today I walked into physical therapy for my first session. I didn't know what to expect. I definitely didn't know I would need to put on a gown and get massaged by an Italian man! It was pretty funny.
He was extremely proper in making sure not to overstretch me. Every time I flintched, he considered my pain. He might think I'm a little "off" for not complaining. I suppose after 7 surgeries, one learns to have a high threshold for pain.

I did learn a great deal about the lymphatic system, and how simple massaging can help tremendously with circulation to thus avoid lymphedema.
Lymphedema is swelling of the lymph passages - (a.k.a.) Lymphatic obstruction, a blockage of the lymph nodes (vessels that drain fluid from tissues throughout the body and allow immune cells to travel where they are needed).

Just when I thought I knew everything about cancer and after effects..........they tell me something new. Go figure!

Take it Easy!

Today, after a month of recovery, I started back to work. I may have overdone it a little bit. Towards the latter part of the day when I lifted my bag, my left breast muscles yelled out to me that I need not turn and lift that way! Needless to say, when I got home, I had to take something to help with the pain. I still think I am superwoman! Why is it that we can be so stubborn?! Tomorrow......and the days to follow, I have to be more careful. At least I know that silicone can't burst, but muscles can tear! Learned lesson for today: I am lucky to be healthy and we can prevent the preventable. Take it easy!

A new start

I am sitting here, trying to figure out the best way to get my story out. I have finally come to the realization that I can't help others unless I make my story, and myself known.

I am one month out of surgery from breast reconstruction, after a double mastectomy. Wow, when you think you are invincible, this sure is a wake up call!

I am enjoying a few more days before returning to the working world. I feel much better than I anticipated.

Anyone who is going through cancer treatment, is a survivor, or family and friends of these fighters........please have them follow my blog. Even though I'm 30, I feel that I have a good insight of what it is to have cancer, and cope with all of the fun that goes along with it.