Wonderful

Sitting at Colin's dance class tonight I started chatting with one of the other boys' Grandma. First it was about the boys and their "mad dance skills" ;-) Next I know we are chatting about the current events, never my plan but I can't seem to get escape it.... She has walked alot of the same steps as me. She has also been diagnosed with cancer but only after 3 yrs of tests and appts. Her biggest question was how did you get thru your surgery and recovery. I told her about all of the support from our family, friends, my clients, people from the kids' school, and even strangers. My comment was that even though life has handed me a lot of challenges lately I have been blessed beyond belief. She said that was very refreshing to hear and that for all those wonderful things to happen I must be a wonderful person. It was so sweet and unexpected. I smiled and said thank you! I hope that if I heard of anyone in need that I would be able to help them too.
So I wanted to say THANK YOU!!! to all of the people who have offered their support throughout this journey. Everything from a message to a meal has been so appreciated. Love to you all <3

First expansion appt

I was having a major case of mixed emotions over the next step in this process. I keep hearing that this part is painful but it's the only way to get to the end. I put my brave face on and marched on in. The dr used his fancy tool to locate the ports, marked them with a pen, and swiped them with betadine to clean my skin. He warned me that I would feel a pinch and burn with the lidocaine. The strange thing was I didn't feel anything. The nurse seemed a little concerned and commented to the dr, who explained to me that I must have some nerve damage from the surgery. It is early in the healing process and the numbness might go away or it might not, time will tell. The good news is that I didn't leave in agony! One appt down, five to go....

Surgeon follow-up

I saw the oncology surgeon and his p.a. this morning for a quick follow-up appointment. My little helper sat in the corner playing on her d.s. She always has the funniest comments about my boobs when I am changing into their lovely gowns. Today's was "you have wrinkly boobs Mom".... true baby. My post surgical bra has gathers along the front opening and they transfer.
The doctor was very pleased with my progress. I love how they say everything looks great! All I see in the mirror are scars and very strange looking lumps. I questioned the p.a. who is a woman about my age, about other woman's reconstruction outcomes compared to mine. Her comment was that she has only seen a few others and I should have a fantastic finished result.... I guess there really might be a silver lining to this process! I also complained, loudly, about the amount of pain having expanders causes. The dr said he told me it would hurt, which I am not contesting, but I sure did not understand to what degree that meant. He joked that he should have some to try on so that he would know better. I honestly wouldn't wish these dumb things on anyone.
The best part was he said to make a follow-up appointment for six months! I reminded him that he would see me before then for a few minutes during my next surgery. And also that he had promised me I wouldn't even notice that he'd been there.... we'll see if he's good for his word.

Not Average....

Yeah for getting the last dozen stitches out this morning! Now I only am sporting a small band aid. And another yeah for going back to work. Sounds silly but I was going stir crazy looking at my four walls. And a double loud yeah for kids going back to school!! They need to get out from under my feet for awhile every day. It is good for all those involved!
I was greeted very warmly at the kids' school today, most of these smiling faces I haven't seen for a month.  A few extra gentle hugs and lots of concerned questions. The main ones- are you feeling better? and are you done yet? Better, yes! But it is a realitive term... compared to surgery day, by about a million miles. Compared to three months ago, not even close. Done yet?- nope. My smart answer to that was "this is not the average boob job" her smart repsonse, "You are not the average girl". I laughed and said you are very correct! That is the perfect way to look at it. Since when did I do anything the average way? And why in the world would this situation be any different?!?! The average woman would walk into the hospital one morning and probably check out the next day with a complete set. But not this girl.... no, she had to get it done a little differently. Oh well, all is well that ends well.
The other funny moment at school was hearing what the rumor mill had been generating about me. I guess I should be flattered that anyone cares enough to talk that much about me ;-)
I get to coast for the next three weeks, then it's time for the expansion process. I keep hearing that it hurts. Hurt like hell for fluid to be removed- can't imagine how adding will feel any better. So I chatted with the doc today about what to expect. The plan is take it really slow to start. I will know immediately during the procedure if it is too much fluid and he will adjust accordingly. There is no reason to be in agony or miss work. Hopefully over the six weeks they have scheduled all will go smoothly and I will be that much closer to the finish line!!!