7 months post bilateral mastectomy

What a year!! 7 months after my bilateral mastectomy, 6 weeks post exchange (going from rock hard, dangerous expanders to squishy, silicone foobs) and 2 weeks from moving to Florida!!!  I feel amazing!   I am officially off my weight restriction, my muscles are weak and tight so I am trying to slowly start getting back to an old routine. I need to get on you tube, there is some videos on there for strength training and stretching after having a mastectomy.  I also can hold my boys again!!!  It has been a tough year, I have not been able to hold those two for most of this year. 

I hope to say that I am done with surgery for a LONG time, but time will tell.  Reconstruction is a process... not a surgery.

Looking back on this year..... it has been a rollercoaster of emotion and stress.  That is saying it mildly.  I have come to realize that you can't have surgery without some type of complication small or big.  My complications at the beginning were frustrating, but nothing compared to what my mom has been going through lately.  I am not going to elaborate on that, that is her story to tell, not mine.  During this stressful time of mine and my mothers, I always took my stress out on my mom.  That is not fair, why do you take your stress out on people you love?  My poor mom has been so wonderful and would see it every time and tell me to calm down.  She would always remind me, that roadblocks in life are discouraging, but not devastating.  I think I have had a harder time with her complications than she has. Ultimately my mom and I have grown even closer through this (which I didn't even know was possible, we have always been close). This year we have come extremely close to a lot of our friends.  These people came through during our stressful times and were there for us no matter what. I will never be able to repay them for their kindness, love, and encouragement.  These people have seen us through our worst and best.  We have also severed some ties with relationships we never thought would happen, but unfortunately through our stress and emotions that bond wasn't strong enough to hold.  I had a hard time with that for a long time, but I have moved on and have to remember we also have had the opportunity for some wonderful bonds that have grown stronger through this. 

I can't describe the excitement our family has for the move, but we are also having a tough time saying good bye. 2 weeks... Really?!? It is finally here.  I have been packing like crazy, trying to see everyone we can.  Do any last minute things here in Kansas before we go.  My last appointment with the plastic surgeon got pushed back a week, so hopefully it will go:  looks good, have a safe trip!

Recently, I found out that most likely my mutation originated in Western Europe.  Which isn't a big shock since I think that is all my heritage consists of. There has been a lot of the same mutation in The Netherlands.  That type of information I find interesting.


I have a picture for those women who are just starting their journey....

Also need one that says...  These tissue expanders..... I hate them!

I also want to remind everyone that September is Ovarian Cancer Awareness.  Ovarian cancer is scary, usually caught late.

 

 

 Well, I guess until next time.  Take care!  I should be in Florida next time you hear from me!!!!