Surgery update

Overall I'm feeling okay. My chest is very sore but tolerable with meds. I feel very weak and flu like. I have a low grade temp which makes me feel a little worse. But this is much easier than any other operation I have been through. Thanks to my wonderful husband and daughter for taking great care of me!!

Have a Happy Easter everyone!

Final Chapter

I have finally made it!! I am almost 1 year post the start of my reconstruction process and almost 2 years post diagnosis. WOW how times flies even when you are NOT having fun! 

I complete my final SURGICAL step of reconstruction today. I am so elated to be able to say that I can close the book on this disease and its effects on my body. In just 3 short months I can get my 3-D nipple tattoos (hopefully in New Orleans with the best).

I am so very thankful to feel and look like me again...to have my NEW normal...not free of fear of course. BUT...I do forget what it feels like to be THAT patient.  Its funny...I look back at my journey...and think "Wow...Did I really have cancer?" 

I DID...I DID indeed...but I AM here...I AM a survivor...I AM strong...I AM a fighter...AND I AM here to tell my story and to help others tell theirs.

#VICTORIOUS

2012 Peaks and Valleys

As I begin the new year, I can't help but reflect on 2012. This past year, though much better than 2011, still had its peaks and valleys.

Let me begin with my top peaks...

1. Watching my kids grow...just a little bit more...but I have a lot more I want to see :)
2. I STILL have a wonderful husband who stands by my side.
3. Continuing life-long friendships.
4. Every member of my wonderful Hurst and Lintz family are here...despite a few scares!!
5. A cancer-FREE year...for both my dad and me!!
6. Surgery for my new "girl" friend. My other friend was bored and tired of "hangin" solo.
7. Reds and Bengals made the play-offs!
8. THE GIFT OF LIFE...and my sweet Elise!!!!!!!

On the other hand, with every peak comes valleys....

1. The loss of 2 people too young to die...R.I.P. Mike Villines and Jerome Mueller
2. A close call for Grandma and my Mommy. Thank god for doctors and people acting quickly to get them to the hospital.  
3. 4 more surgeries 
4. 2 more friends too young to be diagnosed with cancer (One with breast cancer and the other melanoma)

     It appears there are more peaks than valleys in my life. Although we say that valleys suck and no one wants them...we must remember there is ALWAYS something to learn from them..even if we are not sure what that is yet. I always try to find 2 positives for every one negative!!

I look forward to a wonderful, healthy, and prosperous 2013. I can't wait to see what these 12 months have in store for me, my family, and friends. 

God Bless and Happy New Year!

25 Days and Healing

    I am finally drainage tube free as of 10:00 am today!

     I am so excited.  After awhile, the tubes begin to irritate your skin. I have had some bad nights this past week, which I am hoping is from the drainage tubes. I got my chest drainage tube out and a 50 cc fill Wednesday, but the pain still remained. I think most of the irritation was caused by the back drain.  I have had 8 tubes in the past 1.5+ years and the back one being removed was the weirdest sensation...can't really explain it.  I am most excited about being able to wear normal clothes and not worry about hiding the tubes!!  Slowly but surely I am getting there. I go back for another fill on Wednesday and return to work Thursday...I am a little nervous considering how tired and sore I still am...but I have to push through!!

I just keep telling myself...

"you are almost there...you are almost there...slow and steady wins the race."

Have a Blessed and Happy New Year everyone!

One Week Post Op

It has been one week already and have no idea where the time went!  I have lost days somewhere along the way  (pssst...must be those pain meds!) I am improving everyday and am able to move around much easier. Getting up from a laying or sitting position and bending over is still difficult.  The only time I am really comfortable is in my bed lying on my right side. My incisions on my back and my drainage tubes HURT!  I visit my p.s. on Friday. I can't remember if she said she was going to do a fill or not...I hope so.  I just want to be even on both sides, If you can look past the incision (which will fade over time and lighten to my skin color) it looks very good and I am very pleased with the results thus far. I just wish I could go back in time, have THIS surgeon the first time, and chosen this type of surgery.  She reported that I had a very extensive infection with the first procedure.  She could not believe the amount of scar tissue there was when she opened me up! There was even an old seroma  that she removed. That explains the constant soreness I have had the entire time...a bruise-like feeling!

I will keep you posted on my recovery. A special thanks for all the well wishes and prayers. A special thanks to Melissa and Amy S. for a wonderful meal.  Also to Carin and Dave McAtee for helping with the kids and for the meal Carin is bringing this evening...you guys are one special family!!

Love and hugs to each and every one of you!!