I went in for my first tissue expander fill today. I almost started that sentence with "I had my first fill..." but that wouldn't be the whole truth. The truth is that Dr. Criswell was only able to fill my right side because, after 20 full minutes of poking around, massaging, and sticking me multiple... Continue Reading →
So… Chemo or Nah…?
Well, I hope that those of you who are on this journey with me are prepared. It's time to buckle up your seat belts and settle in for a long flight. First, some good news: I GOT MY DRAINS OUT! I never thought I'd see the day!! And I am so. Freaking. Happy. Life is... Continue Reading →
Plastic Surgeon #3 and Post-Ops 1 and 2
This is kind of a long post that includes a journal entry from June 6 followed by a more recent update on post-op appointments from today. I met with Plastic Surgeon Number 3 yesterday. This one, Dr. Michael Robinson, does DIEP flap procedures. A DIEP flap is where they take skin and fat from the... Continue Reading →
Discomfort is the Name of This Game
Seriously. I'm not looking for pity or anything like that. I'm just trying to be as honest as I can about this process. These expanders feel like bricks on my chest. The drains have to be taped to my skin at the entry site or they get very sore and red. I can't reach across... Continue Reading →
Post Surgery Update
Well, it's been a few days since the surgery and all seems to be going according to plan. Including the fact that my breasts look like they've been blurred for censorship in a made-for-TV movie. But I'll get into that a little later. The first couple of days after the surgery are a little bit... Continue Reading →
Bye Bye, Boobies
Tomorrow, I am heading into surgery to have a double mastectomy and to have tissue expanders put in place to start the reconstruction process (I can't believe this is finally happening!). So, I thought I would share this post I wrote a few weeks back as a little tribute to the breasts that built me.... Continue Reading →
My Story On Depression
So, I'm gonna be honest here: Kate Spade's death hit me a little harder than it should have. I know people sometimes cry over celebrities' deaths but I've never really been one to do that. I didn't know this woman. I only recently started being able to *sometimes* afford her handbags. Hell, she hasn't even... Continue Reading →
Action Jackson
Yes, I know the title is lame, but I'm running out of ideas. This is from May 16. One thing, the only thing, I’ve learned that keeps me sane throughout this process is action. I need something to be happening at all times. I need to have an appointment on the calendar. I need to... Continue Reading →
Emotional Basketcase
This was written May 8-ish. I have officially decided to do a full mastectomy. At this point, the benefits just seem to outweigh the risks. The tumor is too large for a lumpectomy, so reconstruction of the breast is necessary. By law, North Carolina insurance companies must pay to match or reconstruct breasts after a... Continue Reading →
MRI Results
This was written on May 1. Dr. Turk had called me earlier that day to tell me that the MRI had picked up another mass and he was "officially unofficially" recommending a mastectomy and he put in a referral for a plastic surgeon. A couple of days (or maybe it was a week?? I don't... Continue Reading →
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