Tug & Pull

Although I have been feeling like a burden to my family and friends lately, I finally see the light at the end of the tunnel.  This afternoon, I had the opportunity to meet with Dr. Woods for the first time since surgery.  He removed my drains and the waterproof bandages that were placed over my incisions.  The tug and pull of the drains was rather unpleasant, but I feel SO much better ...

Now, I am instructed to carry on with life ... at least the everyday things.  For the next couple of weeks, while I begin taking back some of the domestic responsibility around the house, I do have to take it easy.  No heavy lifting.  No push ups.  No dips.  I can handle that ...

As always, I would like to thank everyone for the continued support.  For the continued prayers.  For making me feel like the luckiest girl in world ... cancer and all ...

Lacey Bras & Dangling Drains

Today, I am looking better than EVER ... complete with THE most gorgeous bra and a pair of drains that dangle everywhere ...

All joking aside, I am THRILLED to be on the other side of surgery.  Yesterday went VERY well, for the most part.  We arrived at Piedmont Hospital just a little after 6:00 in the morning.  I was quickly taken back and prepped for surgery.  Dr. Woods made his marks and I was out!  Afterward, while in recovery, the nausea set in.  For whatever reason, I couldn't shake it and felt terrible for the rest of the day.  

Today, though, I feel MUCH better.  The nausea is completely gone and the pain is manageable.  There is no question, this round is easier than the first ... thank goodness!

I am so very thankful to God for seeing me through another milestone in this journey to health ... I have finally reached the finish line and could not be happier!  

Now, I have to go see what I've got under that sexy bra ... 

Soft & Supple

Tomorrow, I will FINALLY have the opportunity to put an end to the lengthy, uncomfortable process of breast reconstruction.  For over five months, my body has been invaded by tissue expanders.  While they have served their purpose, I am TRILLED to be getting rid of them ... FOREVER!

My surgery is scheduled for 8:00 in the morning at Piedmont Hospital.  Assuming everything goes as planned, I should be headed home around lunch time.  Of course, while I am looking very forward to soft and supple, I am not trilled to be bringing home drains. At least I have my trusty pouch and shoelace to help make me a little more comfortable ...

     The pouch carries the drains so they don't dangle out of my clothing ... gross!  

The shoelace makes showering SO much easier ... pin them on and carry on!

It's crazy to think about how far I have come over the past year.  It's crazy to finally be at the end of this horrific experience.  It might be even crazier to think about coming home with boobs ... bigger and better than they have ever been ...

Here's to the end of this nightmare ... and to soft and supple boobs ...

Clown and Poodle

On Friday, I finally had the privilege of meeting Nicole, a young woman also experiencing the overwhelming journey through the treatment of breast cancer.  In March, shortly after Nicole was diagnosed, Dr. O'Regan asked that I contact her to discuss my clinical trial.  We spoke on the phone for about an hour and, ultimately, Nicole made the decision to walk the very same path I did ... she is also enrolled in the study I recently completed.

For the past several months, I have followed Nicole's journey on her blog ...

www.clownandpoodle.com

It has been amazing to read about her experience.  Often times, I feel like I have personally written the words on those pages ... we have so very much in common.  Nicole is just a few years older than I am, has a wonderful, supportive husband, and two beautiful children.  She reminds me so much of myself.

Now that our kiddos are back in school, we had the opportunity to meet for lunch at Panera Bread.  We enjoyed a delicious lunch and talked for over two hours ... it feels so good to have someone who truly understands ...

Nicole & Me

At this point, Nicole has one more treatment and is scheduled for surgery at the end of September.  Her journey is almost complete and she will soon have her blessed life back.  I truly hope she knows ... it only gets better from here ...

Here's to Nicole and a friendship like no other ...

365 Days

It has been 365 days since my diagnosis.  365 days.  First of all, I really cannot believe that I am a cancer survivor ... that I had cancer ...  

Looking back on this past year, I feel accomplished.  Honestly, if I can live with a cancer diagnosis, survive eight rounds of chemotherapy, and endure a bilateral mastectomy ... I think I might just be able to do anything ...

Although these past 365 days have been the most difficult of my life, I don't know if I would want things to be any different.  I have learned so much about myself, my husband, my children, and my family and friends ... I feel more blessed than ever before.  I have discovered an unwavering relationship with Jesus Christ ... I know that He was with me every step of the way ... and continues to walk with me through my journey of continued healing.

So, although this day brings back some horrible memories, it is a day to celebrate.  Today I am cancer-free ... I have my charmed life back ... I have a bright future ahead of me ... and I have a much greater appreciation for all of the blessings in my life ...

Here's to August 8, 2012 ...

Thick & Dark

Today marks exactly SIX MONTHS since my last treatment.  On February 2, 2012, I bid farewell to chemotherapy for good!  Since then, my body has almost completely healed and I actually have a head FULL of hair ...

Thick & Dark ... BIG Change

I am continually thankful for each and every day ... for my healing ...

Here's to SIX MONTHS and to MANY, MANY more ...

First Day Jitters

Today was a BIG day ... the first day of school!  And, for Andrew, it was the first day of kindergarten!  Of course, BIG days like these inevitably offer a few unavoidable jitters ...

Last night, Andrew told me that he wasn't sure if he was excited.  He said, "I just don't know what it's going to be like."  Little does he know, I was thinking the very same thing.

This morning, though, Andrew jumped out of bed and was ready for the day.  A smile from ear to ear told me that he was going to do just fine ... and that I could actually enjoy my quiet, kid-free house without a bit of guilt.  Now, after a day of kindergarten for Andrew and a day of peace for myself ... we now know what this year will be like ... it's going to be GREAT!

Maddie & Andrew

Third Grade & Kindergarten

And off he goes ...

Tonight I am thankful ... for not completely falling apart and for the gift of this day.  As always, I give thanks to God for giving me these moments ...

Here's to letting go of the first day jitters ...