Tag: mastectomy

Hello Friends!

Just a quick update to let you know that surgery went well on Tuesday. At least I think it went well. I’m still here, so that’s a good sign, but I haven’t peeked under the bandages, so I can’t say if the doctors actually did what they were supposed to do.

To review, I went in for a “swap” ... Read More


Tomorrow’s the big day. I’m heading back to THE JAMES for reconstructive surgery. For anyone who cares about the details, Saul and I have to be in Columbus by 9:30 for an 11:30 surgery. It should take less than three hours and after another two hours in the recovery room, I’m free to come home. Then I get to lie ... Read More


I won’t be able to vacuum for 8 weeks. See? This breast cancer stuff has some real benefits!

I had my pre-op appointment at THE JAMES yesterday and learned all about the procedure and the recovery. Basically, Saul and I will arrive at the hospital on April 26th at 9am, the surgery will begin at 11:30, it’ll be done by 2:30, ... Read More


I’m worried I’m losing my brave. It’s April and the countdown is on. My next surgery is 22 days away. On Tuesday, April 26th, I’ll go back to THE JAMES to have the expander in my left breast removed and a more permanent silicone implant installed. While I’m under, the reconstructive surgeon will also lift my right breast to ... Read More


I took my kids to a rock concert on Easter. Okay, it wasn’t really a rock concert, but it sure was reminiscent of the time I saw the Steve Miller band live in Green Bay.

You know what it was? Church.

Several thousand people were on their feet, hands in the air, singing at the top of their lungs.

We’re staying at my ... Read More


I’ve decided it’s WAY less stressful to have my husband sitting next to me in the stands at a college basketball game than to have him out there on the side lines.

My entire family went to the OU Women’s basketball game last night. The women played Miami (of Ohio) and won by 3000 points, so that brought the stress ... Read More


I’ve mentioned before the silver linings that have come from having cancer. Yes, I lost a breast, but what I’ve gained? Sorry breast cancer. I got the better end of the deal. Seriously.

I’m not talking physically (yet), because that’s still a work in progress. I’m talking about the outpouring of love I’ve felt, the people I’ve met, the opportunities I’ve ... Read More


I blew it. I was on a radio show Monday morning and now, two days later, I am still wrestling with something I said. Has that ever happened to you? Something comes out of your mouth that was okay, but it wasn’t exactly what you meant to say? I want a do-over. Let me see if I can say it ... Read More


I’m heading to Columbus today for another fill. Once a week, I drive to the big city to visit Nurse Holly (or Nurse Susan, who is also awesome) for a quick little saline injection.

They are continuing to fill up the expander pouch under the chest muscle of my missing breast, and it’s working! There is a small mound growing, and ... Read More


I’m wondering what other people think of as luxurious… 1200 thread count Egyptian cotton sheets? A beach vacation to Fiji? Decadent chocolate truffles?

After ten weeks of going without, last night I got to take a bath. And boy was it luxurious.

Submerging in water has been a no-no since the mastectomy and follow up surgery. I could have hugged Nurse ... Read More