Update 13

Update 13

This afternoon I had two week follow-up appointments with both surgeons that worked on me on Nov. 18th: the oncology surgeon that performed the bilateral mastectomy and the plastic surgeon that began the reconstruction.  Both appointments went very well.  I am healing just as expected and both are pleased with my progress and relatively low pain levels. My oncology surgeon is thrilled that I chose a bilateral mastectomy as he found lobular carcinoma in situ in my "normal" breast and it would have been a worrisome concern we would have needed to monitor constantly/consistently. 

The plastic surgeon was able to remove the last 2 of my 4 drains today and this time I took pain meds ahead of time.  That, combined with the fact that the drains were not positioned against nerves, made the removal an order of magnitude more tolerable.  (I didn't wretch and scream this time.)  I need to let the drain sites heal and take it really easy for the next week so I'll back off the PT exercises I've been doing to maintain and increase range of motion.

I have extensive bruising from all my chest skin is going through and I was reassured today that the bizarre coloring of the bruising isn't worrisome and that my incisions look great. 

My oncologist had a family emergency so we did not get to start planning my chemo regimen today but we have rescheduled with him for tomorrow afternoon and will discuss chemo plans at that time.

Not overdoing it and trying to get and stay comfortable (when sleeping, sitting, standing and every position in between, hah!) are my main goals right now.  We have experienced overwhelming kindness in the form of people bringing meals and their thoughtfulness has meant the world to us.  It isn't just a gift of food but a gift of unhurried time together in the evening and getting to connect with each other and our boys is so important to us right now. 

Our village is huge and many have mentioned how strong I have seemed through this- that is directly attributable to the support of Joe and my parents thinking of every little neurotic thing I do for myself and this family and taking care of it for me (If you know me well, this is no small task).  How people make it through without a husband and parents like mine is beyond me. They are my glue and the reason this train is still up and running and in good spirits, albeit making stops at all these unplanned stations! 

Please use my story to encourage all the women you care about to get mammograms in their 30's and to get them every year. "We've caught it so early" are such sweet words to hear when you are told you have cancer. 

Thank you for your continued support- we know we are thought of so often and it is deeply appreciated.