So with my next and hopefully last surgery next week as well as Thanksgiving, I got to thinking about what this year and a half has been like. A bit of a roller coaster to say the least.
- March 2011 mammogram and breast ultrasound; lump confirmed
- June 2011 needle guided biopsy
- June 2011 surgery to remove the lump due to “abnormal” pathology results
- August 2011 Breast MRI
- Doctors appointments with specialists
- early 2012 abdominal CT to ensure I was DIEP candidate
- Blood work
- more doctors appointments
- July 2, 2012 Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and DIEP flap
- More blood work
- more appointments
- August 24, 2012 Breast reconstruction and revision
- More blood work
- more doctor appointments
- November 7, 2012 Pelvic Ultrasound
- November 9, 2012 Colonoscopy
- November 19, 2012 Breast revision Pt 2 **Pending**
In between Birthdays, Holidays, back to school nights, summer break and normal daily activity because the reality is, doctors, scans, tests and surgery have been normal daily activity for me for a many months now. I have tried to keep a good attitude but there is a stress that hangs over the family since it is on going.
What have I learned? Shit happens and most of it can not be controlled so, relax. I will not say I do not have my moments but as a whole, I am more relaxed. I am enjoying my family and our time together. I am putting “us” first. I am more thankful for what I have!
And with Thanksgiving around the corner, what am I thankful for? These are easy…first although my list looks long and obnoxious, I do not have cancer! I am thankful that I did not wait to take action. I am extremely thankful for my health. I am in the best shape I have been in for years. I am Thankful for my beautiful family. I am also so very thankful for concerned doctors who continue to go the extra effort to ensure that we check everything.
My list is not finished yet. Surgery next week and follow-up appointments after. I will have to repeat the pelvic ultrasound and hope the cyst removed itself, if not it will need to be removed.
So although there is more to go, I sit here so very thankful for a wonderful year. A beautiful family and good health, what more can you ask for right?
Decisions for my Family 