Tag: nipple reconstruction

I did a sit-up….kind of

So after roughly 2 weeks of  exercise, I really am getting stronger.  I am up to 20 minutes 4 times a week on the elliptical with no issues.  The other days we are trying to walk the neighborhood. I would like to work on my punching bag but the girls have destroyed it pretending they were in the olympics, that is another story but punching is out.

I decided to attempt to start abdominal work.  We have this old “ab rock it” . This picture is not ours but pretty close. You hold the handles and push forward to assist the sit up.  There is no way I could do them on my own but with the rocker I was able to do several.   I only did a few, may try more a little later.  I wanted to make sure I did not hurt anything.  I have no pain from my abdomen anymore but it remains extremely tight.  This is not really a bad thing, actually one of the reasons I think it is important to get working on the muscles around it so it remains tightened.

I have finally reached a point where when I look in the mirror I am seeing something positive.  The boobs, well they are a mess but there is a light at the end of the tunnel .  The rest though, not too bad.  Now that the swelling is basically gone, the DIEP flap is really like a tummy tuck.  After 2 kids it is the tightest my abdomen has been in years.  I have taken the opportunity to really focus on my diet and have exercised pretty consistently for 2 weeks.  For the first time in a long time looking in the mirror is not depressing, (not like seeing fireworks either) but I see positive movement.

Continued focus, completion of the nest surgery, the future looks bright!

Waiting

With school right around the corner, things are getting back into swing quickly.  Megan made the travel soccer team so she started practice this week every Monday and Thursday.  The season starts Labor day weekend with a 2 day tournament.  Madison also started soccer practice tonight and every Tuesday until the season starts the week after Labor day.  They both still have karate 1-2 times a week and CCD starts in a few weeks….yikes I think we are running out of days already!  Sometimes I feel like a juggler with multiple balls in the air.

There is a fine line between keeping the kids busy and out of trouble and over scheduled.  I will keep a close eye and make changes as needed!  School is always first priority over all!

So other than life becoming more and more normal with each passing day, there is not too much going on.  I still have soreness in my chest and both boobs as well as under my arms.  But for the most part it is just that, sore.  I have come to accept realize that it will be around for a long while.  The frustrating part is the realization that what has become just sore will be in pain again after next week.  At least it is for the last time…I hope!

My core strength is also improving.  Not ready for sit-ups but I can get up from a lying position without help and other than tightness has no real pain in the area.

So just now in the preparation and waiting period for the nipple reconstruction and revision.  Back to waiting…I hate waiting!

12 days until the next surgery

“Suddenly, through birthing a daughter, a woman finds herself face to face not only with an infant, a little girl, a woman-to-be, but also with her own unresolved conflicts from the past and her hopes and dreams for the future…. As though experiencing an earthquake, mothers of daughters may find their lives shifted, their deep feelings unearthed, the balance struck in all relationships once again off kilter.”  ~Elizabeth Debold

Sitting with my coffee this morning fishing around the internet as I often do I came across the quote above.  As I believe I have mentioned before, I am not an avid reader…I browse but when I hit this one I re-read it several times.  Interesting!

I am now the proud parent of an 8 year old little girl.  The birthday went well. Although the weather did not cooperate for a pool party, Meg had a good time playing with her cousins inside.  It is always nice to see family.

Now we are back to focusing on what needs to be finished before surgery.  Time is ticking, we are right around the corner!  I am ready and anxious to get the reconstruction completed!  Time to get the “pointy parts” back!