Everyday a HollyDay!

On October 18, 2012, I was diagnosed with breast cancer. Sixty percent (60%) of my right breast was diseased (9 tumors) which required full removal of all breast tissue. I underwent a bi-lateral mastectomy on November 14, 2012 and have been through 2 additional surgeries since then. The saving grace was that my cancer had not yet invaded other surrounding tissue or my lymph nodes and I escaped without needing chemo or radiation. It's still no picnic. This is my journey.

Wednesday, March 20, 2013

FDA Approves Gummy Bears!! (TMI for Little Eyes...)

Feeling strong. Looking great. So thrilled to have surgery #2 behind me.

The FDA just approved the Allergan 410 teardrop implants (Aka "Gummy Bears") a few weeks ago and I am the lucky recipient of these highly sought after new implants. They are a great size and are shaped very naturally. I'm thrilled.

When you have a mastectomy, there are uneven areas in your breasts from where the tumors were cut out. In order to even things out, Dr. Brown harvested fat from my abdomen and filled those areas in my breasts. It looks incredible. I had a spot on my chest wall that was totally indented - now it's full and scar-free. It's a miracle!!

Mastectomy? You ain't got nothing on me! It's bikini time!! I hope I can shed a ray hope for other survivors. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel. Normal awaits you!!

Tuesday, March 12, 2013

Humph

Surgery #2 is just around the corner and I'm not really looking forward to it.

Yes, it will be nice to have it behind me. And yes, I am excited to get back to a normal sleep pattern - without sharp pains or pillows all around me to keep me from rolling on my side. And of course, it will be great to get rid of the rocks and replace them with what my kids call, "squishy boobies."

But surgery...again...ugh!

I've been praying and my nerves are fine. I'm just not looking forward to going through this process again. I'm hopeful for a speedy recovery and THANKFUL that the worst is behind me.