Stage 2 Update

Stage 2 surgery went well. It took about 4-1/2 hours. I'm sore, especially after I get up and move around, but overall I'm doing great. I'm quite swollen, so it will be nice to see what the results look like after the swelling goes down. I've been resting well. I was discharged from the hospital yesterday and am now all settled in at the Hope Lodge. I just had a bite to eat and coffee, now it's time for a nap and then a walk outside this afternoon.

T'was the Night Before Stage II Surgery

Stage two surgery is tomorrow morning and oh what a day it has been in New Orleans. Mom and I got up early and went out for breakfast on Magazine Street (an artsy Fremont-type area) at an outdoor cafe. Every meal here seems to come with sides and grits. Big food and too much of it, but so good. We went to the WWII museum, saw some very interesting memorabilia and had some proud moments explaining that grandpa is a WWII veteran. Then, we came back to the Hope Lodge to re-group and get ready for my pre-op appointments. Found out at the last minute that the pre-op appointments had been re-scheduled for morning. We made the most of the mix-up and headed back out to the French Quarter for some sight seeing. We walked through the French market and visited the oldest above ground cemetery in the area. Finished up the evening with a very nice big pre-surgery Bombay Sapphire martini and incredible Cajun/creole dinner at Jacques-Imo's. I had blackened red fish with mashed sweet potatoes and collard greens. Mom had crab-stuffed catfish with jalapeño cornbread and red beans & rice. Yummy! Nothing to eat or drink after 9 p.m., so this was the last supper and a delicious one at that. We are now back in the room, ready for an early bedtime and just about to watch a movie (Bridesmaids, it is supposed to be hilarious). Surgery check in is at 6 a.m. I am anxious, but ready to have all of this behind me. L(.)(.)king forward to the results and fine-tuning. All is well at home with Austin and the kids. Thank you all for your love, support and prayers.

Pre-Surgery Routine

Pre-surgery pedicure. Check. Now I just have to pack and I'm ready to roll. This will be surgery number six for me since being diagnosed in January 2008. I will be updating my blog from New Orleans after surgery.

Seattle 3 Day 2011

Dena & Dacca = Team Double D. Friends before breast cancer and now survivor sisters. We were diagnosed only four months apart. Between the two of us we've had 54 chemo treatments, 10 rounds of radiation and 11 surgeries. At this point we are both cancer free. This past weekend we walked 60 miles in 3 days for Komen. Just Cure It!!

Thank you to all of the friends, family and YSC Sisters who were out there with us walking and cheering us on. You guys are awesome!!

Next Surgery Scheduled

I will be returning to New Orleans for stage two of my reconstruction. The next surgery is scheduled for October 7, 2011.

The 3-Day Round Two

I will be walking in the Komen 3-Day for the Cure (60 miles in 3 days) again this year. The walk is the weekend of September 16th. It was such a powerful experience for me last year and I'm really looking forward to walking again, this year with the other half of Team Double D - my survivor friend, Dacca. The training walks have started, slow but steady. Go Team Double D.

The Noobs

Here is a self portrait of my Noobs (New Boobs). Surgery was three weeks ago. I am doing great! I couldn't be happier. I'm walking more each day, resting when needed and healing nicely.