January 14, 2008

Four years ago today I was diagnosed with breast cancer. I am thankful to be alive and well! I am extremely thankful for my friends, family, doctors and all of the people who have supported me along the way. Peace, love and health to you and yours now and in the coming year.

Merry Christmas & Happy New Noobs

I'm very happy with my "noobs". The girls are lookin' good and everything has healed well. The doctor offered to do a minor scar revision and some additional shaping on the right side. It's a new year with a new deductible, so I've just started the process to schedule stage three. It will be a very small surgery and quick recovery compared all of the others.

Almost to Four Years

January 14th is my "cancerversary", the day I was diagnosed back in 2008. The further I get away from that date the better my odds are. I feel great and love the idea of kicking cancer's butt!

Cool Pink Hair

My awesome niece dyed pieces of her hair pink for breast cancer awareness month. She is gorgeous and I love her pink hair!

Shopping

I went to Victoria's Secret and bought two new pretty bras today. For anyone who has had breast cancer and breast surgery, you know what a big deal this was for me!! I haven't even stepped inside VS in four years.

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.