Beautiful World

I did not realize that it has been over a week since I've posted.  I have been trying to write this post for a few days, but have been too busy.  I'll take that as a good sign that I am better.  Tomorrow will be 5 weeks since my surgery and I feel like I have come so far.  There are even times that I forget what's happened.  I have been feeling pretty good.  Last week, I was able to go around town doing my usual activities and errands.  But, at the end of the day, I got pooped out and had to rest.  Now, my energy level is even better than that.  I am taking Motrin a few times a day, still feeling a little sore around the edge of the expanders, but not too bad.  And I am gaining strength every day.  All good things.

After I had the first fill of the expanders, that was a two day setback where it really hurt and I was back to narcotics and bed.  But only two days, and not too bad.  Next fill is planned for a week from Thursday.  It should be this week, but I was worried about not feeling good at work and with all of the back to school activities.  I am starting back to work on Wednesday and excited to return to my regular routine.  I think it will feel good to get out of the house and feel productive again.  Let's see if I can slow it all down a bit and not over schedule myself and the kids.

David and I decided last minute to go to Longboat Key with the kids and my parents.  We arrived Thursday night and will be here until tomorrow.  It has been so nice to get away.  The beach is so beautiful here.  Friday late afternoon, David and I were on the beach, watching the kids play in the surf on their boogie boards, drinking a beer at dusk, enjoying the breeze.  I was thinking at that moment that was the best I have felt and the most fun I have had all summer.  In fact, it was more beautiful at that moment than I have ever experienced there.  And we have been to that spot on the beach many times before.  I think the silver lining in all of this is that bad times make the good times feel even better.  It really is a beautiful world.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_zTF9WSQ8d8

Just Like Heaven

Had to add one more picture of K and G.  And one more of our favorite songs from college.  They really cheered me up.  We spent some time looking at old pictures from college last night.  Sad that our fashion was so awful when our bodies were at their best!  Oh well.  It really was great to see them.  The kids enjoyed spending time with them as well.  It was like having 3 moms in the house!  Love you guys and miss you already.  The visit was short, but very sweet.

I also saw the plastic surgeon again today for another visit.  She started filling my expanders today.  She put 60cc more in each.  I looked down and wow!  instant boobs!  She said it "might be uncomfortable" which scares me to death now.  I've heard that line before and I think it is code for "this is going to hurt a lot".  But, it really wasn't too bad.  Now, I feel more tightness and pressure.  But, hopefully that will get better in the next few days.  We shall see.  I go back in 2 more weeks for the next fill.  The good thing is that I can stop whenever I am happy with the size.  The next surgery to exchange the expander for the implant is usually 3-6 months after the first surgery.  More fun times ahead.  But, I will try to take one day at a time.

PS late entry 2 hours after above post:  spoke too soon.  Now hurting a lot, but only when I breathe or laugh.  I should have known it would not be that easy.  Hope it is only for a few days.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RS_ux2H473I

Jenny Says

My posts are becoming less frequent.  My mom always tells me that if she doesn't hear from me, she knows that everything is ok.  It's only when I am upset that I call her every day!  So hearing from me less is a good sign.  I am just working on gaining my strength.  And if someone could get the vise off of my chest, that would be awesome.  It is a weird, numb, heavy, squeezing feeling and I am looking forward to being less aware of my chest.  I guess the new normal will happen slowly.  I just need to be patient.  I heard that just when I am starting to feel good, they will start putting fluid in the expanders and ruin me again!  Double B+ might be more reasonable than Double Ds.  Sorry David!

K and G are coming to town tomorrow!! We have been friends for longer than we haven't, and you are the sisters that I never had.  We may not live near each other now but I still feel as close to you as I did when we lived together in college.  I love you both and I love that you are coming to lay your eyes on me in person.  Why are college friendships so special?  It must be that we were so close in a "coming of age" time.  Whatever the reason, I can't wait to see you.

As Fred LeBlanc of Cowboy Mouth screams in Jenny Says, the song for the day: 

Let it go, let it go, let it go
Let it go, let it go, let it go
When the world is coming down on me
I let it go

Check him out in the link below, he is a riot in concert.  I can't wait to be jumping up and down, listening to him with my friends, and letting it GO!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8mm0KFOq9ag

Have A Little Faith In Me

I haven't written in a few days, not because anything is wrong.  Actually, I am doing pretty well.  I do have some good news.  I found out yesterday that the rest of the BRCA gene test is negative.  That is really great news.  I am happy to be able to keep my ovaries and have one less thing to worry about for Jackie and my nieces.  Also saw the breast surgeon yesterday, Dr. Campbell.  She is amazing.  She has written me three letters since my surgery.  They were very heartfelt and each came at exactly the right time.  I have never written any patient a letter, or received a letter like that from any other doctor before.  She is over the top.  She also thinks that I look great!  My incisions are healing well, and she was very happy with my progress.  She has discharged me into the hands of the plastic surgeon to continue with the next steps of reconstruction.


I also had my hair washed and blown out again yesterday.  Even though I think I am ready to take this task back on for myself, AJ (my hairdresser), is NOT ready to discharge me from her care yet!  She wants me to keep coming in for a little while longer until I am stronger.  Thank you AJ!!!  My hair is looking great!  And I hope to be stronger soon.

It is quiet here now that mom is gone, but food and help keep coming in.  It feels like the second shift has taken over.  Thank you to my Krewe for all of the visits, food, rides for me, and rides to and from camp for the kids.   You all are truly the best.

And I want to say a special thank you to David.  The title of this post (and you tube link) is our wedding song.  Thank you for the support, encouragement, love, and for making me laugh everyday.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-RWEseP-ouk

Mama Said

Mom and Dad just left.  I am sad to see them go, but so grateful for their help.  Dad was here to take care of the kids during and after surgery.  Mom has not left my side.  She has been here to take care of my body and soul.  Thank you for taking care of me, for always knowing the right thing to say, and for cutting up my waffles.  I love you both and miss you already. 

 

(On another note: David just noticed that none of my links work. I think they should all work now)

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zGdcOb9Yq2Q

 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GG-iVJpJXkc 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

With A Little Help From My Friends

I am reluctant to single anyone out, because I feel like the most spoiled person on the planet earth right now.  I have been showered with presents, flowers, sweets, favors, treats, messages, love, and food, food, food.  What is it about food?  Feeding me seems to be the popular thing to do.  It does make me feel better.  And I appreciate every act of kindness, truly.  I just want to mention what Christine sent me.  It is a book of smiles and laughter.  She wrote a journal of every memory that she could remember of us.  There were so many funny stories that made me laugh.  She even reminded me that she was there when David and I kissed for the first time, holding both of our hands.  I am pretty sure Susie S was there too.  I decided that laughter really is the best medicine, and exactly what the doctor ordered.  Thank you, my friend.

And thank you to all of my friends, for being there to lean on, and most of all for helping me laugh...a lot...everyday.  I can't wait to dance with you all again very soon.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBDF04fQKtQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRzKUVjHkGk

Better

I am back on track.  Feeling much better again.  I wanted to post something cheerful soon, because I have been receiving messages from worried friends hoping today is better.  It is.

I was looking at these pictures today, they made me laugh.  Check out Jackie's pony tails.  And sorry, Mike, more of David.  But I am usually the one taking the pictures.  Good thing David is cute.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OEocg4EU_dc