Recovery

DISCLAIMER: I am talking a little more candidly about the reconstruction surgery. Use caution if you don't want to hear about the details!













Ouch! That's my saying this go around.



First, I want to thank everyone for their prayers, well wishes, good karma, etc. It is definitely being felt here. We all appreciate it.

I had my first reconstruction surgery last Tuesday. This one was the DIEP flap procedure that takes tissue from my stomach and is used to rebuild the left breast. The stomach is then closed similar to that of a tummy tuck. My plastic surgeon is one of the best in Houston and really knows his thing so everything is going to look great once I'm all healed. Right now though, not so much.

I have a huge incision from hip bone to hip bone. It's supposed to heal and fade in the next 9-12 months, but it'll always be there. I'll have another surgery in a few months to finish the reconstruction. I'll have an implant on the right breast and my surgeon will make everything even and symmetrical.

To be honest, I hate how I look right now, but I know as everything heals, it'll look better. No one said fighting cancer looks good. But, the happy news is that we are near the end. For me, surgery is the end of the road. I should be done this spring. Starting Feb. 1, I do start taking the maintenance drug, Tamoxifen. This is a pill I'll take daily for 5 years. Tamoxifen helps prevent estrogen from binding to cells which should prevent the return of cancer. I just hope I can remember to take it every day. That's not one of my strong points.

Again, Jason and I want to thank everyone for their concern for our family and all the prayers. Though we are far away from most of you, we feel your presence and love.

Happy New Year!

I hope you enjoy this little look back on 2009. It was a rough year for many, but there were some good times as well. Happy New Year!