I wonder if the Canadians have a boob up on us? In Canada, after a woman has a mastectomy, they undergo treatment(chemo, radiation, etc). Once they are completed, women then go back in to have expanders put in their chest to stretch the muscle tissue. Once they are to the size they want, the expanders are removed and the implants are put in.
Canadian women have time to adjust to being "flat" chested. They have time to heal. Heal both physically and even emotionally. I wonder now if waiting is better. The body needs to heal. Tissue needs to regrow, regenerate. Emotionally a woman needs to accept her new body. Yes, the thought of "perky" crosses our minds, but have we really accepted our loss in such a short time between mastectomy and new boobs?
Cancer is battle. Get it done, get me through this, get me well. Make me look like a woman again!
Why am I writing this almost two years later? Understanding what I know now after two additional surgeries. Finding out a good friend is having the same problems I had after her implants were placed. Telling her that I know it is not easy. Crying because I know the pain and anguish she is facing. Wanting to get back to life without having to worry about another surgery. To look in the mirror naked without shaking our heads. Just make me whole again! I am not sure when the emotional turmoil goes away.
So does it matter? Before or after? I guess this is the question. Who ever thought a piece of plastic filled with fluid could cause distress? I would love to meet a few more Canadians. Maybe they have the answer to the questions.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Long time
Guilty as charged. It has been a long time since I have updated this space. School is almost out of session, Rich is healing from his surgery(info to follow) and I have survived another visit to the oncologist.
Rich had another bought of diverticulitus, so they removed 8 inches of his intestine on April 30th. A few pounds lighter and a little less time for digestion:) He is healing well and will be returning to work next week.
We had a great visit with my father and stepmom this past weekend. There are so many wonderful places I would love to take them, but as I get older, it is great just to spend quality downtime with them. Maia and my niece and nephew really enjoy the time spent with them. It is the little things and the time together that mean the most.
My oncologist appointment went well. Normal routine of questions and bloodwork. So far no signs of reoccurance and I want to keep it that way.
I am looking forward to the end of June when friends return from Indonesia. Even though we skype, nothing beats a "good friend and a glass of wine"! Can't wait!
Fundraising for the 3 Day has begun. Walmart tables, fundraising events and training walks are scheduled. November will be here before we know it. More names to carry with me, will it ever end? More on the next blog.
Rich had another bought of diverticulitus, so they removed 8 inches of his intestine on April 30th. A few pounds lighter and a little less time for digestion:) He is healing well and will be returning to work next week.
We had a great visit with my father and stepmom this past weekend. There are so many wonderful places I would love to take them, but as I get older, it is great just to spend quality downtime with them. Maia and my niece and nephew really enjoy the time spent with them. It is the little things and the time together that mean the most.
My oncologist appointment went well. Normal routine of questions and bloodwork. So far no signs of reoccurance and I want to keep it that way.
I am looking forward to the end of June when friends return from Indonesia. Even though we skype, nothing beats a "good friend and a glass of wine"! Can't wait!
Fundraising for the 3 Day has begun. Walmart tables, fundraising events and training walks are scheduled. November will be here before we know it. More names to carry with me, will it ever end? More on the next blog.
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