Radiation started this week.  Relatively uneventful but I started out pretty tired. I was hoping for a better rebound before starting, but alas, my body still wants a lot of sleep. Although I have wondered if my recent sleepiness is more mental than physical. Lots of thinks wearing on me - the news, politics, and starting summer unable to do the same level of biking, running and swimming with the kids that I would usually do. [...]

(1) So far so good. Getting my new tissue expander filled again today and going for my radiation simulation scan on Tuesday. That’s the CT scan that will aid the doc in planning my radiation zaps. Hoping I’ll be able to start radiation on the 25th, which still keeps me on track to finish my 5 weeks before August. [...]

Let’s get you up to speed. I managed to get my drain out the day before I flew to Ohio.  The boys and I flew on a shockingly small plane, the boys were well behaved on the trip and, as hoped, it required very minimal exertion from me. It was glorious to see my family and was a time of year when everything is bright green and flowers are blooming everywhere. I hugged a lot of people I needed to be hugging ❤️  However, it was strange to have so little energy. Usually on summer trips, I’ll run in the mornings, go to antique stores or flea markets with my dad, run around with kids outside, take kids for ice cream and more. But instead, I did one of those things each day and then needed a good long nap. [...]

I am 9 days out from surgery and desperately wanting my drain out.  I had an appointment for this afternoon with the hopes of getting it removed then, but the drainage isn’t low enough yet. I’ve rescheduled for tomorrow. 🤞😭[...]

Let the weekend recovery commence. #parentinghangover #offtoschool #coffee #morecoffee #peaceandquiet #chaos #smallhouse #onebathroom #3boys #legoseverywhere #magnatileseverywhere #siblingfights #earlyrisers #notfair #hegetseverything #youdontlikeme #youremean #no #canihavecandy #spilledmilk #canihaveipadtime #caniplayxbox #happymothersday #mom #mom #mom #mom #mom #mom #mom #mom #stewiegriffinismyson[...]

Just hanging around enjoying the quiet in the hospital this morning, and waiting to be discharged - hopefully around lunchtime or soon after.  All went smoothly.  It was tough for me to know what to expect since this procedure was not typical.  I knew it should be less painful and an easier recovery than the mastectomy, but as of my pre-op appointment there was still a question about what kind of incision would be needed.  Fortunately, they did not have to re-open the larger incision under the breast and were able to replace my expander using the same incision that was needed to remove the nipple.  Still not comfortable, but not terribly large, only one drain, and I think my right arm will not be as restricted.  Of course, pain meds are probably helping me feel like I can do more than should...[...]

Surgery has been moved up to Tuesday!  But first, we will be offline for a rainy weekend in Shenandoah, starting in 3-2-1....[...]

I don’t have a lot to update you on, which is a wonderful thing. Trying to get my life in order as much as possible before surgery next week (May 9) - cleaning and organizing at home primarily.  Planning on going to the office this week too!  And enjoying slow but steady improvement since the last chemo treatment. I even have some soft fuzz growing on my head!  [...]

Despite beginning to rebound from chemo, I haven’t been posting much. I find it difficult to type on a computer thanks to the peripheral neuropathy and my fingernails being taped up to keep them from completely falling off. Plus my ordinarily scattered mind is extra distracted, making a coherent composition challenging. Therefore, this will be another post typed with one partially numb thumb on my phone. [...]

Mid-infusion right now. Which means mid-Benadryl blur. So all I have to say is I’M ALMOST DONE WITH THIS STAGE OF TREATMENT!!!’

Next up:  Surgery on May 9th to replace temporary expander that was removed in December due to infection. Then, as soon as sufficiently healed, I will start my 6 weeks of radiation. Hoping and praying to be done with that by August. Finally, 6 months later I will have my final reconstruction surgery. Many steps to go, but maybe the worst one will be done today (with the side effects the worst this week and fading away over the next few weeks hopefully). [...]