New Boob Time!

Wow, I can't believe I haven't updated on here since October.  I am now just a few days out from the big reconstruction surgery.  On Tuesday, February 5, I will be getting some nice silicone gel c-cups, with a little fat grafting to help shape things.  (Fat grafting also means my doc will be sucking fat from my belly - woohoo!)  I don't look forward to being physically limited again, but I am ready to be done with this.  There is a good chance I will need additional surgery down the road to fine-tune the end product.  But that should be a more minor procedure with a faster recovery.  The estimate for recovery this time is anywhere from 3 to 6 weeks.  Nice big range, but I think my doc may be hedging her bets because I have a reputation for complications.  After surgery, I am not supposed to lift more than about 5 lbs  or to lift my arms over my head.  The practical implication is that I can't be left alone during that time period with my youngest, and most tantrum-prone child - yikes. He is too strong and his tantrums are too unpredictable and physical to manage under those circumstances.  That and not being about to run or bike will be the tough parts for the recovery.  

I am really looking forward to having this behind me.  I have some anxiety related to the surgery - but it's more anxiety over trying to get my house clean and organized before I'm out of commission.  I still have tremendous confidence in my plastic surgeon!

As a general update on my long term medications, my aromatase inhibitor, letrozole, has me SORE much of the time.  The muscle and joint soreness from that medication is one of my worst ongoing issues.  Every workout (running, biking, lifting, etc.) results in days of additional stiffness and muscle soreness compared to what I used to experience.  I'll just say that part sucks.  My estrogen-stopping ovary-halting Lupron shots keep me in menopause and therefore keep the hot flashes coming.  They are a pain but I am somewhat accustomed to them now.  Finally, the study drug, abemaciclib (aka Verzenio), requires daily Imodium and was causing extreme fatigue.  Fortunately, the study permits me to stop the drug until things return to normal and then resume at a lower dose - and the lower dose is not any less effective.  I just resumed the drug after a break of a couple of weeks and hope that any fatigue I experience now is purely the fault of my children!  (Or maybe my bedtime iPad habits...)

So, that's that!  My friend Molly resurrected a Meal Train to help us out after my surgery next week, so if you haven't seen that, here it is: https://www.mealtrain.com/trains/olm2z1

Maybe I'll be better about updating when I'm home and medicated during my surgery recovery ;-)