Good evening friends. I'm 2 weeks post op so I thought I would stop by and do some sharing.

Let's start by summing up what I learned in 2016 in one sentence.

 

 

 Yes, the year that gave me back some girl parts and some extra ink also gave me more scars, bruises, pain and physical challenges than any other time during my journey. When I think back to my pre-cancer self, I'm pretty sure that I thought that the reconstruction phase would be easy. It sounds so much milder than a bilateral mastectomy. My post cancer self even feels a little funny talking about how difficult it has been because, unless you've been through it, you just can't grasp it. I don't like to complain, as I've said a million times, and  I don't post when all I have on my mind is complaining...note that there have been far fewer posts during recovery this year than during  treatment year. That says a lot.

I'm hoping that I'm done. I guess it depends on how things turn out once I've healed completely. Believe it or not the bruises are still lingering. They have faded a lot but they are still there. Swelling is still an issue. My surgeon told me that things should be much closer to normal in another month. Some of the articles I've read say that some of the issues can linger for multiple months. The worst is over and I'm hoping I've had the last procedure - at least for a while - I'll let you know if additional adjustments are needed.

 

So let's look forward to 2017. It's going to be another rebuilding year...just not surgical rebuilding. It's time to do a repeat of 2015! Due to physical limitations, I've not been able to do my preferred exercise. I'm hoping that I'm healed enough and strong enough to get back it very soon. For now, I shall walk but I'm planning out my goals for the rest of the year. Food, exercise, stress reduction...all that stuff. I'll blog about it all again since it's a great way to keep myself on track.

I'm thrilled to a few days away from my 45th birthday. Birthdays are much more fun when you treat them like the blessings they are. :-)

 

Happy New Year everyone! I look forward to many non-surgery, non-cancer posts this year.  :-)

 

Love to all,

Andee