Monday, November 25, 2013

The Last Leg of my Race


 



 


I am preparing for my last hurdle in this race.  On Wednesday, November 27th, I will go through my last surgery to finish up my reconstruction.  It's no where near as serious as my mastectomy, but for some reason, I'm much more nervous for this one.  When you go into something, you're not really sure about it because you have never experienced it before, you have the gift of the unknown....I'm learning that I really liked that with the 1st surgery .  Now with my reconstruction, I feel like I have done this before, but I haven't.  The knowledge of experience can taint your trust and confidence.  However,   Dr. Boustred is convinced I'm some miracle patient.  He continuously tells me that I healed so well and quickly with my mastectomy that this would be nothing, compared to my first surgery.  I am taking his word for it....and hoping for the very best.  If you have a moment to send me positive thoughts and prayers, I will take them.  The power of your continued support has certainly made this journey an inspirational path for me to learn about my strength and ability to pull through tough experiences.  I couldn't do it without the continued support of my family members and friends...all of them.  My parents are coming down to be here with our kids and my little sister is coming down as well.  I am so excited to see them.  My husband thought it was pretty brilliant to plan my surgery the day before Thanksgiving to get me out of cooking.  Great plan, except that I love my staple side dishes for Thanksgiving....what better than to have my family here to help prep them while I rest.  

Filling out paperwork at my pre-op appt!

Speaking of my favorite side items....well, it just so happens that two of them come from another sweet lady that inspires me day in and day out....and on Saturday mornings on the Food Network...I like to call her P-dub...also known as Ree Drummond, the Pioneer Woman.  I LOVE her in all caps!  Her recipes are to die fer..yes to die fer!  I am requesting her creamy mashed potatoes and caramel apple pie...I'll probably make the pie on Tuesday to keep my nerves in check...baking therapy goes a long way for me.  Speaking of my inspiration....I got to meet her....which means that bald pictures were in order...she is every bit as amazing as she comes off on TV and on her blog.  My loving friend, Stacie was a total trooper and joined me for the 4 hour wait to see P-dub.  It was totally worth every minute....in my world.  Thanks Stace for showing me the love that night.  I thoroughly enjoyed some Stacie time to catch up and giggle a bit.  

 

 I also wanted to give a shout out to my beloved "Papa".  I love this man.  He has been pure goodness to me since the very first day I met him.  I miss my grandparents so much, but having Papa here to visit with fills my heart.  Since my first diagnosis, Papa has been treating me to gallons of his homemade ice cream that is a dream in a bucket.  As soon as I run out, he comes right back and brings me another gallon to keep my weight in check during chemo.  I managed to get another picture with a person who has touched me and that person is my "Papa".  I love you Papa, and thank you from the bottom of my heart for always being there for Brent and I.  You know, I learned how to idolize you from your grandson.  We think you are the most incredible man.  Yet another bald pic with my inspiration, Papa.  

It's hard to believe that I was diagnosed 7 months ago on April 26th.  Life has continued to stay busy over the past couple of months.  My kids finished up soccer and started right up with basketball.  They continue to improve at every practice and game.  I have watched a number of basketball games in my life with Brent's high school teams and as a cheerleader (yes, I'm still proud of that title, Brent doesn't get it). I can honestly say that the very best games I have ever seen involved watching my kids play while their daddy coaches them.  It's like no other.  

 

 

I'll put up my next post in the next week to show off my new hair growth and well, my new assets.  Ta-tas for now (ha ha!)