1 year
365 days
8760 hours
525,600 minutes
No matter now you calculate it, it's still momentous. I was diagnosed one year ago. It’s so hard to believe a year has gone by. So much has happened since my last entry, and for anyone keeping up I am sorry it’s been so long. Let me get started…
12 weeks—it took a very long time to recover from surgery. I couldn’t walk upright for a couple weeks. I couldn’t even walk around the kitchen, to dining room and back too many times without getting exhausted. As of my last update, it took about 3-4 weeks to walk upright. I was able to drive at about 5 weeks. In fact, my very first trip to MI was filled with lots of love from my MI family. My dad had a sign and balloons made for my MI return while everyone clapped and cheered for my entrance. It was so nice to see everyone. Since then, it took another 6 weeks to really be recovered! It was so hard watching everyone swim this summer; literally broke my heart. But my body is ready to go for 2023!
What else…tattoos. October 13th I got 3D nipple tattoos. During the double mastectomy you have two options keep the nipple or lose it. I chose to not keep them for a couple reasons. 1. I have seen amazing 3D tattoos. 2. The part of the surgery to keep them is a bit complicated. 3. Many times you end of losing them anyways because regardless they have to get reattached during surgery and sometimes they do not take. I did not want to risk having more complications because my luck that’s exactly what would happen. After my clot & allergic reaction, I’ve been very cautious about my decisions.
The next step is the fun tattoo. I am hoping to get some scar coverup for both my breasts and abdomen. I have a place I want to go but I need to have the consultation first. I just haven’t gone in to talk about it yet. Any suggestions? I am thinking water for my stomach. I had my first tattoo as a fish on my hip, but it was cut off with the surgery, so I am thinking of replacing the fish with something similar. And something floral for my chest. Both with a watercolor technique. It’s so hard to believe my journey is almost over.
Next steps are every 6 months I get scans until the 5 year mark. Plus I will start fertility treatments to ensure best outcome for my eggs. The eggs will get tested too to ensure they do not have the BRCA 1 gene. Only those that are healthy without the gene get frozen.
AND last but not least, I am getting my first hair cut on Thursday!! LOL. My hair is coming in way curlier than what it was before. It was always wavy, but now there are CURLS. I need my girl to make sure this mop lays nicely as it’s growing in.
As my journey comes to an end, I want to thank all my friends and family out there. Your support is greatly appreciated and has helped me during my battle. You will never know how much you have truly meant to me during my time of need. BUT please know I am so grateful for you. Talk to y’all soon!! XO
