It has been exactly 12 weeks since I woke up from a successful double mastectomy and reconstruction surgery. This past Sunday morning, I was leading a song with the children that ended with the phrase, “As long as I’m alive, I’ll glorify God’s holy name!” It was such fun to rejoice and sing and celebrate together on Palm Sunday, thankful to be alive and singing in church.

I would not describe myself as being back to 100% quite yet, but I am oh-so-much better than 12 weeks ago. The infection I experienced at the six-week mark left a hole in my front right hip area which is still an open wound taking its sweet time to heal. I am hopeful that by the end of April it will not require Todd’s gentle care twice a day, packing it with gauze and saline.

Physical therapy is going very well. My arms and shoulders are almost back to full flexibility! It was great to be able to wave my palm branch over my head along with everyone else during worship. Since I have now passed that 12-week mark, I am allowed to have more targeted work towards my abdomen. I had a hernia repaired alongside my reconstruction surgery, so my gut seems to be progressing much slower than my chest area. I am grateful to be off all pain medication, but I am limited each day in my movements because my gut still lets me know when I need to rest.

I am back to work full-time—just in time, says Todd, because Holy Week is upon us! We have a busy work week but glad to be celebrating in-person with the choir and the orchestra and so many others at church. I’m also grateful to have energy to spare so that I can be a productive member of my family in the evenings. As the sun shines more, my attitude is brighter and I’m able to think creatively and laugh more often. What a difference three months makes!