I've had a successful breast reconstruction surgery! Everyone kept telling me this was going to be a much easier surgery to recover from than my mastectomy and I instinctively knew that, but still was concerned I'd have a heck of a recovery after coming off chemo. I was very happily surprised to have very minimal to no pain post-op. Dr. Eagan and his amazing team did such a great job and recovery has been a breeze and by far the easiest surgery I've had so far!

Since my surgery, I've tacked on two more doctors - dermatologist and orthopedic physician. Right towards the end of chemo, I developed a sebaceous cyst on my back that needed to be removed - had that done last Thursday and have stitches until next Thursday. I also met with an orthopedic doctor after developing shoulder pain and discomfort. Had an MRI last week and I've got osteoarthritis and bursitis in my shoulder, but apparently neither are causing my shoulder issues🙃, could be from my tissue expanders or who knows what, but he gave me what I guess was a cortisone shot? He just said injection and I went with it. Hoping that continued OT helps, but my OT Emily was glad he gave me the "injection".

Also since surgery, I've had a follow-up with my colorectal surgeon and he wants to wait until I'm done with radiation before scheduling me for my fistula surgery, so looking at July-ish time. He also wants an MRI to get a better look at the abscess and any other possible issues.  After my fistula repair, we can talk about my ileostomy reversal, but that will be another 10-12 weeks, so October or later is what I'm expecting. 

I had my radiation simulation this past week and got my first tattoos (just dots of ink on my skin). This was to make sure my heart moves where it's supposed to, they have all the exact markings, etc before I start actual radiation. I should know my schedule by next week, but anticipating radiation to begin end of next week or the following week. It will be daily, M-F for 5-6 weeks. Radiation will also be cumulative like chemo. Will be pretty easy in the beginning, but the burns to my skin, fatigue, etc will build up closer to the end and after as well, I'm just hoping this is the easier part of treatment🤞🏻🤞🏻🤞🏻

Today is my 20th anniversary in telecom (split amongst Sprint, Ericsson, and T-Mobile). I am so grateful for an amazing career and an opportunity to work for all 3 companies, especially this past year. I have enjoyed my telecom career and its challenges, but forever grateful for the flexibility and the benefits my company provides me.  I've calculated the astronomical medical bills I've had since being diagnosed and though our nation's healthcare has infinite improvements to make, I'm so thankful for the benefit of a great insurance. They have approved everything and made one thing of this journey so much easier to bear, when I know so many are burdened not just with this horrible disease, but an awful financial burden as well. Like it isn't already devastating enough that we are diagnosed with a life threatening disease, but that we also have to pay for it.  I pray this hard road allows me to continue with a great career💗

Thank you to everyone for your continued support. It's been one heck of a journey and the continued support keeps me going!