Drainless!!

One of my favorite songs of all time is "Shameless" by Garth Brooks.  I found myself singing it in the shower this morning, only instead of using the word "Shameless", I found myself saying, "Drainless".  

You know I'm not a (wo)man who has ever been
Insecure about the world I've been living in
I don't break easy, I have my pride
But if you need to be satisfied

I'm drainless!!, baby I don't have a prayer
Anytime I see you standing there
I go down upon my knees


LOL... well if you're humming the tune now, I've been successful.  In all seriousness, though, it did make me realize that even something as little as an unrestricted shower can be taken for granted, and that is not good!  Being able to fully drench my body without fear of soaking my bandage covering my drain hold was absolutely intoxicating. 

My reconstructive surgery on June 4th went fine.  I wasn't fully mentally prepared as my plastic surgeon had assured me it was "no big deal" and would be quick and painless (as compared to my mastectomy).  Even in our meeting right before the surgery he told me it would be quick (30 minutes or less) and it would only be on the right side.  He would take the skin expander out and put in the implant.  Easy peasy.  Joe and I kissed our goodbye and over 6 hours later, I would wake up in severe pain after a 4 and a half hour surgery wondering what the heck happened!  It turns out that there was a lot more to the surgery than my surgeon had anticipated due to the drainage issues I had been having as well as wanting to make me as symmetrical as possible during this one procedure vs. having me come back later to do that.  The week following the surgery was very dark for me.  The darkest days I can remember in a LONG time.  Thank goodness it only lasted about 4 or 5 days.  The healing process since has been swift and steady and yesterday I had my drain removed... hopefully for good.  One more week of monitoring and I should get the all clear.  Hip Hip Horray!

I mentioned in a previous post that I "missed the window" for chemotherapy and now I have more information on my course of treatment moving forward.  I will be taking a medication called Exemestane for 5 years.  It is used to treat breast cancer in women after the change of life.  Because this drug has proven to be a bit more effective than a more common drug called Tomoxifen (used for pre-menopausal women), and I was close to being menopausal, she opted for the Exemestane.  This means, however, that I also needed to be put into menopause medically, which happens by me taking an injection 1x per month of Zoladex.  In addition, a side effect of Exemestane is that it may cause weak bones, so they prescribe a drug called Zoledronic Acid that is given through an IV once every 6 months to prevent soft or brittle bones.

So, it's a pill every day (Exemestane), a shot every month (Zoladex) and an IV infusion every six months (Zoladex) for five years.  Not too bad.  Seems life is quickly going to be able to "get back to normal".  

Given that news, this is likely my last post.  I so much appreciate the love and support I have received from my husband, my family and my friends.  It has been humbling, heart-warming and sustaining in every way.  A cancer diagnosis has changed me in so many little ways and I am grateful for every one.  It has given me a clarity in perspective and an appreciation for what really matters.  

My journey of renewed self-discovery is just beginning and I know it is going to be a wild ride.  Having to get back to work after my abrupt discharge from my last company at the onset of cancer is my biggest stressor at this point.  I have no idea what I'll end of up doing or how I will make a living, but I do know that whatever it is, I will have YOU in my corner.  Just like I did for this.  And I thank you.  Endlessly.

I finally listened to my Mother and went and had the mammogram.  Take care of you.  Get those tests. Hug the ones a little harder you take for granted.  

Margie