I had my exchange surgery last Wednesday, April 17. It was an outpatient surgery with an arrival time of 6:45 to my plastic surgeon’s office, and I was back home by noon. The surgery involved removing the expanders (filled with saline) from my breasts and putting in permanent silicone implants. My surgery also involved liposuction of some fat from my belly that was added to the upper part of my breast to make a smoother transition from my chest/clavicle area to my breast. I have to wear compression bindings on my chest and stomach for a little while still and have to avoid lifting too much weight (more than 5 lbs) and avoid raising my heart rate much for a little while as well. But, I felt good enough five days after surgery to go back to work. I’m not even needing to take Tylenol anymore but am still trying to get extra rest to continue healing. I am so excited to recognize this should be my last major cancer-related treatment and that when I feel better each day, it will stay better! 

As I reflect on this whole cancer “journey” (I know it's a clichéd metaphor, but you try coming up with something better!), I am, as always, filled with gratitude. I am forever grateful to my support system, especially my amazing husband and sweet children. So many other people have all done more for me than I could’ve expected or even known to ask for. I am grateful for my own health and my body’s strength and ability to make it through all that I’ve put it through. I’ve also learned to treat myself and those around me with more grace and forgiveness.  I’m learning to embrace life’s curveballs and the lessons they bring with them as well.

I’ve also learned the following ways to help the fight against cancer (most of which I have written about in previous posts). I'd like to give you some of my insights of how to fight against cancer beyond ribbons and 5Ks and fundraisers (though all that stuff is helpful), and I hope I don’t come off as preachy:

1. Listen to your body. I am so grateful to have had a complete pathological response to chemo, and that was in large part due to calling my doctor’s office almost immediately after finding the lump that would turn out to be cancer. We were able to treat it before it grew any more. I was still able to continue exercising and working throughout most of my treatments. Did I push myself a little? Yes. But, I made sure to check in with myself often to avoid overdoing it and rested when I knew it's what my body needed.

2. Ask questions and advocate for your own health and the health of your loved ones. My doctors have been amazing listeners and made sure I knew I was in charge of my treatments. I also have an amazingly informed and compassionate partner in Alex. However, not everyone is so lucky. I have talked to women whose concerns were blown off initially and were not diagnosed for months or years after they brought their concerns to their doctors. If you know something is wrong, I hope you will speak up.

3. Enjoy your health and take care of it. Exercise and eat right. Give up any habits that are ultimately bad for you. You know you’ll feel better if you do!

4. Donate blood. And plasma if you can! Also, make sure that you have agreed to be an organ donor and that it is on your driver’s license, your loved ones know those wishes, and it’s written out in a living will.

5. Vote for smart healthcare reform and for people who will promote real healthcare solutions. Anyone can get sick at any time! Thomas Jefferson said that “life” is an inalienable right and I agree. Personally, I think we as a country need universal healthcare. Dealing with insurance companies is ridiculous especially when you are sick, fatigued, and can’t think straight. Having to work even when you’re really not physically able just so you can keep your healthcare is ridiculous (this wasn’t my story—I wanted to work—but I have met other survivors who have dealt with this). Our ability to live should not be dependent on our employers or on for-profit insurance companies. Human life is more valuable than any corporate profits. 

6. Build a community. I have felt beyond supported by my family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, healthcare team, fellow survivors, and people I haven’t even ever met. And to you all, I say thank you yet again for following my story and supporting me every step of the way! I will try to be there to support you if ever you need it. ❤️