Happy spring everyone - 

It was one year ago today that I got the call that I once again had breast cancer, and this journey I'm still on today began. This seems like a good time to share an update with all of you.

When I got that call last April I thought, "There goes my 2023". What I did not anticipate was how much of 2024 would be spent dealing with the impact of treatment and surgeries. 

On April 3 I finally had reconstruction surgery for the left breast that was removed in May 2023. My temporary expander was removed, and a silicone implant was placed. This recovery has been the easiest of all of my surgeries. I'm tired and resting, but there was just discomfort and no pain. I will be off work for 3 weeks, and I'm using this time to make sure I really recover. The photos are of me a few days post surgery, and our cat Dempsey who is keeping a close eye on me. When I was having chemo dear friends gifted me with the bird feeder. Just in time for being at home this month the birds have finally discovered the feeder and I've been enjoying watching them while I lounge.

Although I finished chemo in September, "chemo fatigue" has continued to plague me 7 months out. It's been frustrating, but I'm hoping that the nice, long rest I'm getting this month following surgery may help me finally get on top of it.

What's next? I'm on a wait list (estimated to be 6-12 months) for a surgery to remove and reconstruct my right breast. Due to having radiation on my right breast in 2021 this reconstruction will be a bit more complicated and a longer process. I will post an update once I find out when my surgery is.

There is nothing like cancer to remind you we should make the most of the time we have. For me, travel and exploration with friends and family is my passion, and in spite of still dealing with these ongoing issues, I'm excited to have some adventures ahead. In May I will be going to the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival with my college bestie Julie, followed by my beloved BottleRock Festival with friends from here and far away.  During COVID, my sons and I started day-dreaming about a big international trip. This year it's finally happening as we head to Japan in October for two weeks in Tokyo and the surrounding areas.

In spite of this journey taking longer than expected, I take a moment each day to be grateful that my cancer was caught early, and I have excellent health care to help keep me cancer-free. I am so grateful for the many ways all of you have supported me through this shit show, and feel very lucky to have such an amazing tribe.

- Seana