Hello Friends and Family,

Today is January 18th, about two months out from my initial double mastectomy surgery in November. I have sat here and rewritten this post a dozen times trying to type an eloquent story of my journey with cancer, but I will go with simplicity in repeating something I have heard many times: Cancer Sucks.

We have faced some unique challenges throughout this time, but also blessings through family and friends that have shown up when we needed them. Thank you. Also, the doctors and nurses I have interacted with have been amazing.

Though I am two months beyond surgery and more mobile, I am in pain/discomfort most days due to the reconstruction process. I would describe the expanders in my chest as a "necessary evil." Anyone who has experienced them will agree. The good news is, in three weeks, on Feb. 8th, I will be having another surgery to get the expanders out and have implants put in their place. This will help me feel less discomfort and closer to normal physically. Later this summer, I will have my final surgery to finish the reconstruction process.

My journey to normalcy isn't quite over (and normal will look different moving forward), but I am leaning on this fact: I am currently CANCER-FREE!

Tracy.