I know it's been a while since I've posted an update so I have a lot to tell you. For some reason, I feel more vulnerable sharing my experience as time goes on but since you've been so supportive, I want to keep you in the loop even if it's uncomfortable.

 

I'm very excited to say, I have a surgery date for phase 1 of my breast reconstruction! I’m doing a DIEP flap, which is essentially a tummy tuck where they use the fat to reconstruct my breast naturally. I’ll be in the hospital for at least 3 nights and recovery is 8 weeks or so, starting with a walker. It's been rescheduled a few times but it looks like it's finally happening April 17th, just shy of my 1-year mastectomy anniversary. Assuming all goes smoothly with the transfer, I'll need another revision surgery and fat grafting to smooth things out; hopefully phase 2 will happen sometime this Summer or Fall.

 

I've also started a couple of new medications that I've been adjusting to. One is an infusion to help with my osteopenia and also prevent relapse in my bones. Being hooked up to the beeping machines and back in the same room where I received chemo is always super triggering so I'm glad I only have to do it every 6 months. Otherwise, the nurses have been pretty accommodating and usually take me to an exam room for my monthly hormone suppression injections so I'm very grateful for that too. The other meds are for my mental health because my mind has become a dark, scary place these days. Depression and anxiety usually accompany a cancer diagnosis but the toxicity of chemo really messes with your brain too so I finally asked for some help. So far, it's turning down the noise a little and we'll reassess soon.