Yesterday I visited my dad at the cemetery (photo attached) to talk through my shift from chemo to surgery and the path we are taking for reconstruction. It felt so good to "talk" to him and the sky was absolutely gorgeous. I know he's looking down on me through all of this. 

Pre-op appointments started last week with the reconstruction team. I am in the small 10% of women who are a candidate for direct-to-implant. If all goes as planned, that means only ONE surgery! Cross your fingers, manifest good vibes, and send your prayers up! But even with one surgery, it will not be easy. It will entail a minimum of two weeks with drains in and a minimum of 6 weeks with extreme restrictions. I literally cannot cook, clean, make the bed, etc. I am not sure how my OCD will handle that...Godspeed Christopher. 

This morning I got my post-chemo labs drawn and my immune system is back baby! My blood cell counts and hemoglobin are all in normal ranges. I also got 100% on the anesthesia pre-op evaluation so we are good there. Them in my third appointment of the day, I met with my surgical oncologist (this is the surgeon who does the double mastectomy portion of the surgery and removes the breast tissue). She confirmed that my tumor is still not palpable and that my lymph nodes feel normal. MRI confirmed this as well and, while we cannot guarantee anything until she gets in there, all signs are pointing to a positive surgery outcome. She told me this is "an amazing response to chemotherapy." 

For the next two weeks, I plan to get projects done around the house, move my body like crazy, get a head start on Christmas shopping, hold all my kids tight, and celebrate Dante's birthday and Halloween! 

Surgery is November 4th. I'll update you all afterwards. XOXO