One Step Forward A Couple Back

I went to the Plastic Surgeon on Monday bright and early. My drains had been draining still 2 of them up to 25 cc a day the other two maybe only 10 cc a day. I thought he would take out a couple but he took out all four! I was really scared that it was going to hurt as they had been in for 10 days! My mom went with me and when he went to take it out I had her hold my hand. The first two on the left came out no problem, I didn't even feel it so that was good. Then onto the right side. When he started pulling it out my mom said "I saw that!" It was so funny because she just came out and said it like a kid. So the drains are all the way to the center of your chest, yikes I did not know that! So she saw it snake under my skin, crazy right! So in addition to removing the drains he took off the steri strips and did not like what he saw. The left incision was not healing like he wanted.... ugh. He is still going to watch the bruised area as well and was pretty positive about that so I was so very glad for that. So now I am doing dressing changes to the left side and started on antibiotics. He said this will push my progress out by 2 weeks. I have to take it really easy for at least the next couple of weeks, no lifting, no having arms above 90 degrees and no exercises! The best news of the visit.... I can SHOWER with out a black garbage bag!

I just never thought this would be such a process. So we won't be able to begin inflating the expander's at least until mid March and probably won't have the next surgery to take the expander's out and permanent implants in until July or August. So a lesson in patience, that is what I am getting now.

My goal is still to do the Dash for the Diva's Triathlon! So here is a cool story to tell that made my day this weekend! I wrote in my blog about the package my cousin and his wife Kristen sent me and it included a catalog called Athleta to encourage me to get ready for my next race. Well the gals at Athleta have the word Athleta on their google search and it came up with my blog. They were so touched by my story that Kelly the VP of merchandising and product and development for Athleta sent me an email telling me about how they got to my blog, that they were inspired and added me to their prayers! They want to send me a gift certificate so I can get something from the catalog. How cool is that! So check out Athleta if you get a chance, they have beautiful work out and regular clothes. (yoga, golf, skiing, swimming, running)

I know many folks have forwarded my blog to others. My hope is that I can help women and families get through this challenging time! I hope that my stories will make it less "unknown" as the lititure really speaks to the technical side but not much about the every day side. That being said it sure is an adjustment for children and husbands. For me, I did not want force my cancer on the kids or Kevin. I thought in their own time they would ask questions ect. I didn't want to freak Kevin out and "make" him look at me at this stage. I was so good with whatever he wanted to do, see it now or not. Nothing can prepare you for how the emotional side of breast cancer works. I truly believe your attitude as the person with the cancer is key! I won't say that I am "putting on" a front with my family, I am honest with them about my feelings but I do not want to become this diagnosis. I still want to be mom, wife, and daughter. I pray for GRACE! That is the only way I think all of this works. But again, patience. In every one's own time things will come together and life will settle down to the way it was, or somewhat close to what it was. When I first came home from the hospital I just did not think life would EVER get back to some sense of normal but in time the Lord works it all out.

So I will leave you with a verse. I will also say my dad always told me never pray for patience because the Lord will provide you with activities that help you learn to be patient.

Romans 12:12
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer.

Until next time!
With Much Love,
Debbie