CT SCAN = GOOD NEWS!!!

 I had a nodule in my lung from awhile back that they wanted to recheck and measure.  I was nervous the whole week and wondered where my peace had gone to.  When I originally learned of my cancer  I was so calm and now I wasn't.  But to think of all the trials and garbage that Brad and I have had to deal with in the last few years has been great and I am understandably nervous.  My goodness, there are no guarantees, are there?  Which is why when I got the news that no sign of growth had occurred I praised Father in Heaven and screamed. Yes.  God is good.  I am grateful for my support at home, work and church and really lean on these people for strength!  I am cancer free!!  Never again!!

soreness led to a CTSCAN.

My check up with Dr. Stertz went well, only I told her of pain I was having where my heart was. I was feeling like I might have a heart attach?!  I thought maybe it was just the nerves coming together and of course that is what it ended up being.  She ordered a CT scan and no cancer was found!  I'm OK!

post op appointments and tattooing!!

Lots of appointments after the reconstruction so I try to take a selfie at each one.  

This is the bra that Dr. Kolb has instructed me to wear for awhile.  It kind of molds the breasts. Not comfortable!

Wore it for several months and now it is time to toss it in the trash!! I did it right then and there at the doc office.  Moving forward!!

Took myself to my nipple reconstruction surgery.  I had to stand in front of a mirror prior to the surgery and eyeball where I wanted my nipples to be placed!  A little nerve racking!! The surgery took about 2 hours and off I went with new nipples.  

My first work out in years and it felt good!   But I haven't been back...what is wrong with me?

Time for my nipple tattoos!   Here is the gun and ink...crazy.

And away we go!!!!!

Selfie

I've been through a lot this last year so I decided to repost a new selfie of me on social media.  It's a new year and it's time to soar!!!  I took a ton of photos and this is the best I could do.

PHASE 2

The next few weeks will involve lots of check ups to see if I am ready for my reconstructive surgery.  Everything looked great so surgery was scheduled and done.

You have lots of appointments before the surgery.  I had 2 in one day...#3 was the reconstructive surgery.  It was a rough one as I woke up that morning with a headache and it never went away until after I went home.  Outpatient surgery too...ugh!  But all went well and I felt pretty good!  No more expanders!!!!  

 Bradley was with me on this day.  Emily was on a mission, Joe was at BYUI and Sam stayed behind to help Grandma Jean with my kids.

This is the bra they sent me home with which is supposed to shape the breast better.  I have to wear it for 4 weeks.  Maybe longer.  

Hysterectomy

 Feeling great pre surgery!  I had most of my family there (Sam had to stay at school).  Ready to go!!! 

Post surgery is a different story. It was an outpatient procedure so they waited for the anesthesia to wear off before they sent me home.  From the looks of this photo, it hadn't worn off yet!! 

bills and boob fills

This is a weekly occurrence in our mailbox. Bills, bills, bills...

 This is my pre op appointment where I learned that I have shingles.  It is on my pelvic area, just the left side and a little around my back.  I thought I was having a reaction to essential oils?!  I was so nervous about getting the go ahead for my hysterectomy but I guess everything is fine and the surgery stays scheduled!  Phew!

 My last fill up was today and I think it looks pretty good.  Now we sit and wait for 8 more weeks until I can get these blasted plastic expanders removed.  They are so uncomfortable.