Aug 10, 2012 - Day # 3 - It's done

Three days ago I knew this would be hard. I  chose to go for a double mastectomy with delayed reconstruction. That is a radical decision to say the least, and it is certainly a controversial decision for some considering I don't have breast cancer (more on that in future posts), but for us it was absolutely the right decision. However, I was naive. I had no idea how hard the recovery from this procedure would be. There's definitely a mental adjustment I never understood before these last few weeks. In addition, there is a huge physical adjustment to the pain, scars, limitations, and drains. I have a new found appreciation and understanding for the thousands of women who experience this journey. I share this now in real-time so I can advocate for others making this crazy difficult choice in the future. If I can do this, anyone can do this.

Thank you for supporting me in this process. It's going to be a long journey, and I don't know what I am in for yet. I'm on day 3. I'm boob-less. I'm changed. I'm empowered. I'm terrified. Here we go!


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2 comments:

Sally McCollum said...

MaryAnn Stone Sibley Courageous spirit about you! Thank you for sharing and know that Dean and I are praying.
August 10 at 1:19pm · Like

Rebecca Fusco Hey Sweetie, I'm so sorry---I had no idea! I will definitely lift you up in prayer!
August 10 at 1:26pm via mobile · Like

Lauren Briann Cox Wow Sally! I didn't even know! I will begin praying for you now. Love you!
August 10 at 1:30pm · Like

Shearl McCollum Hardison God be with you, my heart is hurting and breaking for you. Sending up more prayers. I'll do anything I can for you.
August 10 at 1:39pm · Like

Christy Evans Thank you for sharing, Sally. I had no idea you were going thru this. You are certainly in my prayers!
August 10 at 1:43pm · Like

Kelly O'Melia Sally, I am so sorry that you're going through such a difficult time. I'm praying that God would reveal Himself to you in a very mighty way, that you would find peace and strength in all of this. I love your courage to share about this difficult journey and know you will be blessed by it.
August 10 at 1:48pm · Like

Rachel Tripp Treichler You are very brave and courageous Sally!! You will get through it! Believe me, if I can, ANYONE can!! Praying for you. You will end up being such a blessing to many in the future as you tell your story. Looking forward to seeing you soon. :)
August 10 at 2:05pm · Like

Sally McCollum said...



JamieBrown Royce Frazee Sally, I am so sorry! You will be in my prayers...you have been through so much. I will pray for comfort & peace of mind.
August 10 at 2:06pm via mobile · Like

Jenny McLamb Sally- we're praying for you as you recover from such an all around crazy difficult surgery! Praying for physical and emotional healing!! Much love from all of us McLambs!!
August 10 at 2:37pm via mobile · Like

Deedee Hughes Kees You are so brave! Praying for your recovery! We love you.
August 10 at 2:45pm · Like

Harriet Albertson Whiteman We will be praying for you.
August 10 at 2:46pm · Like

Marc Clark Sally, you are a true blessing and inspiration to so many! May God bless you and your family during this stressful time, and going forward in your recovery. Praying for healing & comfort that only HE can provide. I love y'all.
August 10 at 3:03pm via mobile · Like

Ansley Austin Suarez Praying for you, Sally!
August 10 at 3:10pm via mobile · Like

David Whiteman Sr. Sally, you are in my thoughts and prayers!
August 10 at 3:15pm · Like

Kristen Wynns when are you up for visitors?
August 10 at 4:06pm via mobile · Like · 1

Clyda Wood Pasquantonio You are a champion, my friend. Continued prayers for strength in your recovery. coterie UP!!
August 10 at 4:12pm via mobile · Like

Cathy Allen Teat Sally, you are in our thoughts and prayers. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
August 10 at 4:42pm · Like

Sally Moore McCollum Thanks so much everyone. Interests in seeing how God is going to use this journey.there must be a purpose cause this is a rough ride these first few days. Pain control. That's the immediate goal. Six weeks and i will be good as new.
August 10 at 4:55pm via mobile · Like

Kathleen Blanton Haynes Wow. Will keep you in my prayers. Very tough decision I'm sure, but so brave!
August 10 at 5:53pm via mobile · Like

Melissa McLean Joyner I am praying for you. Your attitude is a testament to your faith in the Healer. I have no doubt that you are going to come through this as refined silver (Psalm 66:10). I can't wait to hear your testimony. Love you!
August 10 at 6:00pm · Like

Heather Dinklage Sending healing thoughts and prayers your way.
August 10 at 6:57pm · Like

Kimberly Lane Bowers Your faith, courage and attitude is truly amazing !! We will be praying for you.
August 10 at 7:36pm · Like

Amy Ijames Henkel You are a hero Sweet Sally! Petey & I are praying for you!
August 10 at 7:54pm via mobile · Like

Julie Anderson Rose I'm sorry, and I'll be praying! I'm sure God will use this for His glory!
August 10 at 8:15pm via mobile · Like

Sharon Waicus Will be praying for you
August 10 at 10:11pm · Like

Kimberly Erin Richards Haddock Hang in there! You are a trooper. What a decision to make. I am amazed at your bravery!
August 10 at 11:03pm · Like

Damica Mitchell Jackson I pray for your strength. Many blessings to you and your family. My mom had only one done and some lymph nodes removed. She also had chemo and radiation
August 11 at 12:43am via mobile · Like

Carolyn Lynch Praying that you'll have a speedy recovery! Hope to see you soon!
August 11 at 7:11pm via mobile · Like

Sally Moore McCollum I really am good. Just adjusting to surgery recovery. One more procedure and this will all be yesterday news. It's growing in me perspective. And wanting me to advocate for others who may choose this radical choice as preventive measures in high risk situations. I want to heighten awareness of the emotional side of these procedures. God provides and a well defined support system is crucial. Beiyond blessed that i have both.
August 11 at 7:28pm via mobile · Like

Michelle Pipkin Ingram Sally, you and your family are in my prayers. God bless you and keep you. May you find spiritual and mental peace as you recover. (Romans 8:28)
August 11 at 10:36pm · Like

Kellee Boyd Cogdill Proud of you, Sally. Praying for you as you recover.
August 12 at 6:15am · Like