Trading in the Ta Tas: 08/18/12

Day 11: My day was so much of a success that I'm too tired to post an update. My only close call was a near miss bear hug from my friend. Russ (my newest hero) was there to save the day. Ron's cooking burgers then I'm off to slumber. Ta ta for now. — with Russ O'Melia.

Where to start:

My very first post came in August 2012, 3 days after my double mastectomy. If you are new to cancer or mastectomy, first my sincerest well wishes to you as you start out in your own story. Of note, some of my early content may feel a little too raw to read just yet (August 2012-October 2012). Later in my writings (after October 2012), you will find a much lighter feel as I recover and learn to accept my new accessories. Very early in this process I promised readers transparency about the physical and emotional experience of mastectomy. Snuggled up with the candid text is a humor that I desperately searched out in order to make all of this do-able. You will find both here. I write so I can remember. I write so I can overcome. I went through my experience rather blindly. In contrast, I want to offer whatever I can to those of you traveling a similar course. I encourage you to get information. Prepare yourself. And then seek out every bit of good from what life after mastectomy can bring. Wherever you are in your journey, I sincerely hope you will find a level of triumph for yourself through reading mine. I wish you all the best.

Timeline of Events:

August 7,2012 - Surgery #1 Double Mastecomy

August 20, 2012 - Surgery #2 Breast Reconstruction

April 6, 2013 - Complication: Breast Infection (cellulitis); Surgery #3 -implant removal surgery; 3 weeks IV antibiotics

April 29, 2014 - Complication: Breast dimpling and thinning skin; Surgery #4- lipografting surgery

October 16, 2014 - Complication: Implant Slip; Surgery #5

August 6, 2015 - Complication: Scar tissue constriction Surgery #6 - Scar tissue removal surgery

October 13, 2016 - Complication: Breast Lump - Breast Biospy

Aug 18, 2012 - Day # 11 - My first outing