The Claire Project

**I really do not post on here much anymore but I share nearly daily on the Facebook page associated with this blog, so please be sure to join me over there @bosomthing!**

The photo essay is on display now through
January 24, 2020 at Brick at the Blue Star
in San Antonio, Texas

Those of you who do already follow me on Facebook already know about The Claire Project but I wanted to share with all of you today a little about the story and why I took part in it......

The Claire Project is the brainchild of a local photographer, Nancie Jimenez of Nancie J. Photography in Cibolo, Texas.  Be sure to take a look at her Instagram and website gallery...she does beautiful work!  Nancie was touched by the story of Claire who came in for a maternity session and revealed that she was a breast cancer survivor and wanted to somehow include that part of her story in the photo session.  Nancie was inspired and decided to expand that session into a photo essay of breast cancer survivors.

I answered the model call that she put out along with 7 of my friends.  We all had various reasons for participating but the biggest thing I think we share is to desire to raise awareness.  There are currently 10 of us featured in the project and let me tell you...it is amazing!

Originally, this photo essay was supposed to be on social media, her website, and maybe...just maybe a gallery show.  Well.....that is exactly what happened!  One of Nancie's friends and patron of the arts decided after only seeing a few photos that this HAD to be bigger.  So, thanks to the efforts, hard work, and support of several folks in Nancie's circle, The Claire Project was printed and framed and became a GALLERY SHOW that is currently on display in a local art gallery, Brick at the Blue Star Art Complex. It will be on display through January 24th (my diagnosi-versary!!) if you are able to stop by to see it.

I am just so happy that this project is taking wings and people are getting to hear about it and see it!  It is so important that people see that there is more to breast cancer than a pink ribbon in October and the drug ads on television.  These photos while very real and revealing are beautiful.

Breast cancer does not discriminate. It comes no matter your race, religion, economic status, or whether you are a vegan or carnivore! Once you've had breast cancer, you are changed. In some ways, it can even be positive like maybe you live life to the fullest now or appreciate the little things more.  Either way, you do not come out on the other side the same person you were before. And, I think that is important for people to see.  These photos show our outer scars right there in black and white hanging on a gallery wall...no editing to cover up the reality.  Hopefully, what you see when you visit the gallery is the beauty of it all!  That these scars show that we all survived what tried to kill us and that no matter what the journey or treatment path, we have a story to tell of HOPE!

Some local media coverage of the story:

Here is a link to a great article by Rich Marini in the Express News about the project:
https://www.expressnews.com/entertainment/arts-culture/article/San-Antonio-breast-cancer-survivors-bare-their-14965365.php?

Additionally, Fox 29's David Norris covered the story as well here:
https://foxsanantonio.com/news/local/photographer-creates-breast-cancer-survivor-exhibit?

Stay tuned on Facebook because I'm actually scheduled to talk to a reporter from Spectrum News this evening at the gallery as well!

Celebrating Two Years Cancer Free!

It’s been two years today since my bilateral mastectomy and DIEP Flap Reconstruction...it also happens to be my 43rd birthday! Those of you who have been following my journey know that my birthday was the first available surgery date and I wasn’t about to turn it down. Plus, since I woke up with clean margins, clear lymph nodes, and cancer free, it was a great birthday all in all.

So, what better way to celebrate my two year anniversary than by stopping by with cookie cakes for some of the people who helped make sure I was here to celebrate?!?!?   It was just an idea I had this week and decided to go for it today. And, I’m so glad I did. It was fun to run around town and see some of my team. :)

God was so good to me throughout this journey and He led me to the absolutely best team of medical staff and physicians. I was surrounded by supportive family and friends and had confidence in this team that I am happy to say are now my friends.

 #twoyearscancerfree #diepflapbreastreconstruction #blessedsurvivor #teamjules #teamhudson #itsabosomthing

Two Year DIAGNOSIVERSARY!!

Two years ago yesterday, I received that life-altering phone call.….you know those calls, the one you are either excited to get or dreading....the one that means you got your dream job or the one that says you have a potentially terminal illness.  In that moment, that 30 seconds, your whole life changes.  

If you've read my post about that day, you know that I got my breast cancer diagnosis while I was at work and honestly, I'm glad it went down that way. I stayed too busy to ruminate on it as much and it gave me time to process without getting too emotional.  

For some of us, the diagnosiversary is a tough day. It can bring up a lot of negative emotions and fears and remind us that it isn't truly over.  I know some women who really struggle on these days.  For me, yesterday was more of a celebration in my mind!  I never once thought about shedding a tear or being sad (the fear of recurrence is always present but no more yesterday than any other day).  Yesterday's anniversary was just another reminder of how good our God is and how He orchestrates the perfect timing of even the scary stuff in our lives.  


Breast Cancer is awful...not going to lie.  But, the diagnosis is NOT the end.  The battle begins when you get that call.  It might be a tough one and you might fall behind along the way.  It can be fought though and even won.  Your life is NOT OVER with the diagnosis. You are just taking a new path.  And, you may find like I did, that the path is a little rough and patchy at times but there are also new joys and discoveries along the way that you never imagined!

I am ever reminded of the amazing people I have met and befriended on this breast cancer journey.  People I NEVER would have met if I hadn't been diagnosed.  It's also a reminder of what a difference early detection can make and how important it is to be screened on time.  I learned so many things about myself and God has stretched me into a ministry I never dreamed I'd be a part of.  

God has a plan.  Even when we cannot see or understand it, He has a plan!  Trust Him and don't let fear reign. Be open to what He might be doing even in what seems an impossible situation. 

As always, I am happy to answer questions or to chat any time, please leave a comment or message me on my Facebook page @bosomthing

All Pink All the Time: October 2018 Update

I haven't posted on here in awhile, but I post pretty much DAILY on the Facebook page associated with this blog. That's the main place where I communicate about breast cancer,  recovery tips, funny things, updates about me, and events.  So, if you aren't already following my FB page, please do!  

You can find it at: @bosomthing

Speaking of events.....

With October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, it has been a busy month! There has been a lot going on here in San Antonio and there are still a few more things to come.  If you haven't already, be sure to check your local community calendar, hospital system, and breast cancer treatment centers for things you might like to attend!  

So, what's been happening with me?  Sooooo much to tell you!

Of course, I've been wearing a lot of PINK this month. How about you?  Some women find this bothersome and don't like all the "pink hype", but personally, I feel like anything that catches ones attention and raises awareness is fine by me. I proudly wear my pink shirts and accessories and have been sporting a new car magnet too!

Cute, huh?  Found at The Dollar Tree.

Last month marked the end of the 9-week Overcomers Workshop I previously told you about.  It was a fantastic couple of months with these ladies and I could not recommend it highly enough.  If you are a survivor and local to the SA area, please consider registering for this.  Each week was a new topic and each week was more meaningful.  I have now made some amazing new friends and found new Pink Sisters.  They have a wonderful mission to help women in survivorship and they do so much in our local community to this effect.  Super happy to have found these ladies and to now be a part of this group.  

Getting ready to volunteer at Brighton Collectibles
with the Overcomers to fundraise for a Christmas project

Last month I also had the cool opportunity to be involved in a photoshoot for a local neighborhood magazine. It is published for the area around the hospital where I work and where the big Paint the Parkway Pink 5k Race is held.  It was soooo much fun!  I was on the cover with another survivor, Heather, and two of the ladies who help found the race, Liz Blue Braden and Dr. Jean Holt.

Dr. Holt is an amazing lady who also help found an organization called Women in Medicine and Law for the Cure.  This phenomenal group of professional women hit the 2 million dollar mark in fundraising this year...yes, you read that right...TWO MILLION DOLLARS!  All of that money is donated to a privately funded research grant to find a cure for breast cancer.

Fun for a cause!

The guest speaker was the current
President and CEO of Susan G. Komen!

This doesn't happen every day!  :)

Pink Glove Dance

Over 2 million dollars toward finding a cure!

I was so excited and honored to be invited by Dr. Holt to attend their annual dinner last week. It was an amazing night of fundraising and fun!  And, the most amazing moment of the night for me...made me misty-eyed....Dr. Holt mentioned this blog by name and quoted from one of my posts in her speech!  How cool is that?!?!?  

I started this blog in the hopes of helping other women on their breast cancer journeys and had no idea where it would lead or if anyone would even read it.  Just another way I have seen God's abundant blessings in my life thru this diagnosis.  He can certainly use us when we are willing and in some of the most surprising ways. Even in what seems the worst moments of our lives, He can be glorified and we can be used to minister to others.  How amazing is our God?!?!?

Monday morning at 6am our hospital hosted a Pink Pep Rally to promote the PPP Race!  I was off of work so I joined the fun.  We posed for silly pictures and chatted with everyone about the upcoming event.  And, I have the BEST coworkers who stopped by on their way on shift or coming off shift to say "hi" and to take pics.  I love these folks!

Jennifer has always been a supporter and friend who does so much for our hospital
and our city promoting healthy living and events.
Andrea was my Nurse Navigator thru the Baptist Breast Center

and she is the one who first told me about DIEP Flap Reconstruction

 and introduced me to my fantastic team of surgeons and nurses!

To finish off this already awesome week, Saturday was Paint the Parkway Pink Race day!  
My terrific son was up dark and early with me to head out for the walk.  We did not do the full 5k this year but enjoyed the 1 mile fun walk with my great boss and a sweet new coworker who stayed after working nightshift to walk with us!

Even with the very wet weather we've been having lately, the rain stayed away and we had a terrific pink turnout!

Pheww…..I'm tired!  It has been a whirlwind of a month so far but fantastic all the same.  Looking forward to whatever God has in store next on this new path He gave me!  And, as always, I'm here to chat if I can be of help!

My Nipples are a Year Old!: one year post-revision (Phase 2) and nipple reconstuction!

WARNING: Graphic and/or NUDE photos of breast reconstruction are posted on this blog!

Today marks ONE YEAR since my Phase 2 Revision & Nipple Reconstruction surgery!

One Year Ago today outside the OR with Dr. Ochoa!

A year ago, I was in the OR with lots of family and friends all over the country praying for me.  I had asked friends and family to post pics of themselves wearing their #TeamJules shirts that day.  It was so uplifting to wake up later that day and read through the posts and see those pics.  

I mean really...how fun and sweet is this???

Phase 2 was the surgery I was excited about...the "make it pretty" one. And, I was not disappointed. Dr. Ochoa did an amazing job!! I was thrilled to have nipples again...made them look like breasts even without the color yet...and to have the breasts shaped perfectly.

I am so thankful for the blessings that God bestowed in my diagnosis, recovery, the amazing physicians He provided, and my supportive family and friends!

As I was scrolling through FB memory posts this morning, I figured it was time to post an update for all of you. I know many women are concerned about what things look like down the road.  Although we are grateful to be cancer-free, this surgery alters one's body forever...some good things in that and some not so good.  

As far as recovery, I have no limitations due to surgery at this point in life. In regard to scars, I'll show you.....

I should note that I am TERRIBLE about using scar cream or massaging them. I hardly ever remember to do it. So, that being said, if one was good about it, they might look better. Although, I cannot complain. I am quite happy with how much they've faded.

Abdomen and bellybutton...one year post-revision

One year post-revision: You can see the revision scar on the side...this is
where he removed the dog ears

One year post-revision: The scars are completely flat

It's pretty obvious that I've gained weight this past year but that is all me and being lazy about my food choices.  From the pics though, I think you can tell that if I ever lose weight, I should have quite a nice shape and flat tummy!

My new nipples have flattened a bit (as expected), but they still have nice projection:

Reconstructed Left Nipple ONE YEAR LATER 

Reconstructed Right Nipple ONE YEAR LATER 

The color has also faded since micropigmentation (November, 2017) and looks much more natural. You can see in the above pics that the scars underneath the breasts are hardly noticeable.  

The shape of my breasts is really natural and they "hang" like the real deal!  I still have some sensitivity to things like where the bra rides underneath, but I'm just thankful because that means I have sensation!  At the end of a long day, I have some areas that feel a little numb-ish...slightly tingly...but it goes away by morning.

One Year Post-Revision Surgery

One Year Post-Revision Surgery

Not that I go out without a bra on, but I'm quite impressed with how perky and shapely they look under a tshirt (my old ones didn't look like this anymore!):

Overall, I'd say I've had pretty great cosmetic results! The scars will continue to fade and life is good!

As always, message me anytime with questions. I'm always happy to help a Pink Sister on her journey.