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

Friendly Reminder!

Happy Sunday!

6 months Later....Surgical Oncologist Follow-up

September 06 was officially six months since my Bilateral Skin-sparing (non-nipple sparing) Mastectomy with Immediate DIEP Flap Reconstruction.  My 6 month follow-up appointment at the Surgical Oncologist's office was yesterday...at almost 7 months actually. It doesn't seem real that it has been that long ago!!  

So, here's the lowdown....

My appointment was with the Nurse Practitioner, Rebecca.  She is super sweet and a fellow breast cancer survivor.  Having personal experience with the reconstructive process and the

journey, she is an awesome resource!  

Because my cancer did not require any chemo or hormone therapy, I am not followed by a Medical Oncologist just the Surgical Oncologist.  Therefore, they will conduct all of my labs and breast exams.  Rebecca stated that I will need 6 month visits (basically a manual breast exam) for 2 years and then annual visits for 3 years....a total of 5 years surveillance. Labs will be drawn annually.  After 5 years, my annual OB/GYN breast exam will suffice.  

Big notes:  
*No mammograms ever.
*If any physician ever finds something "suspicious", I am to contact my NP immediately for an ultrasound and she will follow-up on it.

Rebecca was very complimentary of my cosmetic results.  It was nice to hear the opinion of a fellow reconstructive patient.  She said that everything looks great and that in another 6-12 months I'll be amazed at my results and how much the scars will have faded!!  Her exact quote was: "You couldn't have asked for a better cosmetic outcome!"

After my appointment, I ran some errands and made a new wreath for our front door...something special for October and Breast Cancer Awareness Month!

October Breast Cancer Awareness Wreath

Then, I got to have dinner with a bunch of old friends. We caught-up and had a lot of laughs!! Everyone needs a night out with friends once in awhile.  :)

Love these gals!

Hope y'all have a blessed week!

Life and Bra Shopping at 6 months Post-Bilateral Mastectomy and Reconstruction

**WARNING: Post-Surgery photos/Partially Nude photos in this post!**

Just a few days ago on 09/06/17 was the 6 month-iversary since my Bilateral Mastectomy!  Hard to believe that it's been half a year already.  Most days it still feels like a dream....hard to explain to anyone who hasn't been there.  In addition to the 6 month milestone, last Tuesday was 6 weeks since my Phase 2 surgery with my nipple reconstruction.  I am super happy with the results from that surgery (and really looking forward to the finishing touch when they get colored-in).

School started for my son the second week of August (I know...very early!) so life is full of homework and soccer season is in full swing!  Work is busy, I've had several crafty projects going on, and it seems that my calendar always has something on it to do!  So, while for the most part life has moved on, I am reminded by the abdominal swelling by mid-day and the weird numb sensation that accompanies it that I have a new 'normal'.  

The abdomen thing is still quite strange and apparently going to go on for awhile, but I've been told that it gets better over time.  It's not quite 10am right now and I haven't been very active this morning so my abdomen and thighs feel fine.  This afternoon, both will have a strange numbness to them when touched.  It's nothing I would particularly notice except when touched or if I bump into something, etc.  It is not painful...just odd and sometimes a little annoying.  I notice it mostly at work when I lean over a crib rail or isolette or if I'm holding a baby against me.  In the past, I've likened it to when your foot falls asleep because there really isn't any other way to describe it that I can think of.  

Just like a lot of things on this breast cancer journey--time heals.  The swelling is definitely more pronounced now that I am no longer wearing the compression garment (My PS said I could stop wearing it at 6 weeks.). But overall, going without the garment has not been bad.  I'm not throwing any of them away for now because I still feel that my abdominal area is a bit weak and I might need to wear something on a particularly active day.  My PS said that the abdominal muscles take a longer time to heal than the external incisions.  Other than that numbness, I do not have anything I would call pain.  My abdomen still feels tight all the time.  When I get up from a reclining position or bend over is when I notice it the most.  I most definitely do not think I could do a bunch of sit-ups yet!

Speaking of sit-ups, most of you have heard of the LIVESTRONG Foundation, right?  I even got to share my story on their website.  LIVESTRONG has teamed-up with the YMCA and is offering a FREE program for any and all cancer survivors and/or fighters.  It sounds pretty awesome...an interview with a coach, a personalized workout program, 2-sessions a week with a group for discussion, support, and exercise and it's all free for 12-weeks!  My PS said I was okay to start exercise (within reason) and we have a new YMCA just down the road from the house.  So, I spoke with the Program Coordinator and got on the list for one of the upcoming sessions!  Those who know me know that I do NOT exercise by choice, so this is a leap for me. But, I am looking forward to checking this program out and hoping that it will help me to strengthen my abdomen and core again.  If you are interested in joining a group, check out your local Y or click on the link I posted above.  I'll be sure to post when I get started to let you know how it is!

The other big adventure around here was my release to go BRA SHOPPING!  My PS said that at 6 weeks post-Phase 2, I should be whatever size I was going to be....no more swelling. My incisions are all completely healed, no scabs, and everything is soft.  So, this past week, I went shopping!  A friend had given me a Victoria's Secret gift card so I started there. And, well.....here's how it went for me:

Many of you have had a professional bra fitting and if you haven't, you should. The VS store is lovely albeit a little overwhelming, so it was nice to have someone measure me and make knowledgeable recommendations based on my new size and fit. 

Prior to having my son, I was small...I was a 30-32 big A-small B.  After breastfeeding and weight gain over the years, I have been anywhere from a 34-36 B-C.  Before surgery, a B was too small but many Cs were too big.  The goal with my PS was to get me to a full C.  VS suggested that I was a D!  

I specifically asked for only wire-free because that is all I've been allowed to wear up until now and I've been told that overall it is better for us (There's a lot of debate in the bra world on this topic, I guess.).  Unfortunately, VS does not have much to offer in this category (other than sports bra-style).  I entered the dressing room and the sales associate brought me their most popular wire-free bra. It was simple and plain....and quite boring.  

As you can see if the pics, it had some fit issues too.  Without the wire support, it gaps at the sides and especially right in the center!  Not flattering because you can see the bulge on the side under my shirt and the gap in the front makes it look like I have a "uni-boob".  
The associate brought me one of their regular wired bras so that I could see the difference.  She also had me try on a smaller measurement with a bigger cup....apparently, a 36DD is almost the same as a 38D??  There is a learning curve in the bra fitting world! 

Anyway....

As you can see, the wired bras fit better! No gap on the sides or center.  However, I felt that wire!!  I'm sure that part of it is because I haven't wore an wired bra in so long.  This particular bra was nothing to write home about (and certainly not for the price tag).  I agreed to try on their famous and cute sports bra even though it had to go over my head....how hard could that be?

Going on was okay but coming off was NOT easy!
I was stuck in this one!

It actually crossed my mind that I might have to buy this one just because I was going to need to be CUT OUT OF IT!!  Their sports bra styles do not go up past a 36 and this one was tight!!    Panic sets in and my fear that I was going to have to ask a stranger for help getting out of a bra pushed me...I wiggled and was practically upside down trying to get out of it. Never again....never ever again.  It's a cute bra for a much smaller woman.

Feeling defeated, I tried on their brand new bra...Sexy Illusions. The sales associate had one on.  She was well-endowed and assured me that it was awesome....smooth and light and the wire was well-padded.  It truly is a very nice bra!  I can still feel the wire (again, I think I'm just sensitive now) but nothing like the other bras.

No gap in the front and smooth sides!

Looks smooth under my clothes!

I went ahead and purchased one of these...I even got a free $14 lipstick just for trying on the new style and they had a special panty sale so I walked away with some new undies too!

Since VS was not as successful as I'd hoped, I walked over to SOMA....heard great things about their bras.  They did offer a couple more options (3 total) in a wire-free but again, none were very pretty.

The fit was similar at SOMA....I measured as a 38 D.  However, I did need a C in one style. The wire-free offered the same issue in the front...this time an even bigger gap!  I think I could have fit a Dr. Pepper can in there!!

Ummm....no.

They do have a really nice wire-free called the Vanishing Back that was significantly better!  

No large gaps but they only had black or green in stock that day so I opted to wait.  As I was walking out, I saw the Brighton store and couldn't resist treating myself to a little bling for my bracelet!

On my way home, feeling disappointed in my lack of bra success, I pulled into JCPenney. They came through for me after my Phase 1 so....

JCPenney for the win again!  The selection of wire-free bras was phenomenal!  

All colors and styles and some were even pretty!  I was pressed for time at this point so I did not even try all of the ones they offered.  I found this beauty though and bought it:

Look how small that gap is:

So, at the end of the day, I came home with one wire-free bra from JCPenney (Ambrielle) and one wired bra from Victoria's Secret.  I emailed my PS Nurse that evening to ask about my options. I told her that I was not having much success finding supportive bras without underwire and wondered if it was okay to wear underwire routinely now.  Thankfully, she responded that I am clear to wear underwire bras now!  Both of the ones I bought are very comfortable and after wearing the wired bra a couple of times, I am noticing it less. So, I feel more comfortable with trying on more wired options on the next shopping trip.

All of that being said......
I've needed to lose weight for some time now but weight loss has not been my focus this past 6 months.  Now that surgeries are complete and I'm healing well, there really isn't an excuse for the terrible eating habits I've developed! There's no compression garment or binder to hide it anymore either! I have gained almost 10 lbs since my diagnosis! And, there is nothing like a trip into the harsh reality of a dressing room to make one realize just how bad it has become!! 

Getting serious about getting this weight off starts this week!  New body, new breasts, new red hair color, new cancer-free me, right?  :)

For those asking and wondering how the new nipples are healing.....
I am thrilled and think they look great!  

6 weeks post-Phase 2 Reconstruction and
6 months post-Phase 1 Bilateral Mastectomy

That's it for my latest adventures on this breast cancer journey!  I'll keep you posted on what's new.  And, if you have any great bra recommendations, shoot them this way!

Enjoy your week!

Time to Build the Nipples: Planning PHASE 2

                         WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC/NUDE POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

Plastic Surgery Post-op Visit at 10.5 weeks

Today was my post-op visit and Phase 2 consult with my fantastic Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O.  I am sooooo ready and excited for Phase 2 surgery!  This surgery is the "make things pretty" one and I'll get my nipples!!  Double yay!

Overall, I've had a very "easy" recovery and I'm happy with the results and the way that my body has healed.  There are a few things though that need to be tweaked in this second surgery.

You play with SnapChat filters while
you wait too, don't you?

I've mentioned before the "dog ears" at the ends of my abdominal scar that will be removed. To me they are my "mini muffin tops"!  (I showed them to y'all in the video I posted last week.)  Not only do they look funny, but this past week they have become a little annoying. My waistbands sit right on them now and it rubs throughout the day....especially annoying in my scrubs on my 12 hour shifts.  Be glad to see them go!

The other issue is that my breasts seem to be a bit "droopy" now that the swelling has subsided and the tissue has settled.  They both have flattened on top and the right is a bit flatter on top than the left...not super noticeable but noticeable enough.  Dr. O said they both require a little "filler" on top and a bit of a lift.  However, since I am wanting them to also be a bit bigger overall, he will do more fat grafting and that will basically provide the lift I need in addition to the larger cup size.

Can you see that one side is a bit fuller on top? The other
is flatter and they both need a little lift and fullness.
Plus, I will get to be bigger overall!

Dr. O will be doing liposuction on my abdomen but said he will have to use fat from another area in order to get enough to increase my bust size. I asked about putting my hated double chin in there, but alas, it was a no-go!  Oh well, it was worth a try!  :)  Happily, he will be getting it from my thighs!! I've certainly got plenty to spare there!

This is also the procedure where he will build my new nipples!  Really excited about this. Right now, my breasts look a little.....undecorated.  It's super cool how they build them, so if you are interested, here's the video from PRMA:


The visit went well and I am happy with the plan.  Honestly, I was a bit nervous about making my feelings known.  Kinda hate to "complain" to a physician about the amazing work he already did.  The thing is though that this is the body I will live with the rest of my life....prayerfully a long life thanks to now being cancer free!  Please don't hesitate to be honest with your providers about your feelings and your desired outcomes.  I'm so glad I did today, because I know the final outcome will be in line with what I want and will make me feel more like "me".

On another note, just wanted to give a shout-out to the awesome staff at PRMA and the PRMA Pink Ladies Breast Cancer Support Group!  I went to my first event last night and it was fun.  We met at an Origins store for mini facials and just to visit.  Nothing like going to meet new people and having all of your makeup removed when you get there!! Ha!  I met a couple of very nice ladies and my skin looked fantastic!  I'm looking forward to participating in more events in the future.

Now to wait for insurance authorization and then we get a surgical date!
Enjoy your weekend!

MY TIMELINE:

12/22/16  Routine Screening Mammogram

01/18/17  Repeat Imaging and US of left breast; LUMP found.

01/20/17  Core Needle Biopsy

01/24/17  Biopsy results positive...Stage 0 DCIS, left breast

01/25/17  Meeting with Breast Center Navigator and Genetic Testing

01/30/17  Consultation with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

02/08/17  Consultation with Plastic Surgeon

02/21/17  Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse

02/27/17 Pre-op Labs and Testing

03/05/17 Lymph Node Injection

03/06/17 SURGERY DAY!

03/10/17 Home!

03/16/17 10 day Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery nurse
03/20/17  2 week Post-op Appointment with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

04/07/17  1 month Post-Op w/Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O
04/16/17 Returning to work!
05/19/17  Appointment with Dr. O to schedule Phase 2 Surgery!

Battle Scars!

                                 WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

Just for fun and my fellow Lethal Weapon fans...



My scars aren't as exciting as Riggs' but my new ones sure come with quite a story, huh?

 4 Weeks Post-op:  This is my lymph node biopsy incision just under my left armpit.
It looked "lumpy" up until about a week ago, but now it is very smooth and flat.  I kinda like this one...
it peaks out from my tank top and bra like a badge of honor...my reminder of what God has done!

Just wanted to post an update this week to let y'all know how things went at my one month post-op appointment with my Plastic Surgeon (if you follow my page on Facebook, you already know....@bosomthing) and let you know what I've been up to:

Waiting on Dr. O to come in for
my 1 month follow-up!

It was a great visit and basically, Dr. O said that I am ahead of the curve for one month out!  He was happy with my progress and how all of the incisions look.  He was also quite pleased with the symmetry of my new breasts as the swelling has gone down.  Dr. O feels like there will not be much to do during the Phase 2 Revision surgery since they look so symmetrical now.  He will do some fat grafting, lipo, and scar revision, but we will discuss that in more detail at my next appointment.  He wants to see me in 6 weeks to get started planning and scheduling Phase 2!!

 4 Weeks Post-op:  My incisions are all pretty much healed...one small
spot under my right breast still has a scab.  I am doing twice daily massage
w/cocoa butter lotion and it really helps with the firmness in my breasts that
I feel in the evenings.  Everything is quite symmetrical on top!

Dr. O also released me to  return to week next week!  I'm ready but not ready for that one. Feeling a little nervous about the long hours and being so busy, but I spread my days out a bit so that I'm not working two shifts in a row.  I am excited to get back to see my coworkers and taking care of the babies and families.  6 weeks is a long time to be gone!

 4 Weeks Post-op:  You can tell better at this angle, that there are little
"overhangs" now on both ends of my incision.  Dr. O said this is normal and expected
as the swelling goes down, but he will remove them in Phase 2.

One of the best things....he said as long as I wore a bra, I could lay on my side! It is AWESOME!  Just to get off of my back is fantastic.  I have also been able to lower my incline and can actually lay flat this week.  

Overall, I feel good!  I am experiencing the common "shooting" nerve pains every so often across my chest.  It doesn't seem to have any real rhyme or reason, but I do think it happens more when I am tired and/or have done a lot with my arms.  Other than that and a little abdominal tenderness by bedtime, I have no complaints.  I am trying not to overdo things, but I am pretty much able to do the regular day-to-day stuff without issue. There are still a few top shelves in the house that I can't quite reach yet!  

On Saturday, I walked in my first 5K!  Yes, I walked the full 5 K exactly 1 month and 2 days post-op!  It was exhausting but so worth it.  My son walked with me and it was a really cool experience.  If you have not had the opportunity to participate in a Komen Race for the Cure event, I highly encourage you to do so.  Being surrounded by ~30,000 Fighters/Survivors/Supporters is an amazing thing!  I'm not going to pretend that I wasn't worn out afterward because I was!  Pretty much spent the rest of the day and evening chillin' on the couch, but it was a good kind of tired and I'm so glad I participated!

#pinkchampion   Komen SA Race for the Cure 2017

#pinkchampion   Komen SA Race for the Cure 2017

#pinkchampion   Komen SA Race for the Cure 2017
I walked the wh0le thing!

Since I'm headed back to work in 5 days, my parents gifted me with a cleaning crew to come deep clean the house today!  Waiting on them now and trying to resist the urge to clean house BEFORE they arrive!!  This is a sweet gift and much needed!

Anyway....that's my past week! How about y'all?

MY TIMELINE:

12/22/16  Routine Screening Mammogram

01/18/17  Repeat Imaging and US of left breast; LUMP found.

01/20/17  Core Needle Biopsy

01/24/17  Biopsy results positive...Stage 0 DCIS, left breast

01/25/17  Meeting with Breast Center Navigator and Genetic Testing

01/30/17  Consultation with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

02/08/17  Consultation with Plastic Surgeon

02/21/17  Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse

02/27/17 Pre-op Labs and Testing

03/05/17 Lymph Node Injection

03/06/17 SURGERY DAY!

03/10/17 Home!

03/16/17 10 day Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery nurse
03/20/17  2 week Post-op Appointment with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

04/07/17  1 month Post-Op w/Plastic Surgeon, Dr. O
04/16/17 Returning to work!
05/19/17  Appointment with Dr. O to schedule Phase 2 Surgery!

Post-op Day 17 Update

WARNING:  THERE ARE GRAPHIC POST-OP PHOTOS IN THIS POST.

Today is POD #17....

I haven't posted this week because I have been battling a little cold or allergy thing.  Let me tell you, the last thing you want is to be sneezing and coughing with surgical incisions!  It burns across each breast and my abdomen when I cough.  Thankfully, I seem to be on the upside of it today and I didn't have it nearly as bad as my poor son.

Anyway....I went to see my amazing and wonderful Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K on Monday for my 2 week post-op visit.  It was the quickest appointment ever!  He basically just told me that the final pathology came back just as it was in the OR on surgery day....perfectly clear margins and clean lymph node biopsy.  He reiterated that because I chose the bilateral mastectomy, I had no further necessary treatments, so I am good to go as a CANCER FREE patient!  As a BREAST CANCER SURVIVOR I still need to see him in 6 months, just for follow-up.

Bonus, no more mammograms....ever!  He did say that he wants me to still do breast self-exams.  Dr. K said that there can always be changes in reconstructed breasts (i.e. scar tissue, fat necrosis, etc.) and that becoming familiar with my new breasts is a good thing.  I can start doing this as soon as I am released to begin incisional massage...probably next week. (My Plastics nurse said I had to wait until all the scabs are gone to begin massage with Cocoa Butter.)

On that note, I thought I'd share some updated photos from today.....you can see the swelling has gone down significantly.  Although, I do feel more swollen by bedtime.  Dr. K commented on the "great symmetry" for after the first procedure!  They do seem pretty even.  :)

POD #17...Abdomen after
Bilateral Skin-sparing Mastectomy with DIEP Flap Reconstruction

POD #17...Breasts after
Bilateral Skin-sparing Mastectomy with DIEP Flap Reconstruction

Wearing a good bra is key!  I definitely notice if I don't have support.  I swear these gals weigh a ton!  I think its just the numbness that makes them feel that way.  It's kind of an odd feeling.  My abdomen is numb in most places too.  And, everything tingles when I ride in the car....that's really weird!

This is what I wore to my MD appointment
on Monday....felt good to wear a real bra!
The last couple of days, I've been wearing sports
bras...def. the more support, the better.

Incisions all seem to look good.  The abdomen seems to be moving along faster than the breasts.  

Abdominal incision close-up...POD #17

I'm off all meds as of Monday.  I have taken Ibuprofen a couple of nights this week; not due to true pain, but from stiffness in my back and arms from sleeping and sitting propped up all the time.  This sleeping upright on my back is getting really old!  I dream...literally...about cuddling on my side with a pillow!  

No other real excitement here.  I'm getting bored at home and it is hard to be so limited in what I am allowed and able to do.  Next week, I am looking forward to starting some arm exercises and possibly starting to drive.

Oh!  I got a call yesterday inviting me to join a team for the Komen Race for a Cure on Saturday, April 8th.  I'm not sure I'll be up to walking the whole 5K, but Survivors only have to complete part so I am definitely going to try.  My son is planning to walk with me too!  #FightLikeaGirl #TeamJules

Hope y'all are having a terrific first week of SPRING!

MY TIMELINE:

12/22/16  Routine Screening Mammogram

01/18/17  Repeat Imaging and US of left breast; LUMP found.

01/20/17  Core Needle Biopsy

01/24/17  Biopsy results positive...Stage 0 DCIS, left breast

01/25/17  Meeting with Breast Center Navigator and Genetic Testing

01/30/17  Consultation with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K

02/08/17  Consultation with Plastic Surgeon

02/21/17  Pre-op Visit with Dr. O's nurse

02/27/17 Pre-op Labs and Testing

03/05/17 Lymph Node Injection

03/06/17 SURGERY DAY!

03/10/17 Home!

03/16/17 10 day Post-op Visit with Plastic Surgery nurse
03/20/17  2 week Post-op Appointment with Surgical Oncologist, Dr. K