Spring Has Sprung...And So Has My New Breast!

After finishing my chemotherapy, something which I would not wish on anyone, I have continued to show signs of recovery from the chemicals.  While my moustache and beard are doing well, I could use a bikini wax and need to shave my legs, it's a little slower growth on my head.  My hairdresser, Michelle, refers to my new style as a "cul-de-sac"; you know the ring around the head with a bald top.  My heels are starting to heal from all the peeling which was very painful so I'm thankful for that.  If I knew how to walk on my hands that would have come in very handy during that phase.  Unfortunately, I think I'm going to lose the nail on my left big toe.  If that's the only nail I lose, however, that will be great.  The ice gloves on my hands made all the difference and I am able to wear nail polish again.  Today's shade is "spring mauve".  My skin is continuing to break out but I guess that's all the poison seeping out so it's a good thing.  Everything tastes normal now and I'm loving coffee, fruits, veggies and water - tons of water.

I have had the port surgically removed from the right side of my chest and am just waiting for the sealing glue strip to come off.  The surgeon actually cut into the same place as when they inserted it so there's only one scar from those procedures.  Now when I turn my head it doesn't feel like I'm going to disconnect a wire from the carotid artery in my neck.  Such a relief!

I've also had surgery to insert a tissue expander.  This was put into the hole where my left breast used to live.  Again, the surgeon was able to use the same incision point used for my mastectomy so one scar there as well.  My job now is to massage this area at least twice a day to move the saline from the top of my expander to the bottom where the permanent implant will go.  Today I went for a procedure and now have what would rival Arnold Schwarzenegger's pec.  Gives new meaning to the term "pump it up"!  My left breast is now situated close to my shoulder.  My right breast is much lower, of course, due to age and gravity so trying to find a bra to fit that is just not happening.  To pump up the expander, I was directed to lie on my back while the surgeon used a magnetic gizmo to locate the internal port, bring it to the surface and then put a needle through my skin.  He pumped in as much saline as my expander would take and that was it.  No pain, just pressure.  When I sat up, I could feel it all shifting and that was trippy.  I thought it was going to squirt out but I guess he knows what he's doing.  That area is apparently self-sealing.  I asked him how that works and he said, "It's magic."  Finally, a medical term I can understand!

Yesterday I saw the radiation oncologist who said once the pumping up is done she will schedule a "marking session".  I will lie on a bed and get some blue marks tattooed on my body where the lining up will occur each session.  TeeTee told the doctor she'd been trying to convince me to get a tattoo forever.  They will remove them after radiation if I want them to.  Then there was a discussion about a patient who expanded her blue dots into a bee and flower.  Not sure that's going to happen but I've learned through this process to not make quick decisions.  Once the marking has been done, I'll be given a schedule for five weeks of daily radiation therapy (excluding weekends).  Turns out she's my favourite doctor throughout this ordeal because she said I could actually have some alcohol during this portion of therapy.  So tonight, it's Bellini time with some girlfriends!  I should be a cheap date for sure.

Overall, I'm feeling pretty good.  My ongoing challenge is brain power.  I find my concentration is lacking and my recall pretty bad.  My emotions are all over the map but that's more to do with my personal life than my chemo brain.  I've said all along that the cancer may not kill me but my shattered heart just might.  I try to stay strong and positive every day, which is easier said than done, hoping for a brighter future with repaired relationships.

So onward and upward (well except my boob which needs a little downward movement).  To say thank you to all my friends who have supported me through this journey seems somehow inadequate.  You have all been amazing, consistent, loving, understanding and available.  So tonight some of us will raise a toast to a happier, healthier future.