Out of the woods

Hello, and I hope everyone enjoyed their Thanksgiving. I'm 2 and a half weeks post mastectomy and reconstruction and got the drains out the day before the holiday. Talk about grateful! The pathology came back great. The lumpectomy that I had in August missed some DCIS in the left breast and the right breast had atypical cells, so I'm so glad I opted to be aggressive and go for the bilateral mastectomy. It was the right decision. Because nothing was invasive, I don't need further treatment, just careful monitoring. I'll be going for genetic testing when I'm healed, as I have such an extensive family history. I'm just about sagging with relief that the worst is behind me. I'm happy with the reconstruction so far, although at first it looked pretty scary.

I've been thinking of all you ladies and hoping your battles have been going well. I'm sorry to read about your fever, Karenack! Hang in there, and keep advocating for yourself. I know it's hard to keep pushing when you feel awful.

My sister and my aunt have both joined the National Sister Study. I'm so proud and hope what is learned will help other women to stop losing their breasts. I hate this beast and what it does to us. We are forever changed with our diagnosis and I'm still reeling with what has happened. I know I've begun the long slow healing process, but I'm learning that it may be harder to heal within than my body. For now I'm just profoundly grateful. Thanks for all the encouragement and support and good thoughts. They're going right back at all of you!

Hugs and prayers,
Sue