How many times can a surgery be called a revision before you decide to scrap the whole thing and start over? Tomorrow I am facing my ninth surgery in the two and a half years since my breast cancer diagnosis. This particular surgery is the third revision to a reconstructive surgery I had last Christmas. That's right: New boobies for Christmas. Lucky me!
The multiple revisions are mostly due to healing complications as a result of many, many chemo infusions and radiation. My last revision was this past April and the tissue is still unhealed in spots. I feel okay moving forward with this surgery because I believe it is going to heal this time.
I have to believe. Surviving cancer is a funny term. You survive it, sure, but that doesn't mean you've beaten it. It beats you down on a daily basis and you do what comes natural; you fight back. There is no easing into survivorship, either.
You don't wake up the day after treatment ends with bluebirds on your shoulder and a skip in your step. It's a tough transition. There are many hurdles to clear and many blessings to enjoy. You sort of learn it as you go along. I have decided to bring you along on my survivorship journey. You can keep me company. Watch me stumble. Get to know me.
(I'm kind of obnoxious but lovable) And help me to laugh at all the inane crap that happens when you try to slay the cancer beast. Stay tuned tomorrow. Surgery is at 8:30 am I hope to at least have some instagrams to share. FIGHT!
I do not know if Tricare will cover the BART test which picks up about 10% of the mutations BRCA1 and BRCA2 do not detect.
Take good care and enjoy each moment and each other!