UGH THE DRAINS ARE BACK! but I'll get to that later. Second ever surgery in the books and I did my best to make sure that I learned from the last experience and I think for the most part, I nailed it. Last time - Took underwear off to change into gown. Felt weird. This... Continue Reading →
New Breasts in 45 min or They’re Free
That's right, in 24 hours from now I will have a new shiny set of breasts. Never in my life did I think I would have silicone implants but as of Monday afternoon my sternum will officially be the silicone valley. When I was in my early 20's I had lots of friends who were... Continue Reading →
I Had Cancer but Cancer Didn’t Have Me
Technically I have been cancer free for an entire year. 365 whole days. Holy eff. April 1, 2016 was the double mastectomy that turned out NOT to be the world's most elaborate April Fool's joke ever. To the patient it feels like the end of all of your treatment would be the milestone that signifies being cancer free... Continue Reading →
Pump, Pump, Pump It Up
I was recently talking to my best friend about the process at the plastic surgeon's office where he injects saline into my tissue expanders. She lovingly said, "so what you're saying is, you have a pair of Reebok Pumps on your chest". I laughed but she's not wrong, every time after I leave the plastic surgeon's... Continue Reading →
The good, the bad and the ugly
Today was a big day. We got the call early this morning to let us know that the pathology report had come in and we needed to meet with Dr. Janzen (my awesome surgeon) to get my results. We packed me and my drains up and headed back to the Jim Pattison Outpatient Centre. I feel... Continue Reading →
Sponge baths and the art of doing nothing
I am a busy person. My fiancé will be the first to tell you that I take on too many things, have too many responsibilities and over commit myself on too many occasions. As much as I hate to admit it (and please, no one tell her I said this), she's right. I happily over extend... Continue Reading →
A Glossary of Terms
There's lots of words and terminologies that come with every new situation and in the last few weeks there have been a whole host of new words to learn, or sometimes even old words with new meanings. I thought I would list a few now and probably add to this list as the...(not going to... Continue Reading →
Why is there a 300lb man wearing metal cleats standing on my chest?
It's done. I'm home and everything hurts. But after lopping off a few body parts, I think some pain is to be expected. Up until my most recent medical visits I haven't had much experience in hospitals. I've never broken a bone, never had to stay overnight and my biggest hospital emergency was in grade 5 when... Continue Reading →
Honesty is the best policy
In most things in life this is a good rule of thumb and for some it's even a core value in which they live each day. I, on the other hand, am a liar. Little white lies mostly but one of my best and most consistent lies is the one that creeps from my mouth... Continue Reading →