Here we go, a picture of me below with my new body parts (no need to close your eyes in fear, I am fully clothed!). Getting a little apprehensive about chemo tomorrow but I am sure it will all be ok. Not so much nervous about the event itself, more as to how my body will react. I would really appreciate it if you could send me love again like you did for the surgery. I have to be at the hospital at 8:30am for all the pre-stuff and chemo starts at 9:30. I think it will last between 3-4 hours but not totally sure. I’ll blog with a post-chemo update.
Writing of fully clothed, I went to a FORCE (Facing Our Risk of Cancer Empowered) meeting on Sunday morning – http://www.Facingourrisk.org. FORCE is a national non-profit organization, their mission being to improve the lives of individuals and families affected by hereditary breast and ovarian cancer. It provides information, advocacy, research updates and connection to others going through the journey with the BRCA1 or BRCA2 mutations.
As always, it was awesome to meet others on the same path, folks that understand and often struggle with the decisions that need to be made due to the gene, family history and personal circumstance. Some are in the same place having already had cancer, others are deciding whether to have surgery prophylactically as I am with my ovaries. It’s amazing to me how in to it we get so quickly and my level of inhibition has dropped substantially since my surgery. A couple of typical conversations:
Me and FORCE member: Meet and greet, BRCA status, have you had cancer, have you had surgery?
Me: Oh, you had silicone implants? I am still on the expander stage. How does silicone feel different?
Them: Would you like to touch them to feel the difference?
Me: That would be great, thanks. Wow, they feel awesome! Can’t wait to get them!
Me and FORCE member: Meet and greet, BRCA status, have you had cancer, have you had surgery?
Them: You just had a bilateral mastectomy? I am thinking of having one but am nervous about the outcome. What procedure did you have?
Me: Expanders and waiting for silicone implants. Would you like to take a look?
Them: If you don’t mind
Me: Show and tell (in private in the bathroom)
Them: Wow, they look great
Me: Thanks (feeling all proud!)
There is no way on the face of this earth that I would’ve shown the girls to strangers when I still had my own. What is it that makes this so different? An interesting question to ponder.
Love to all,
Amanda
Woman power! Sending all love and light. I have made a grid for you at the center.
You are as amazing as ever Amanda with your honesty, courage and openness. I will add my positive prayers for you tomorrow from just before 8:30am and on and off for the next few days at least. Blessings, Ruth C.
You look wonderful my friend; I am sending positive energy your way as we speak (it’s 9:20ish)…I figure it may take a few minutes to get there! I hope today goes well and will continue to think of you as the next few hours unfold.
XXOO Good luck!
oops, last comment didn’t list full name–and I know there is more than one Chris in your life…:)
Not sure where my other comment went, so am “re-posting”–it was supposed to be in front of the one above–go figure…(I think by signing it Chris, it is being reviewed by some cyber space Censor)
Anyway, you look wonderful my friend. Am sending positive thoughts your way as I write (pushing toward 9:30). I will continue to do so over the next few hours. Good luck! XXOO