Category: Cancer

Cancer

Be Careful What You Wish For: Bonus Tummy Tuck Edition

ReelLifeYarnsLeave a comment

All my life, up to about 40 years old when menopause decided to wreak havoc on my body, I was always thin. I ate like a truck driver, but the metabolism of youth kept me under 130 pounds. If you would’ve told me the number on the scale would start with a 2 one day, I would’ve told you that you have clearly lost your damn mind. Then, last summer, both the first AND second number on the scale was 2. Not only was my weight out of control, but I developed what is referred to as an “apron belly”. This should not be confused with a FUPA. If you know, you know.

Photo courtesy of https://centreforsurgery.com/apronectomy-to-remove-loose-tummy-skin/

Needless to say, I was not pleased with myself. My feet and knees hurt, I didn’t feel cute in my clothes, and I hated to idea of putting on a bathing suit. I started moving a little more and bought a Pilates reformer. I definitely haven’t been diligent, but something is better than nothing. When I started back to school, I also went back on my ADHD medication which eliminates my food cravings. I managed to lose 35 pounds but the belly was still not what I wanted it to be. I started considering having a tummy tuck, but the $20,000 price tag was a little steep for a cosmetic procedure. I was resigned to living with a smooshy little belly flap that loved nothing more but to keep my pants from lying flat in the front.

Then Stage 1 Invasive Ductal Carcinoma of the left breast entered the chat. Unfortunately, this is not my first experience with cancer. It’s not even my first experience with breast cancer. But it’s going to be fine. This is fine.

Comic panel from “On Fire” by KC Green.

I’ve met with the surgeons. Well, two of them. I’m told there will be four surgeons in all and about 8 hours of surgery for my double mastectomy and immediate DIEP flap reconstruction. Basically, both breasts will be removed and fat and blood supply from my lower abdomen will be used to rebuild and restore my boobs to all of their D-cup glory. I won’t have any nipples but I’m getting that tummy tuck I wanted… and, thanks to the Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act, it will be covered by insurance!

So… thank you, cancer?

Until next time… tight lines and happy minds!!!

Of All The Things You Could Collect, Cancer Ribbons Should Not Be An Option
Cancer

Of All The Things You Could Collect, Cancer Ribbons Should Not Be An Option

ReelLifeYarnsLeave a comment

Eventually I will get around to telling my whole story, but today lets talk about being told you have cancer for the fourth time. SPOILER ALERT: It. Is. DEVASTATING.

Cool sticker available at www.spreadshirt.com

I guess it was about 19 years ago – the first time I heard the words “You have cancer.” I think at that point I was too new to the cancer game to be overly concerned. It was caught early and the surgery was no big deal. After a couple years, I didn’t think too much about it anymore. The second diagnosis, a few years later, was exponentially more serious. It left me with a lot of mental and emotional baggage, along with some physical issues that are manageable for the most part. The third diagnosis came out of thin air, completely unexpected. Caught early, I did what I had to do and moved along like a champ. I tend to be very stoic and was really proud of myself for not falling to pieces. And I thought to myself “Certainly this is the last time, right?”

That was two and a half years ago, and it clearly wasn’t the last time.

Last month, I received a Stage 1a Invasive Ductal Carcinoma diagnosis. Basically, my left breast is plotting to kill me. In the past, with an early diagnosis, I was much more nonchalant about it. This time, it seems to be hitting a bit differently. I’m in better shape emotionally, physically, and mentally than I have been in years. I feel stronger in every way than maybe I ever have in my life. I have so many things I’m looking forward to doing and am on my way to accomplishing things I have put off for years.

I’ve been contemplating whether it’s so devastating this time because it’s the fourth diagnosis OR because I feel like I have so much more to lose? I do find myself wondering how many more times can I do this before I run out of luck. Then I try to remind myself that I shouldn’t spend too much energy worrying about cancer because my genetic predisposition to high cholesterol is probably what will kill me.

I guess I had better start taking my rosuvastatin a bit more regularly.

Until next time… tight lines and happy minds!