Monday, April 29, 2013

Oncology on Canvas...

My hospital, Tripler, hosted an Oncology on Canvas event... I took my husband and son, and we painted our hearts out! I will share with you my painting...



"For me, one of the hardest things about getting breast cancer was the pretty pink ribbon. Breast Cancer isn't a dainty pink ribbon. It's a mutilation; an amputation.

For  me, breast cancer meant a double mastectomy, full hysterectomy and oopherectomy. It was a journey that got worse before it got better. It was bloody. It was red."

Wednesday, April 24, 2013

It's been awhile.

Hello Internet Peoples!

It's been a long time since my last post. You can take to mostly mean that things are okay. Cancer is gone. Surgeries are done (for now). Healing has happened.

My biggest fight now is to get my immune system back up. Dr's say it will be about a year before I'm somewhat normal. Low immune system has meant more colds, more asthma issues (not sure how that works?), and a kidney infection. That last one was a drag!

Radiation has left a permanent discoloration on my chest and underarm. It also has caused some swelling, or lymphedema. Not fun, but I will live with it my whole life, so it's okay. Some days are worse, on those days, I can't wear my prosthetic breasts. The pain is too much. So I put on a pretty scarf, even in the hot Hawaii weather, and call it fashionable. I look kinda cute in scarves!

Reconstruction is a ways off. I want to lose 40+ lbs prior. Hey, if I'm getting a tummy tuck, I might as well make it worth it! For those who aren't aware, they will be taking skin from my abdomen to reconstruct breast-like shapes out of.

So that's it for now! I will try to keep more regular with this, as my journey didn't end with treatment... Cancer follows me daily.

Reata