Tuesday, August 14, 2012

Let's Get This Party Started!

I am recovering at home from my first party (surgery) which was the robotic hysterectomy.  I was hoping to go ahead and get this party started so that I could get on with celebrating life and starting school without missing any days.  I am a teacher, by the way.  So on August 8th I went in for the surgery hoping to be recovered enough to start work on August 20th.  So far, so good!  I feel great.  The surgery was smooth with no complications, according to my amazing surgeon.  He performed the daVinci method of surgery, which is a minimally invasive robotic method that cuts down recovery time, blood loss, pain, and infection.  I was so happy to be a candidate for this type of surgery so that I could get in and out of the hospital quickly and back on the road to recovery. It is pretty weird to imagine myself strapped in upside-down with robots cutting up my guts. I was informed that the doctor liked to perform the surgery at a very steep angle and that I would be practically standing on my head.  Frightful! But it worked! 

My hospital stay was pleasant enough.  The nurses were fantastic, accommodations comfortable, and the doctor is a brilliant genius.  I had to stay two nights instead of just one night because I had adverse reactions to the anesthesia and medications. The doctor says I don't like narcotics. I broke out in a red rash on my face and threw up a lot. So no narcotics for me at my next party!  ;)

Now I am on a mission to eat healthy foods and get in shape before my next big party.  I am also looking to slowly change out products that I use on a daily and weekly basis to non-toxic products.  If you know me, you know that I love make-up, cosmetics, lotions, and basically any and all beauty products.  In fact, I was at the nail shop an hour before my surgery getting that last minute manicure when the hospital called looking for me to come in early because they had a cancellation.  Sorry, doctor!  I have to finish getting this cute, pink polish painted on so I will have a happy party!  Anyway, I did get to the hospital about an hour early and they were happy to get on with the show.  So was I!  Well, I am changing my ways. I am on a hunt for new, non-toxic nail polish, creams, hair products and make up.  I guess I just believe that if I am willing to have three major surgeries to prevent cancer, I can surely change a few of my lifestyle habits to help prevent cancer!

My next party (party is almost always code for surgery, if you have not figured that out by now) will be in November around Thanksgiving.  Hopefully it will be the Tuesday before Thanksgiving, so I will have a full six weeks of recovery.  I will have to miss work those days between Thanksgiving and Christmas break, but it should all work out.  The purpose of this party is to remove all of the cancer causing tissue in my breasts and have partial reconstruction surgery.  I will heal and get ready for the permanent reconstruction party to be held in June after school is out.  More details will come as time ticks on and we are closer to nailing down the specifics. 

All of the prayers, well wishes, flowers, gifts, texts, calls, cards and messages are greatly appreciated.  Thanks to everyone who whispered a prayer for me.  It does make a difference!  Keep those party hats handy!  We are all celebrating life each and every day! 


Monday, August 6, 2012

Welcome to the Party!

Attitude is everything, right?  So I have just won the genetic lottery!  Yay me! Let's throw a party! I have the BRCA1 gene that I inherited from my mother.  She is 73 and cancer free even though she has the genetic mutation.  I am 48, cancer free, and  I am facing the decision to have a bilateral prophylactic mastectomy and a hysterectomy  in order to reduce my chances of getting breast and/or ovarian cancer.  Right now I have an 87% chance of getting breast cancer and a 46% chance of getting ovarian cancer if I do not have the surgeries.  I am very glad that my aunt and mom decided to have the BRCA1 genetic testing done when they did.  As a result of their decisions, I was encouraged to meet with a genetic counselor to take the test. I put off taking this very simple blood test for three years.  THREE YEARS! What was I thinking? Well, I was in denial.  I didn't think it mattered.  I knew I would be fine.  That test couldn't be valid, could it?

Of course, I gave in and took the test when I had a "cancer scare." I decided that I was not ready to give in to cancer.  So now, even though I am facing not one, but two major surgeries in the very near future, I am counting my blessings that I have the opportunity to take control of my future, save my own life, and the lives of my three children (who may or may not be BRCA1 positive) all because I took a genetic test. Knowledge is power, people!  I have the opportunity to reduce my risk to 2%.  So, please pass the party hats!  My life is worth celebrating!  So is yours!