Sorry I haven’t updated in a while. Can you believe that it’s been over two months since I completed chemotherapy on July 1? Dr. Ballard started me on Tamoxifen, which is used to treat women diagnosed with hormone-receptor-positive, early-stage breast cancer after surgery to reduce the risk of hormone-receptor-positive breast cancer coming back. Some of the side effects are hot flashes, leg swelling, and pain in the pelvis. Of course, I have all of these. They said I would get used to it in a few months. It’s tolerable, just aggravating walking like an old woman when I get out of my chair or out of bed. I will still be taking Herceptin treatments until about April.

My hair is growing back very thick! But my eyelashes just fell out. I try to put on mascara in the mornings, but I only have 1 lash left on one side and about 3 on the other side. I hope they will grow back thick and long!!! Wouldn’t that be wonderful!

I start my reconstructive process tomorrow – Thursday, September 24. We have to start all over since the tissue expanders did not work due to infections. Dr. Deutsch will perform a Pedicle Tram Flap procedure. I’ll be in the hospital for 3 days and recovery is expected to be 4-6 weeks. But as you all know, I’m one tough cookie, so I am expecting to be back working from home in about 2 weeks.

Mama is going to stay with me again until I can move around a little (or at least take a shower by myself). Thankfully, she is feeling much better after her surgery.

Jessica will keep you posted during and after the surgery.

Keep me in your prayers for a successful surgery and speedy recovery! I’m nervous and a little scared, but excited to get another step behind me.

Love ya!
Ann

“Life may not be the party we planned for, but while we are here, we might as well dance!”