Next step in my reconstruction

On Friday, I will have surgery to swap out my expanders for my implants, or my "more real fake boobs" as I have been referring to them.     Craig and I refer to my expander-filled breasts as "the coconuts" because the shape resembles that of a coconut bra. They are really unnatural looking and are uncomfortable when the kids bump into them (or I bump them into something).    I am dreading the whole surgery aspect of this, mostly the anesthesia and recovery but I am excited to see what my body/breasts will look like going forward.    I am also excited to stop wearing sports bras.  I have not been allowed to wear bras with underwire since my mastectomy.   Since my size and shape now is not what it will be once I have the implants, I have not wanted to invest in any nice non-underwire bras.  A lot of my work clothes are not conducive to sports bras!  I have to wear sports bras for the first 3 weeks after this surgery but then I can go back to regular ones.   

The surgery itself is scheduled for 11:00am.   I have to be at the hospital at 9:00am.    The surgery will take about 2 hours and then I will be in recovery for 2-3 hours.   Craig's Dad is coming down to help and will likely be my ride to and from the hospital so Craig can get Raymond to a number of activities that are happening the same day (Field Day at school, T-ball Fan Appreciation night, swimming lesson). 

This may or may not be the last step in my reconstruction.   Once the implants are in and settled, I might need some adjustments to get everything even.    Breast reconstruction is as much an art as it is a science.  There is only so much the surgeon can do in one procedure.    Also, there is the matter of recreating a nipple on my right breast.   I am undecided about whether I will have that done.   If I do, it will not be until the Fall at the earliest.   I plan to enjoy the rest of my summer!

My friend Anna goes in for her mastectomy in a matter of hours.  Please say a prayer that they get clean margins and the lymph nodes are clear!

Again???

I am not sure if anyone is reading this anymore. I have been ignoring the blog since I returned to work a month ago.    Life has gotten back to its usual craziness, which has been great!     I have a prayer/happy thought/positive vibe request for anyone out there.

My friend Anna, an American living in Finland and a loyal blog follower and commenter during my recent battle was diagnosed with breast cancer 2 days ago.    Since getting the news yesterday, I have been so MAD.   How can this be happening to another 30-something mother???   Anna and I are the same age.   She also has 2 children - 2 girls, aged 3 and 8 months.     Her 3 year old and Emily were in the same baby group in Finland.   Anna has a friend in Finland who was diagnosed the same day as me - January 14, 2011.   Her friend is also our age.    I really want to know what the hell is going on?    Here are 3 women in their late 30s, who grew up in different parts of the world (Finland, NY and California) all getting breast cancer.   The one thing we have in common is a 3 year old child. 

Anyway, please say a prayer for Anna. She is having a single mastectomy next Tuesday.   After that, they will decide on additional treatment.    To all my friends in Finland, please give Anna a HUGE hug from me the next time you see her.  I wish I could be closer and help her.  I now understand how you all felt this winter when you could not be here for me on a daily basis.    But I know how much the support from afar helped and I will do what I can from here for Anna.