Implants are in!

I'm sitting here, writing this blog, and I've got two bags attached to my pants with safety pins, holding my drains.  I've got my favorite comfty hoodie on and Victoria Banks' song, "Someone Does" is playing in the background.  And all I can say is, it's done!  The implants are in, the scars are healing, and as soon as these darn drains are removed, the pain will subside.  I had my exchange surgery done on Friday September 23rd, and it was a success.  Other than feeling pretty wiped out from the anesthetic, and a little discomfort, I made it through, it's over.  And now life can go. I have had a few very low moments in the last few days, but I'm managing.  It's been hard to go through this surgery again, alone.  I miss my mom so much at these times.  Scott took me to my surgery on Friday, and then has been here daily checking in on things and bringing things I need.  It's hard to not have him here all the time to help, but that's the reality of separation.  The timing sucked, but those things happen. My neighbors have been a huge help, always checking in to see if I need anything.  The neighbor kids all came over on Saturday for a visit, and I really appreciated it.  Most of the time, I just sit and watch DVD's or chat with friends on Facebook.  The first few days it was so painful to get out of the chair, but I'm feeling more mobile now.  Yesterday I went up to the post office, and to the library, but was exhausted when I came back.  Three anesthetics in four months, I don't think my body is adjusting well.  I've had a few friends stop by, checking in and bringing me treats.  I'm not very entertaining right now, but I appreciate just having them here to sit with me.  Sometimes cry with me.  People have said I've been so negative lately, and not really looking on the positive side of what I did.  I'm sorry that people have felt that way, but Bevin doesn't ask for help very much, and I think that my negativity this time, was a cry for help. Taking care of myself when I'm in pain & not having any family close by, it's been hard...really hard!  I have been seeing a counsellor in London and thankfully she has called everyday to check in, and to chat with me.  We set goals each day, even if they are just small, of things I need to accomplish, and how I'm going to move forward from here.  It's great just having someone to talk to about everything, and have things make sense.

Today is Previvor Day and I am a previvor.  I have a predisposition to a hereditary or genetic link to Cancer.  There is a day to celebrate this, to share our stories with other people who carry this gene and to teach the general population about Cancer genetics.  When I started out with this surgery, I wasn't doing it just for me.  I wanted to know that I would be helping someone else, be it my family, my friends or a complete stranger who had a family history of breast cancer and wanted to learn more about genetics.  And as I read the comments and posts now, I think that I have accomplished what I set out to do, and I hope that I can share my story with many more people, and help change their lives too.

My friend Cheryl, who I met through FORCE, recently gave me a brochure for a program based in Florida called ICARE Inherited Cancer Registry.  It is a registry developed for individuals interested in taking part in studies on inherited cancers.  Basically I just filled out a questionaire, sent them a copy of my genetic test results and a family tree and if they need more information, they will contact me.  It's a database for research, and I was so happy to hear about it.  If my mutated gene, can help with research to save another persons life, then it's all worth it.  If anyone wants more information about ICARE check out their website at ICARE@moffitt.org

Time to get on with my day.  I'm hoping the nurse is coming today to take out my drains, but that depends if they are ready to come out or not.  I can't wait to have a shower!