I've taken a long break from writing. I've been busy living this one wild and precious life, and healing from the most painful surgery of my breast cancer journey so far.
For my faithful prayer warriors, here's a quick recap.
June
I had part one of my reconstructive surgery, an 11-hour operation using tissue from my back, because I didn't have enough fat to go the usual route. That same day I became a Lollie for the third time. My heart still aches that I couldn't be with my middle baby while she delivered her first baby like we'd planned. She went into labor as they were wheeling me back for surgery. I left the hospital three days later with four drains, barely able to walk or move. But getting to meet my new grandbaby was worth every bump of that painful ride home.
July
I fell twice and got an infection, and both set me back. My drains couldn't come out because the fluid levels were too high after the falls.
Three weeks after surgery, I started a new job teaching high school. I work at a year-round school, so we began in July. I had two drains coming out of my sides and compression garments covering my back, stomach, and legs down to my knees. I couldn't sit up in the car, so Gavin drove me to work and picked me up every day.
The pain was horrendous. I got stronger, but I still collapsed after work in tears and slept until I had to get up and do it all again.
August
Drain-free! It may be the most liberating feeling in the world. I kept teaching, my stamina grew, and I spent my weekends resting and preparing my body for another week.
September
I finally got strong enough to drive myself to and from work. I also got the shot I now need every six months. My doctors found that the second chemo drug caused osteoporosis in my spine and hips, and the pills I take to block estrogen (which feeds my type of cancer) also hurt bone health. So we're keeping a close eye on my bones. If they get worse, we'll have to find a new medication to keep cancer cells from growing.
October
I took my first trip in over a year that wasn't to a doctor's office!
Gavin and I went to Maxwell AFB, walked around Montgomery, and saw where Rosa Parks was arrested. We visited friends from Alaska on the way to Chattanooga, where we went to Ruby Falls, an underground waterfall. It felt fitting to see a place tied to the story of high school sweethearts with my own high school sweetheart.
Then we went home for a few days to snuggle grandbabies and go boating before heading to Ponce de León's Fountain of Youth. The natural spring is 68 degrees. After a very short dip, my surgical areas felt great, but it was c-c-cold!
As you can see we have been blessed and living life, and what a beautiful life it is. Each day is a gift and I pray all of you take a moment to reflect on the good in each day, especially on the days that you struggle.
There are hard days and challenges I am still fighting through, and another surgery on the horizon, but every day is a blessing. The power surges (hot flashes) caused by sudden forced menopause are no fun, but at least I am warm for the first time in my life. The pain in my bones, chest, underarms, and back are really rough some days, but I am learning how to give my body grace as I rebuild. I still get nerve shocks that bring me to tears at times from the damage the allergic reaction from chemo caused in my trigeminal nerve, but I am grateful that even in the painful moments I can feel the loving and comforting hand of God. I know there is purpose in my pain and I trust that Jesus will use it for His glory.
I hope you all our prayer warriors know how grateful we are for your prayers and check ins. The calls, daily texts, cards and support have been blessings I praise God for as they have helped rebuild our strength and kept us focused on what matters.
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