Me, starting to look like a functioning almost-32-year-old again....
Greetings! This is my celebratory 2-year post preventive double mastectomy with DIEP reconstruction and bilateral salpingectomy dance (video doesn't want to upload so here is a screenshot with a link)!
All the time, sadly, I'm learning of and meeting new people who are on the same journey. During my preparation for surgeries, starting the blog was one way to help keep myself organized with notes in one place and offer support to others along the way. Since, it has served as a timeline because my memory was almost worthless for ... well... it's starting to get a little better ... maybe =)
But, my hair is coming back finally! After surgeries, I was losing so much hair that I eventually cut it short. I just started strength training 2 weeks ago and am feeling great! I love seeing progress and watching this body bounce back after being split nearly in half. And I've been eating well for the most part. I still drink entirely too much beer and am working on that but overall feel great. I follow a mostly gluten free diet which keeps swelly belly at bay (worth it!).
Living beyond this experience has been a blessing, of course. It's also been challenging in ways I never imagined possible. I always look for the silver linings and there are plenty - I've taken this opportunity to get a hold on my health and at an early age. I'm reevaluating all my cosmetic and personal products from shampoo & conditioner to makeup to feminine products. It's really eye-opening when you pay attention to the ingredient lists on our products. And since I've already been through enough, I've decided I'm worth more than I initially thought. I am striving to be more intentional in my relationships, in my work, and in my spending habits.
- kk
