Helpful Links

What is a previvor?

What is the BRCA2 Gene?

More about BRCA from the American Cancer Society

Resources by state (Illinois)

What is DIEP Flap?

Eating during cancer treatment - cookbook!

Clothing and other post-mastectomy and cancer resources - Global

Medical bill tracker

How did you prepare?
- My list
- The Blessing Project

 

- DIEP Flap Support Group on Facebook
- Amazon Wishlist
- Winters Gift

HOLY CRUNCH TIME!

May 26, 2020

OMG, it's so close! Since I last wrote, I've gotten SO much accomplished but still feel SO overwhelmed by what I still need to get done. If you know anything about me, you know how much I love (and thrive on) lists. Well, here's my list(s) :)

It's totally a work in progress! But we're now 21 (OUCH!) days out and I need it to help me stay on track. I'm hoping to have just about everything done by June 10 so I can chill. Hopefully ..!

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1-HZI9oCMN84mI7jRdTUKPa8aUzgR2E42YFAAcpUk8I4/edit?usp=sharing

I had my mammogram and MRI done today. And then I missed a call from my general surgeon's office at 6:18pm and couldn't get back to them. Ugh. But, I know my mammogram was read right away and everything looked good so my fingers are crossed. I see my plastic surgeon tomorrow, however...

She's feeling hesitant about doing my surgery in the way we initially planned :( At least, that's how she felt the last time we talked. I'm so anxious to see how it goes tomorrow.

The plan was to do the following:

1. Bilateral mastectomies with DIEP - FLAP  - June 16
2. Tubes and Ovaries removed 6-8 weeks post June 16
3. Cosmetic touch-ups and finish reconstruction 6-8 weeks post Tubes and Ovaries

https://www.breastcancer.org/community/podcasts/breast-surgery-covid19-20200406

See the problem? My OB/Gyn, Primary Care Provider, Genetics Counselor, and General Surgeon all feel it's better to move forward now versus later due to the unknowns ahead along with the upcoming flu/pneumonia season we have every year. I was supposed to start this journey 5 years ago but due to insurance BS, I finally got the go-ahead and planning began October, 2019.

Katelynn, the best BFF ever! is hosting a "My Breast Friends" party a week from today and I'm so excited! She's asked anyone who can to help fill my freezer with freezer meals and I put together an Amazon Wishlist of items others have recommended having on hand for a smooth recovery. Super grateful for all the support.

And lastly for tonight, the highlight of my day was definitely receiving my "Blessing Box!" Thank you, Dawn xoxox

That's all for tonight :)

March 4, 2020
Hello!

When life is so crazy you have trouble organizing your thoughts, why not add "blogging" to the list of to-do's, right?! Actually, I think having this space to document everything will help keep me organized. Not only that, I've read SO many blogs of other ladies who've been through this and it's really helped me prepare and know what to expect. I also know what questions I still had/have so I hope to be able to give even more perspective to others who will be on this journey behind me so bear with me as I ramble, rant, and probably bore you with my disorganized, beautiful chaos. If nothing else, maybe it's entertaining?

My full disclaimer is I'm not making 2 different blogs for 2 different audiences. It's all here, pick and choose what you want to follow as you wish :)

I'm going to be creating a thread to document my journey as a previvor. "What's a previvor," you ask? Find out here. It's a nice explanation of one of my current sources of chaos. :) 

More later, 
KK


The picture below is the day I had my Plastic Surgery consult on February 3, 2020 <3