KYCancerWarrior

I know it is the 2nd but I forgot to share yesterday.

Feel it on the 1st! Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would be diagnosed with Breast Cancer at the age of 31. 31, no family history, it happens! While insurance in the States is attempting to push back the age of approved mammograms, we are seeing more women diagnosed in their 30’s. Feel it on the first becomes so important. Even though I already have BMX, this day is still crucial! 🙌

Feb 4th is World Cancer Survivor day. No matter the color of your ribbon, it is important to recollect on your path. The old saying that battles make you stronger is a fitting expression. Cancer is a battle no one chooses, but the amount of strength to persevere is amazing. So, here is to all my other cancer survivors!!! 💜💚❤️🧡💕

Whew! Explant stories. Check out my new post over at my site.
https://kycancerwarrior.com/2021/02/03/explant-journey/

Also, I was able to share my story a bit with Melissa Adams, on her Podcast Beyond the Pink Ribbon. Go check it out! https://behindthepinkribbon.com/podcast/

Explant Journey **Pictures of journey will be posted below. So, my adventure to explant has been an interesting one full of stress, happiness, long seven hour drives to and from Cleveland, and Breast Implant Illne…

New road for me. I have always been a sugar addict and now I am working towards clean foods to help with my detox. I truly felt better the day after my explant, but it is very obvious I need a lifestyle change in order to keep on this trend. 🌻🌺🍀🌹🌸🍅🍒🍉🍇🍌

Drains out on Day #5 post-op. We made the trek back home yesterday, and based on doctor expectations of “implant removal only” I should be ready to be back to normal, “but with t-Rex arms for the next 3 weeks.” Normal, but no arm use. The suggestion was to see a teeshirt wrapped around my arms as a reminder of my limitations are reached.

2020... enough said... Actually, not. Please check out my latest blog.

*Fingers crossed* 2020 is almost over! This year has been… I mean what do you say about a year when you have been in a Global Pandemic? Who knew I could fill in as a virtual teacher for a 1st grader and 6th grader, work full time,…

Emotions all over again.

Here we go again. Who knew that after bilateral mastectomies I would still be worried about lumps showing up. Even though I have this process down pat, your fears jump right back in anytime something doesn’t feel right.

Being “cancer free” does not mean free of cancer.

Here we go again. Who knew that after bilateral mastectomies I would still be worried about lumps showing up. Even though I have this process down pat, your fears jump right back in anytime something doesn’t feel right.

Being “cancer free” does not mean free of cancer.

Everyone has different plans when Cancer changes their trajectory. For me, I was highly pushed/advised that because I was 31 at the time I needed to go towards reconstruction to "heal" properly. Here I am 3 years later, 2 different sets of implants, waiting for my explant surgery next month! I am beyond excited to finally be to the point where I can take control of what would help me heal.

Everyone is different. Not all people will do Mastectomies. Not all cancers will allow survivors to keep their areolas/nipples. Some will opt for lumpectomies. Some will have Chemo or Radiation. But all people going through the battle should have the whole picture to choose from.

There has been a powerful movement for women being able to say "aesthetic flat closure."

I have no affiliation with this group, but their cause is amazing! check out notputtingonashirt.org for more information on what to ask your surgeon. There is a list of recommended surgeons. Also, this surgery is different than top surgery.

Know all your options, and be aware that you will have questions, and regrets, but I really hope you find your tribe.

Three years out, tonight I saw this ad on a shopping site and I was right back to that moment of seeing my bandages. The panic attack of sitting on the bath room tiled floor, just trying to breathe, trying to find something to fan myself. Troy asking what I needed, and I honestly did not know.

I understand advertising is important, and that showing the drains and Bilateral Mastectomies so perfection! I had a moment just like this when Walgreens included the post-op view of bandages. I am not the best as feelings, but I am lucky that I have this outlet to let me take a breath.