No Butterfly---But Headlights Are On Bright!!

Hello Everyone,

Today brings memories of a year ago ....I was in surgery for the double mastectomy. What a journey of praise and pain. Both continue....Praises have increased and pain is diminishing...yet not gone.

I saw Dr. Baker May 18th and he removed the stitch that had been encased and needed to come out before the tattooing could be done. He was also quite concerned about the physical therapy and too much stretching of the pockets the implants are in. I didn't know they could be stretched....they have moved slightly. So when I have more therapy for the pain... I'm to tell them to keep their hands off the implants! Don't want to lay on my back and have them fall in my arm pits....oh my!!!

I left Dr. Baker's office and went to see Dr. Sedlacek, my oncologist. He didn't have an answer for the continued pain either. I have to admit the thought has occur ed many time to take them out. I asked him if having them replaced with smaller ones would help....no he didn't think so.
He asked if the pain was less than it was 6 months ago....yes....let's give it another 6 months and revaluate then. He did give me a prescription for Neurontin which he said might help the pain caused from the cut nerve endings and also the hot flashes. Thankfully the hot flashes have lessened...not seeing difference with the pain. But just less hot flashes is a praise!! The BIG praise was the blood report I receive a week or so later....it's GREAT! That is no small blessing....I know!! The nurse that called said she was happy to call with my report. I said I'm sure you don't have this news for many....she said," You are right...many I have the Dr. call, I can't bear to tell them". Thank You LORD!!

I went down to the Skin Institute of Denver Thursday (June 14th) to put the headlights on!!! What an experience! Had a great gal, Denise, do the art work (Tee Hee)! She didn't haven any "butterflies" in her magic bag! Before surgery last year they said I probably wouldn't have much feeling in the nipple area. I think I'm pleasantly surprised I do have!! Thank goodness for lidocane and (something--forgot what else it was in it)...it was a topical anesthetic that they applied and then I went and had lunch for an hour so they would become numb. She used an instrument about the size of a large ball point pen. The end looked to be about an 1/8 of inch wide...I was shocked when she said there were a 114 needles in the end of it. She placed a ring on her left index finger that had a tiny cup that held the dye...ink...not sure what it's called. She said it would make a sound like Velcro tearing apart...she was right. Each time she punctured the skin and pulled it out....sounded just like she said. It took over 2 hrs. Another surprise...I asked if it lasted a lifetime.....no...a couple of years for some and longer for others...oh my ...for me it might be a lifetime!!! That may be more than you wanted to know..... sorry.....but I'm always amazed how this all works!

For months I've been thinking and praying for the day I would close this journal because the journey would be complete. As the months go by, I'm realizing it doesn't just one day end....
no....it won't be a lifetime report. I've found things I wanted to close with and even started a file so I could find it when I was ready to sign off.....not sure when that will be. I'll probably update every couple of months.

Until then....thank you for your love and support to me and my family these past 12 months. Your prayers and love help us realize the importance the support of others means during times of trials. Each and everyone of your are a blessings. Please continue that support to others as God puts them in your lives each day. There are so many people who need a gentle hand or word of encouragement.

Hug your loved ones often and I'll be praying God's blessing are raining down on you and your precious family!

Truly With God's Blessings,
Donna

Mother Teresa said, "Today I meet Jesus in the most distressing disguise!"

(My heart desire for each of us......"Look to see where God is working and go join Him"!) Donna