Upon entering Dr. M's office for my post-reconstruction check-up, I presumed he would check out his handiwork, feel around for my "cord", and send me on my way. Little did I know I would have yet another decision to consider.
He was extremely pleased with how both of my incisions were looking and encouraged me to keep up with my downward massage which aids the implant with dropping into place within its pocket. After several minutes of examination, Dr. M pronounced my cord to be gone ... cured ... no more! I guess that's why I hadn't noticed any discomfort for quite some time. Dr. M went on to explain that loads of research has been done on this so-called "Mondor's Disease" and no conclusive answer has been found. Perhaps this is why I seemed to get varying answers when I was initially investigating as to what the rope under my skin was. Some schools of thought are that the cords are indeed veins, while other professionals feel the cords are part of the lymphatic system that has been disturbed during surgery. Whatever the case, I was overjoyed that my two cords have strummed their last chord, and have exited stage right.
Next order of business -- do I want a nipple (sorry guys!!)??
Apparently, about 50% of women choose NOT to worry about a nipple post-reconstruction. Within the remaining 50%, about half of those choose actual reconstruction of a nipple created by making a small incision and pulling a bit of muscle tissue through the opening. To my way of thinking, the major issue with this type of "nipple" is that it NEVER goes away! It wouldn't just be noticeable when cold, etc., it would be noticeable 100% of the time. NO THANKS to that option!! The other half of the 50% opts to have a 3-D nipple and areola tattooed onto their reconstructed site. What for? I simply don't get it. Since I have a chosen profession that I quite enjoy, and don't plan on posing nude anytime soon -- NO THANKS to that option, also!!
By default, I'm in the 50% of women who choose not to worry about a nipple. I've breast-fed four babies, so that cancer-filled, life-sucking nipple has done the job it was created for and can now be gone forever.
Easy decision!!
Sunday, June 22, 2014
"My New Peace" -- a poem
You must all be sick and tired of hearing me write about running, eh??
Well, TOO BAD!! ... as I rocked on my deck with my morning java yesterday, prior to going to RUNClub, I realized that it was the last official RUNClub I would attend before summer break. I've made the most exciting plans to be in Alberta with my family next weekend, so I'll miss the final session. That got me pondering how I feel when I run, how running has changed my life, and how I want to keep moving ... "Movement is Change". Desiring to find some way to say thank you to Jo Berry, our main coach, a poem started tumbling out of my soul and onto paper. Thought I'd share it with you ...
For
Jo,
June 21, 2014
My New Peace
Lacing up my pink
Mizuno’s,
Music blaring, legs
and lungs pumping,
I’m off …
Kilometers covered
and energy dwindling,
My meandering maze
through town ends
With a sharp turn
towards the river.
Smacking into God's majestic beauty,
I’m forced to stop,
to connect, to reflect.
A picnic table
becomes my viewing platform
As deep examination
begins.
I hear the slippery,
silver sound of
Thompson water
tumbling by.
See exquisite
fingerlings intricately etched
Into hoodoo walls.
A camper’s bacon
breakfast fills my nostrils
With familiar
memories.
Tastes of childhood,
laughter … life.
Refreshed by a spray
of water,
I rise to leave …
transformed.
Observing through a
different lens –
One shaped with
appreciation, wonder … awe.
“Don’t miss this!”, I
teach myself.
“Run with open eyes!”
“Live with an open
heart!”
Returning home, I
notice
A drop of dew
sparkles on each perfect pansy face
As they stand like
palace guards protecting my home.
… I almost missed it.
Yvonne Eaglestone
June 21, 2014
Enjoy your day, all of you. Happy Sunday :)
Thursday, June 19, 2014
Carry On
Being a firm believer in the fact that we are given the right words for someone at exactly the right time ... this is for a special someone out there, but I don't know who you are :)
As I was running this morning, one of the songs on my playlist came on that I only recently added -- "Carry On", by Fun. Not only does it have a perfectly-timed beat to keep me running at the right pace, but it speaks of our feet on the ground, and to carry on putting one foot in front of the other. Many, many mornings I need this literal inspiration to keep me carrying on running.
The lyrics in the chorus of this song are
If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on.
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on.
However, I also take from the song a less-literal, more-inspirational message. Easier said than done, we all need to continue placing one foot in front of the other, no matter what we are facing. There were sooooo many days, about a year ago, when I didn't want to open my eyes in the morning, let alone get out of bed to put my feet on the ground. Yet, here I am, all these months later, trying my best to live each and every day to the fullest.
You just do it! You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one foot in front of the other, and you refuse to let cancer (or anything else) get to you. You fight! You cry! You pray! Then, you get on with the business of living. You have to! There's no other way!!
As I was running this morning, one of the songs on my playlist came on that I only recently added -- "Carry On", by Fun. Not only does it have a perfectly-timed beat to keep me running at the right pace, but it speaks of our feet on the ground, and to carry on putting one foot in front of the other. Many, many mornings I need this literal inspiration to keep me carrying on running.
The lyrics in the chorus of this song are
If you're lost and alone
Or you're sinking like a stone
Carry on.
May your past be the sound
Of your feet upon the ground
Carry on.
However, I also take from the song a less-literal, more-inspirational message. Easier said than done, we all need to continue placing one foot in front of the other, no matter what we are facing. There were sooooo many days, about a year ago, when I didn't want to open my eyes in the morning, let alone get out of bed to put my feet on the ground. Yet, here I am, all these months later, trying my best to live each and every day to the fullest.
You just do it! You force yourself to get up. You force yourself to put one foot in front of the other, and you refuse to let cancer (or anything else) get to you. You fight! You cry! You pray! Then, you get on with the business of living. You have to! There's no other way!!
Please, please carry on!! And, if there's anything I can do to help you carry on, just say the word ...
If you'd like to have a listen to Fun. sing "Carry On", here's a link "Carry On"
Wednesday, June 18, 2014
New Name!
Good afternoon, my friends, family, and faithful readers. After several heartfelt apologies for NOT talking about breast cancer in several posts, it has been suggested to me a few times over that I could change the title of my blog to be more about my life, in general.
It is true, that from September 2012 to August 2013, battling breast cancer WAS my life! However, feeling like I'm out the other side of the danger zone, I'm all about just living each day to the fullest.
In my intense desire to continue writing this blog, I decided to change "Yvonne's Breast Cancer Blog" (who thought up that unimaginative name??) to "The Life & Times of a Breast Cancer Survivor". That way, on the days when I have no symptoms, check-ups, side effects, or other breast-related topics to cover, I can still write ... about me, about my life.
My strong hope is that you will continue to read, even on the days when I'm just rambling about running or conversing about camping.
It is true, that from September 2012 to August 2013, battling breast cancer WAS my life! However, feeling like I'm out the other side of the danger zone, I'm all about just living each day to the fullest.
In my intense desire to continue writing this blog, I decided to change "Yvonne's Breast Cancer Blog" (who thought up that unimaginative name??) to "The Life & Times of a Breast Cancer Survivor". That way, on the days when I have no symptoms, check-ups, side effects, or other breast-related topics to cover, I can still write ... about me, about my life.
My strong hope is that you will continue to read, even on the days when I'm just rambling about running or conversing about camping.
Sunday, June 15, 2014
Life's Uncertainties
Realizing I've been noticeably absent from doing any writing for weeks (yikes!!), I thought it high time to say Hi once again. The last fourteen days have been consumed with illness, anxiety, and uncertainty.
First, let me update you on how "Skip's Run" went on June 1. Having made a pact that we would run together, Alexine (a fellow morning workout and RUNClubber) and I lined up at the start line. I was filled with trepidation because, although our "Boogie the Bridge" times were very similar, I knew Alexine was a much stronger runner than I, and she had decided we should do 10-1 run-walk cycles. To say I was worried is putting it mildly. However, off we sprinted, covering the first kilometre in record speed. The quick pace took its toll on me as, after only two cycles, I could feel my energy level dropping like a runaway elevator. With a devoted running partner and excellent motivator, I crossed the finish line 10 km and 1 hour 7 minutes later. Another major accomplishment!
The day before Skip's Run, I could feel my body succumb to a cold bug David had brought home from up north. An irritated, scratchy throat accompanied me along the entire run route and, by Monday morning, I felt miserable. It takes a lot for me to ditch on a morning workout, but I just couldn't drag my sorry body out of bed to get to group workout or go running the entire week.
Wells Gray Provincial Park beckoned us to come visit last weekend, so we donned our camping duds, threw in all the camping gear -- or so we thought -- stocked up on Halls, Neocitran, sinus medication, and kleenex, and headed off for our first camping trip of the season. Unfortunately, our Friday departure caused me to miss Saturday's RUNClub session, but I wasn't convinced my body was ready to run anyways.
The last few weeks have also been wrought with stress -- that 'knot-in-your-stomach', 'sleepless-night' kind of stress -- because of the impending strike by my teachers' union. I refuse to go into the gory details on a breast cancer blog, but suffice it to say that such levels of anxiety are NOT good for my health. Even as I write at this very moment, I am waiting for word as to whether or not school is on for the last two weeks of the year, or whether I'll be sipping coolers in my bikini (HA!) a little early this year. My 'uncertainty meter' is way past capacity, with the suspense just about putting me over the edge.
Tomorrow marks the start of my 6-month check-ups, and I am off to Kamloops for a visit with Dr. M, my plastic surgeon. Although the cord is still noticeable under my skin, the discomfort seems to have dissipated -- either that, or it's become so commonplace I don't notice it any more. My incisions look fantastic, and I'm expecting a good report from him. Next week brings my two oncologist appointments, and I will admit they bring with them a level of fear and uncertainty.
**********************
I was overjoyed this week to talk to someone whose relative reads and enjoys this blog. My ongoing hope is that it will encourage someone along their journey, bring a smile to a face, or perhaps just let them realize we all have trials and tribulations.
My apologies that this post doesn't have much to do with being a breast cancer survivor. It's just about life :)
First, let me update you on how "Skip's Run" went on June 1. Having made a pact that we would run together, Alexine (a fellow morning workout and RUNClubber) and I lined up at the start line. I was filled with trepidation because, although our "Boogie the Bridge" times were very similar, I knew Alexine was a much stronger runner than I, and she had decided we should do 10-1 run-walk cycles. To say I was worried is putting it mildly. However, off we sprinted, covering the first kilometre in record speed. The quick pace took its toll on me as, after only two cycles, I could feel my energy level dropping like a runaway elevator. With a devoted running partner and excellent motivator, I crossed the finish line 10 km and 1 hour 7 minutes later. Another major accomplishment!
The day before Skip's Run, I could feel my body succumb to a cold bug David had brought home from up north. An irritated, scratchy throat accompanied me along the entire run route and, by Monday morning, I felt miserable. It takes a lot for me to ditch on a morning workout, but I just couldn't drag my sorry body out of bed to get to group workout or go running the entire week.
Wells Gray Provincial Park beckoned us to come visit last weekend, so we donned our camping duds, threw in all the camping gear -- or so we thought -- stocked up on Halls, Neocitran, sinus medication, and kleenex, and headed off for our first camping trip of the season. Unfortunately, our Friday departure caused me to miss Saturday's RUNClub session, but I wasn't convinced my body was ready to run anyways.
 |
| We saw this cute little guy on our way to the campsite. I love seeing bears from inside a vehicle!! |
 |
| Remember, we thought we threw in all the camping gear? Well, we (David) forgot the tent, so this was our home-away-from-home. |
 |
| Spectacular and stunning ... Helmcken Falls |
Tomorrow marks the start of my 6-month check-ups, and I am off to Kamloops for a visit with Dr. M, my plastic surgeon. Although the cord is still noticeable under my skin, the discomfort seems to have dissipated -- either that, or it's become so commonplace I don't notice it any more. My incisions look fantastic, and I'm expecting a good report from him. Next week brings my two oncologist appointments, and I will admit they bring with them a level of fear and uncertainty.
**********************
I was overjoyed this week to talk to someone whose relative reads and enjoys this blog. My ongoing hope is that it will encourage someone along their journey, bring a smile to a face, or perhaps just let them realize we all have trials and tribulations.
My apologies that this post doesn't have much to do with being a breast cancer survivor. It's just about life :)
Sunday, June 1, 2014
"National Cancer Survivors Day"
It was not until I read an email from the Canadian Breast Cancer Foundation on Friday, that I realized today -- June 1, 2014 -- is "National Cancer Survivors Day".
Ironically, today is also the day I will run my second 10 km race. Every June 1, in our little desert town, Ashcroft hosts "Skip's Run Along the River" -- a charity run to honour a long-time resident and Lions member who passed away after a long battle with cancer. I'm running today because Skip can no longer run. I'm running today because I'm alive, and I can!
Celebrate life today ...
- if you're a survivor ... you are not a victim, you made it! Congratulations! Treasure every moment!
- if you know a survivor ... congratulate them, encourage them, say you're proud of them! Trust me, they need it!
The more you celebrate life, the more there is to celebrate in life.
ENJOY!!
Running for the Soul
There's a running gear store in Kamloops called "Runner's Sole", which boasts the slogan "Putting Feet First" -- although they sell every little thing a runner could ever want to be well-outfitted. This is the store where I was fitted for my beautiful pink Mizuno runners shortly after I joined RUNClub.
However, yesterday, as my running club chatted and encouraged our way along Barnes Lake, just southeast of Ashcroft, I was concentrating on this runner's soul. I shutter at the thought of sounding cliche or trite, but running is so good for my soul -- therapeutic, peaceful, community, motivating.
Since I am running another 10 km charity run this morning, I dropped down a group and ran with the 6-7 km group yesterday. Being slightly worried about even doing that since one of RUNClub's philosophies for staying injury-free is never to run two days in a row, I really took it easy, giving me ample time to enjoy my beautiful surroundings and the people I was with.
Here are a few photo memories of our beautiful morning ...
However, yesterday, as my running club chatted and encouraged our way along Barnes Lake, just southeast of Ashcroft, I was concentrating on this runner's soul. I shutter at the thought of sounding cliche or trite, but running is so good for my soul -- therapeutic, peaceful, community, motivating.
Since I am running another 10 km charity run this morning, I dropped down a group and ran with the 6-7 km group yesterday. Being slightly worried about even doing that since one of RUNClub's philosophies for staying injury-free is never to run two days in a row, I really took it easy, giving me ample time to enjoy my beautiful surroundings and the people I was with.
Here are a few photo memories of our beautiful morning ...
Did you think this photo was upside down??
Nope, it's the billowy clouds reflected in the glass-like lake ...
only disturbed by the paddling feet of this goose couple
with about 15 little goslings protected between them.
Can you see why the run was good for my soul?
Look at this evidence of God's handiwork!
Our little 6-7 km group
... minus Donna who took the picture
when our many attempts at a selfie didn't work :)
Tracy, in the pink shirt, is one of our coaches.
Whatever you're doing today,
do it with your eyes wide open, looking up.
Enjoy the beauty around you!!
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