I’m Cancer-Free, But I’m Not Finished: The Next Step in My Breast Cancer Journey

It feels a little strange to say that I’m cancer-free while also preparing for another major surgery because of cancer.

But that’s where I am.

It’s been more than two years since breast cancer turned my life upside down. I’ve had a double mastectomy, chemotherapy and radiation. There have been countless appointments, scans, blood tests and medications along the way.

My scans have been clear, and I am incredibly grateful for that.

But being cancer-free doesn’t mean everything cancer set in motion is finished.

Now I’m getting ready for the next part of my breast cancer journey: reconstruction.

The Next Step: DIEP Flap Reconstruction

This October, I’ll be having DIEP flap breast reconstruction.

This has been part of my plan for more than two years, but there were a lot of things my body needed to get through first.

DIEP flap reconstruction uses tissue from my abdomen to reconstruct my breasts. It’s a major surgery expected to last eight hours or more. After surgery, I’ll spend several days in the hospital, including time in the ICU where the medical team can closely monitor me and the reconstructed tissue.

This will be the first of several reconstruction surgeries I expect to have, but it is by far the biggest one and will have the longest recovery.

Right now, I’m concentrating on this surgery and giving my body the time it needs to heal.

What Recovery Will Actually Look Like

This is probably the part I want people around me to understand most.

When I come home from the hospital, I won’t simply be tired or sore. There are everyday things I physically won’t be allowed to do.

• I can’t do laundry.
• I can’t repeatedly bend down to load and unload the dishwasher.
• I can’t vacuum or sweep.
• I can’t do repetitive movements.
• I can’t do much lifting.

I won’t even be able to lie flat for quite some time. I have an adjustable bed that will allow me to sleep and rest in the position I need while everything heals.

Even sewing will be limited, which is obviously a pretty big adjustment when sewing is both something I love and how I make my living.

There will be drains, restrictions and a lot of things I’m accustomed to doing for myself that I’ll temporarily need someone else to do.

My job for a while is going to be pretty simple: heal.

Giving myself permission to actually do that might be one of the hardest parts.

What Comes After Cancer Treatment

There are parts of cancer treatment that don’t disappear just because my scans are clear.

After about two and a half years, I’m finally reaching the end of Verzenio. That is a milestone I have been looking forward to. My hair still hasn’t grown back the way I hoped it would. My skin has changed, too, and I have more freckles and pigmentation than I remember having before radiation.

I’m also still dealing with neuropathy in my feet from chemotherapy. I recently started acupuncture to see if it can help with the persistent pins-and-needles sensation.

And I’m managing lymphedema, another lasting effect that has become part of my everyday life.

Then there are the hot flashes.

My bloodwork still shows that I’m in perimenopause, so right now I’m taking Tamoxifen. My doctors will continue monitoring me with blood tests. Once I’m biologically through menopause, the plan is to transition me to a different type of estrogen-blocking medication.

So while active cancer treatment may be behind me, some of the effects and follow-up care will continue for years.

There Isn’t One Right Way Through Breast Cancer

One reason I’ve chosen to share so much of my breast cancer journey is because there are so many decisions involved that you don’t even know exist until you’re faced with them.

Reconstruction is one of those decisions.

Some women choose DIEP flap reconstruction. Some choose implants. Some choose other types of reconstruction. Some choose to stay flat.

My decision is simply that: my decision.

It doesn’t mean it’s the right choice for everyone.

I’m sharing my experience because sometimes hearing what someone else has been through helps you know what questions to ask or what options might be available.

If sharing my experience helps even one person feel a little less alone or more informed, then I’m glad I shared it.

And if you know someone going through breast cancer who might benefit from reading about my experience, please share this article with them.

What I’m Asking for Most Is Prayer

I’ve had so many people ask what they can do for me as I prepare for surgery.

The thing I want most is very simple.

Please pray for me.

• Pray for my surgeons and the entire medical team caring for me.
• Pray that surgery goes smoothly and that my body heals well.
• Pray for no complications.
• Pray for my family as they help take care of me.

And maybe say an extra prayer that I have the patience to follow the restrictions I’ve been given, even on the days when I start feeling good enough to think I can do more than I should.

I believe in the power of prayer, and knowing people are praying for me means more than I can adequately explain.

For Those Who Have Asked How They Can Help

I’m fortunate to have family and people close to me who will be helping with meals, household chores and the everyday things I won’t be able to manage for myself.

I also know there are people who have followed my journey for years who have asked if there’s something tangible they can do.

I’m putting together an Amazon recovery wishlist with some things that will make the next couple of months easier. I’ll be spending a lot of time resting in my adjustable bed, so there are practical things like an overbed table, comfortable slip-on shoes and a few things to help me work, read and stay entertained while I’m recovering.

Gift cards are another easy way to help. DoorDash will help with meals, Walmart will help with groceries as I focus on a high-protein, Mediterranean-style diet, and Amazon will help with recovery supplies and things I discover I need once I’m home.

[AMAZON RECOVERY WISHLIST]

There is absolutely no expectation to buy or send anything.
Your prayers, messages and encouragement are support, too.

What Comes Next

This DIEP flap surgery is the first of several reconstruction surgeries I expect to have.

It is also, by far, the biggest. So I’m trying not to think too far ahead. Right now, I’m preparing my home, preparing my business and getting myself ready for a couple of months when healing needs to come first.

I’m cancer-free, and I don’t take that for granted.

My cancer journey didn’t end when my scans came back clear. There are still side effects to manage, medications to take and now reconstruction and recovery ahead of me. This is simply the next stage.
And when I’m ready, I’ll share what comes after that.