Sunday, October 28, 2018

Greener Grass

There is no fence to balance on with a breast cancer diagnosis. Since July 2017, the "greener grass" side of treatment has required heavy doses of herbicide (chemotherapy) to kill the weeds (cancer cells), aggressive pruning (surgery/mastectomies), additional weeding (radiation), all before replanting and grafting new branches in a carefully pruned garden (reconstruction surgery).

From my limited knowledge and vantage point, the replanting and grafting part of my breast reconstruction surgery is progressing nicely. I've followed all of the doctor's strict orders, and hopefully will reap the harvest of an extended, healthy lifetime. (Doctor's orders included staying inside for weeks on end and sleeping in a recliner.) Just last week I was able to sleep in a bed for the first time since surgery (yeehaw!) and with my new found freedom of being allowed outside, I'm slowly emerging from a cocoon of inactivity and enjoying small walks (around the block) with the Amazing Reese and Tilly the Wonder dog.

This side of the fence is definitely greener, especially considering that the alternative was death. Many thanks to the team of professionals who have kept me alive and soon-to-be flourishing -- dozens and dozens of people who have worked and are working together on my behalf. It's so wonderful to be pruned, grafted, and replanted in a verdant, green garden in this great big world!