It’s been a little while since I’ve written. Things have been a bit crazier than normal around our house! All 5 of us needed to readjust after my surgery. Keep in mind that Sal and I really hadn’t slept for 6 days once we returned home. For the first 48 hours post surgery, my breasts needed to be checked every hour. After the first 48 hours, my breasts were being checked every 2 hours until I was discharged. Needless to say, I didn’t rest much. Sal didn’t leave my side while I was in the hospital, so he didn’t rest much either.
The past 2 weeks have been going very well. I’m close to regaining my full range of motion. I’ve been doing an OT regiment twice daily which consists of stretches, mostly. Jameson, Chase, and Cameron are all doing well, too. Jameson lost her second tooth this week while Cam is popping 2 more! Cameron has been adjusting to all of the new faces helping out at our house and she’s doing better than I expected. Chase and Sal are also doing great. I feel fortunate to have such a strong support system in my family and friends. My hair is really starting to grow back but I’m still wearing Sugar and hats because I don’t have enough self confidence to venture out with a pixie. Plus, it’s soo cold!! I don’t know how you bald gentlemen do it!
I wanted to address a few things in this post that have been bothering me for the past few weeks. Sal and I have been more than gracious, I think, to be sharing everything so openly with everyone. There are certain things that I do not feel comfortable sharing with the world. I mentioned this once before and I’d like to mention it again. Please don’t tell me how lucky I am to have a new body. I’ll have the worry of a cancer recurrence for the rest of my life. I’d trade my body for your body in return for a clean bill of health in a second. Please don’t ask to see my body or ask me what my new size is. Are you insane?? Would you go up to a complete stranger on the street and ask her to unbutton her blouse? It’s just as offensive to me as it is, I would assume, to a complete stranger. Bottom line – please think before you speak and have a little bit of compassion.
This week, Sal and I have 4 meetings at Penn on Wednesday. We’ve been told that everything turned out just as my physicians had expected. My treatment, so far, will be proceeding as planned. At Penn, we’ll be following up with the breast surgeon, the plastic surgeon, the oncologist, and a dietitian. I asked to speak with a dietitian who specializes in cancer diets. I want to do everything I can to live healthier to prevent even the slightest chance of this cancer showing its ugly face again. So, if you notice that I’m losing a lot of weight in the next few months, there is nothing wrong with me! I’m taking on a much healthier lifestyle – organic food, limiting red meat, and lots of exercise. I’m looking forward to what the dietitian has to say. On Thursday, I visit Dr. Saidman’s office for a Herceptin treatment. Next week, we meet with Dr. Peters, my radiation oncologist, to start setting up my radiation program.
So, Sal titled the first post after surgery as Barbara v2.0. He’s pretty clever! Who is this and what does it mean? I’ll tell you!
Barbara v2.0 is Barbara Sciandra with all of the kinks worked out. She’s smaller, healthier, and cancer free. Barbara v2.0 values health and wellness as well as diet and exercise. Barbara v2.0 has a greater zest for life and lives life to the fullest even more so than she did in the older version. She appreciates the little things and doesn’t sweat the small stuff. This updated version hugs more and loves more and is sure to let those around her know how much they mean to her. She values her family, friends and those thoughtful members of the community who are always willing to lend a helping hand. 2.0 is making a conscious effort to pay it forward because it’s important. Barbara v2.0 is grateful for research, modern medicine and those that practice it. v2.0 is much more spiritual and prays not only in times of need but is also making a conscious effort to pray in times of thanksgiving. Most importantly, Barbara v2.0 takes her vows much more seriously now that she knows what “in sickness and in health” really means. So, newer, in this case, is better!
Let’s end with a laugh…………
LIVESTRONG and God Bless!
OK good, have been looking for a new post to see how the healing is going and how you all are. glad to hear from you. was hoping kids were all good as well.
sounds like things are progressing very well and you sound strong. great!
gosh how we underestimate the power/need for sleep……….pray you will be getting more of that needed stuff soon.
and you guys are keeping the tooth fairy busy as well! sleep could be a continued problem.
prayers continue for you Barb for this next round of challenges,info and moving on to a clean bill of health.
B
Hey Barb,
I know how infuriating it can be when someone makes an idiot comment about your body, except mine is usually “When are you due?” Hang in there! You looked incredible before and the only thing better about your body now is that it’s cancer free!!
I can’t wait to spend more time with Barbara v2.0; however, she doesn’t sound much different from the kind-hearted, generous, gracious, pulls no punches sister that I used to know. I am also SOOO pumped that v2.0 includes more hugging!!!
Lastly, your post reminded me of an episode from “How I Met Your Mother.” Barney is trying to convince Ted that new is always better, no matter what it is. In your case, it turns out that couldn’t be more true!
Lots of love and support from the West xoxo
You go girl! Diet and exercise is the key—can’t wait to see Barb v2.0.
Love,
Patrice
Ann couldn’t have said it better. V2.0 sounds a lot like the Barb I have known all these yesrs (with the exception of no more cheese sauce under her fingers after a night of drinking followed by cheesesteaks!)
So good to read a new post! I’m sure there’s so few moments to sit and write yet your words are always so perfect. It seems that talking to friends could be good and bad at times of stress. Good to talk things out and see lots of smiles and bad because no one really can know how you feel if you haven’t walked in your shoes. Therefore leaving the door open for awkward comments and assumptions that in hindsight seem really inappropriate. You are remarkable to me that sharing so much of yourself has been a part of this time in your life. Your bravery in this is what changes the lives of others too. However, you are number one in your fight to get through this. So take all the quiet time you need in a day, a week, a month. We’ll love you just the same and quiet time always helps to get clarity. I’m sure you know this, I have no qualifications when it comes to advice. Just my own life experience. I’m glad you’re honest enough to say how you feel. So glad to hear the kids are good. I wish the weather allowed for outside time. I’m sure the four walls of your house seem closer on some days. Have you ever heard, “God gives his toughest tasks, to his strongest soldiers.” You’re a soldier Barb! God is proud!!
So happy for you. You seem to be doing great or as well as can be expected. you have been a great inspiration to all. Thank you for sharing your experience. The most important thing is that the cancer is gone and you will be able to live life to the fullest with your loved ones.