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!
