And just like that, six years have come and gone. The years have seemed typical, I suppose, with laughter and love and friends and family. We have watched our son grow (and grow and grow) into an incredible young teenager. I have felt strong(ish), healthy, and whole. I have worked with countless patients, volunteered excessively, and lived life, always trying to be the best wife, mom, and friend. I have also been uncomfortable. I have felt, for the last six years, like my chest has been wrapped in the tightest industrial cellophane or tape you could imagine. I have been unable to do even one pushup. I have been unable to regain my shoulder flexion (overhead) strength, and I even tore my acellular dermal matrix (ADM or mesh) in a Pilates class. I have been unable to lie on my stomach. I have lost countless hours of sleep. I have been unable to receive any MRI imaging to check for implant integrity, which was recommended when I received my implants, as my insurance company con
Sharing my experience with mastectomy and reconstruction to encourage, empower, and uplift those who find themselves caught up in the whirlwind of the breast cancer experience.