What? No more videos??
Hello everyone!
So, many people have been asking why I haven’t released additional videos. Well, I decided that since I’ve had my expanders longer than most people ever will (I’m having to wait since I lost my insurance during my last surgery), it’s not really relevant to anyone what my surgery site looks like now.
I’m scheduled for my next surgery on October 15th. I will be doing a video right before and then right after, so that you can see the difference between the expanders and the initial implant swap, then I’ll pick back up and document my recovery from the implant swap.
In the last few weeks I’ve been through a lot of personal changes. I packed up my car and headed to California to help out where I can with NORRA (the National Off Road Racing Association) and to be close on hand to my team and truck so that we can get ready for our first race.
Jake and Brendan have been working hard to get the truck ready, and things are going along nicely. Betsy, Heather and Kelley are working diligently to spread awareness and gain sponsors for our team so that we can continue to support the women that are facing breast cancer and reconstruction as well as continue to encourage women that are struggling with their future to keep fighting and to find their inner strength.
My family is continuing to support me emotionally from Colorado while I’m here through our race. It’s not always easy, but Skype is a great way to make it a little better. I’m sure Jon felt right at home when he video called me this morning right as I rolled out of bed. The great, or not so great, thing about Skype is you get the full, natural version of your family…messy hair, pillow marks on your face, and pre-coffee moods and all.
My California family has been wonderful. I’m staying with my friends and adopted family, Ashley and Dawn. They have been wonderful, and opened their arms and hearts so that I can keep chasing my dream of Courage. Pam, Mike, and Toni have been great, welcoming me back with big hugs and bigger hearts. I’m so lucky to have them all!
My life continues to be special and challenging and wonderful all in one. I hope you’re surrounded by great friends and family too.
Thanks for keeping up with me! Oh, and actually there will be another video sooner!! We get to test the truck next weekend for the first time, so we’ll make sure to get great footage and keep you excited about our project!
Take care,
Michele
dear Michelle,
I just wanted to say a huge thankyou for all your amazing insight, information and honesty. I am 38 years old, married, with 4 children. I have just had two small breast cancers removed via lumpectomy, and have since found I have the BRACa2 gene mutation. So instead of having radiation, I have now decided to have a bilateral mastectomy and reconstruction. Although I am very nervous I feel I have made the right decision. Your videos have all been amazing and soooo helpful to me. I am having the mastectomies and expanders done on 13th October, so I was hoping to see how your reconstruction turns out once you have the prosthesis put in. You have been such an amazing help to me, so I just wanted to thankyou, and wish you all the best with the rest of your surgery. My journey through this is just beginning but I will take inspiration and courage from you. I look forward to your next video too.
September 21, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Dear Michelle,
I had breast cancer 13 year ago–ductal carcinoma in situ. I didn’t have the braca2 gene mutation so I only had one mastectomy (I can’t believe I said only). After my mastectomy, I had a skin expander put in and I have been wearing it ever since. That’s right, I never completed my reconstruction. Two years ago (after 10 years), my expander broke and deflated. At first, I panicked, but then I just relaxed and watched my chest go flat–it took a few days. Today, (when I am not wearing my stuffed bra) I resemble a half woman, half child with one missing nipple.
I have always had very good medical insurance so I don’t really know why I stopped going to the doctor, maybe I was sick and tired of doctors, maybe I wanted to focus on my two very young children…I don’t really know. Michelle, I felt compelled to write and ask you to stick with your reconstruction plans, including adding new nipples. Looking back, I realize I should have done just that. Your story has motivated me to restart my reconstruction process, and for that I thank you with all my heart. You are one courageous woman, and I know you are helping many women with your story, especially those of us who got breast cancer at a young age.
Incidentally, I think your new breast are coming along beautifully, and I can say with absolute knowledge that until the day you have that implant swap, your expanders will continue to improve;that is until they collapse, which shouldn’t be for about 10 more years.
September 25, 2010 at 1:19 am
Hello Michelle:
In my researching of mastectomy procedures I stumble across your website and I am in the middle of treatment for IBC and I’m on my 5th Taxol treatment after 4 heavy red devil chemo. I have Braca2 mutation and my mother is a inflammatory breast cancer survivor since 86 with no recurrence with a mastectomy and no chemo. I have found this site with a lot of pictures of reconstruction and may be helpful to other as yours and this additional site is to me. http://www.breastcenter.com/photos/
I wish you the best in your courageous journey to fight the good fight against this life altering disease called cancer. I look forward to your final video of the best you the surgery can give you and if you do not wish to share that, I pray for your complete healing and satisfaction in your journey.
God Bless you and your family.
Sincerely,
SR
December 1, 2010 at 7:47 pm