I'm Getting "Filled Up" (told through Lynne)


Hi everyone!
Many of you are walking this day-to-day journey with me.  You've brought me yummy food, stopped by for encouraging visits, reminded me to slow down, taken me to doctor's appointments, gone shopping for me, done my laundry and/or housework, and graciously given me permission to rest rather than respond to everyones' wonderful emails, FB messages, and voicemails.   You've filled me to the brim with love, care, support, grace and delicious sustenance!


Yesterday marked another type of "filling"!  I had my 1st of many appointments to start the reconstruction process.  Can I just say... this journey is strange!  


At the risk of giving waaaay too much information (TMI), I'll try to inform and/or educate you on what my journey looks like going forward.  Warning: if you get a bit squeamish, you may want to tune out at this point... I'm just sayin'!


At the time of my mastectomy, my plastic surgeon inserted "expanders" under my skin.  These expanders will allow my skin to stretch over time and get my body ready for my final surgery - when the implants will be inserted under my breast muscle.  


Each week (for a few months) I will go in to receive a certain amount of saline through the expanders' ports.  The doctor finds the magnetic port, inserts a huge syringe (ouch!), and pumps saline into each expander.  Oddly, other than the needle, I didn't really feel anything yesterday... that is, until I got home.  


Ugh... more discomfort and pain all day!  I'm realizing that this journey is going to be a long one.  I have good days and I have bad days.... it's my new "normal".  It will be 3 weeks tomorrow since I came home, and I was hoping I'd be further along... but I'm learning to give myself time to heal; to gain stamina; to NOT judge my day based on productivity.  Not easy for me to do!  So "thank you" to those of you who keep reminding me... it's okay!


So, I'm calling this phase... My "Filling-Up" Stage - both literally and figuratively!


My doctor is filling up my expanders!
My loving friends are filling me up with grace, food, and support! 
I'm learning how to fill up my mind with healing permission to do nothing.
Coco is filling up my lap with her loving, protective presence.
And God is filling me up with comfort, His presence, and amazing lessons on what's important in life!


Prayer requests:

• I will continue to pace myself.
• I can manage my pain and discomfort effectively.
• I will get some good news from my breast surgeon (on Monday) regarding some healing issues under my arms.

Thank you all for your love and care!  My inbox, mailbox, and phone have been "filled" beyond my imagination with your encouraging thoughts and prayers!


And for your pure viewing pleasure...

Happy Girl getting to walk again!