Big Decisions

I can't believe that it has been a month since my surgery - September has flown by, and we are already into Fall (which is my favorite time of the year). My recovery is going well, and my surgeon has confirmed that no more treatment is recommended for me. I still have another physio appointment to go to next week, and a few other appointments and follow-ups to go to, but everything seems to be settling down back to normal. This past week, I have even been able to watch the kids by myself while Darren is at work. I can now lift them both, and carry them short distances. I've decorated my house for fall, and have begun trying to organize the house and contents after our rather quick move. It's coming together, slowly but surely. 

We're all still a bit tired - I'm on my second cold now since my surgery. My immune system is low, and I'm pretty susceptible to viruses now, and I've even decided to share this one with everyone else in my family :) Luella has been teething and going through a growth spurt, so our sleep has been spurratic, but hopefully we will be on the mend soon.

On top of this, I've had some pretty major (and minor) decisions to make over the past week or so:

- I have put in a referral for a plastic surgeon: to meet for a consultation, and plan my reconstruction surgery (my surgeon had put in a referral to one for me, but after meeting with some of them, I decided to go with one particular surgeon)

- I have been measured and sized for a prosthesis and two mastectomy bras - they should be here in about a week and 1/2. My clothes will fit more 'normal' after My incisions are fully healed and I am able to wear them.

- I have officially resigned from my managing position at Wicker Emporium, and will not be returning to work after my Mat Leave is over. They have been a great place to work over the past 5 1/2 years, but it is a very physical job, and with another surgery on the horizon and the cost of daycare for two little ones, we feel it best for me to stay home for now.

- I have decided to sell 'crafts' at an upcoming craft sale...this is new for me. I've always enjoyed painting and restoring things, and have decided to paint upcycled wooden home decor, and nursery/kid's room decor. More on that in a later post.

One of my biggest decisions has been to actually delay my reconstruction for awhile. Initially, we were planning on doing it fairly soon after my MRI check up in the new year, but after attending a reconstruction seminar and speaking with some surgeons, and thinking/praying about what is best for my family, I have decided to wait a bit. It has been a long year for both of my kids and my husband. Luella has spent her entire 9 months of her little life with a Mom who is recovering from some kind of surgery, Jaelyn has lost some quality time with me, and Darren has undergone huge amounts of stress by taking over kid duties when he gets home, renovating a house, and running a business - although they've all handled it like champs.  After talking about it with the surgeon who was leading the seminar, she suggested that I go home, get healthy, and enjoy my baby and family. That stuck with me (and is the main reason why I decided to get a referral for her to be my surgeon). I don't want to stress myself and my family out trying to get ready and  lose baby weight in a short amount of time, all in order to prepare for another surgery in less than 1/2 a year.  So,  I plan to invest the next while in my family, my health, and my Church - to get my life back to normal in a reasonable timeframe that won't sacrifice any more of my family - they have already sacrificed enough for me. Surgery is tentatively planned for next summer.

...and one last BIG victory to share: today, I went shopping with both my kids today. Just Jaelyn, Luella and myself. This is the first time I have EVER done that...and we all survived! 

These past few months have just been one part of our continuing journey. I am excited about what God has in store for us this coming year in our church and community, and for us as a family.