Birthday & Bruises
It seems that all this downtime in recovery has given me the rare opportunity to stay on top of my blog entries—something I’m not known for. So here I am, writing in the thick of it, post-surgery and with plenty to report.
First off, I’m happy to share that the surgery was a success! It ended up taking about 5.5 hours—1.5 hours longer than planned because I guess my body just wanted the VIP treatment. Afterward, the pain meds were doing their job, leaving my oxygen levels lower than they could discharge me with. So after a nap they were able to send me on my way. All in all, it was a marathon day that started with my 9:45 AM marking appointment and ended with me finally rolling into the house just after 10 PM.
Today, on my 39th birthday, I’m feeling… every single one of those 5.5 hours. I’m sore, bruised, and wondering why anyone would voluntarily sign up for this. Seriously, people do this on purpose?! My surgeon had to dig deep—literally—because I didn’t have a lot of fat to spare. She went all in, though, leaving me with seven incisions where the wand did its not-so-gentle magic. Between the compression garments, waterproof bandages, and enough bruising to look like I lost a bar fight, I don’t really have any idea what my final results are yet.
Recovery is going to take some time. Right now, I’m sore from my shoulders to my knees, and my follow-up with the plastic surgeon is next week. So until then, I’m just trying not to laugh, sneeze, or move too much.
This surgery marked my last major step in my treatment plan, and I’m finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. I’ve got three immunotherapy treatments left, with the last one scheduled for January 15, 2025. After that, it’s just regular checkups and planning for another implant replacement surgery in about 10–15 years. That’s a problem for Future Me to worry about.
On a happier note, we’ve got a big new addition coming to the VanEe household—a puppy! Losing Diesel this year was a devastating blow, and while I wasn’t in a rush to bring another dog into the mix, the universe had other plans. We’ll soon be welcoming a new Doberman puppy from the same rescue where we found Diesel, and I’m hoping this little one brings some much-needed joy and chaos back into our lives.
As I approach the one-year anniversary of discovering my lump—December 23—it’s surreal to look back at everything that’s happened. I’ve spent this entire year fighting, healing, and growing in ways I never thought possible. 2024 has tested me in every way imaginable, but it’s also taught me how strong I am, how precious life is, and how much I have to be grateful for.
Now, I’m ready to close the book on this chapter and step boldly into 2025. It’s time to thrive, to embrace what’s next, and to live with the kind of joy that only comes from having faced the toughest battles and come out the other side. Here’s to new beginnings, endless possibilities, and maybe, just maybe, a little less drama in the year ahead.