I Get The Last Word
I feel like the past few entries have started with me apologizing for how overdue I am for an update. Well, this one officially wins the gold medal for procrastination. But, hey, life happens! While I’ve been quiet, so much has been happening. The last month I’ve both settled into a routine of school and immunotherapy and the kids sports and activities have finally come to an end, giving us back our evenings.
Work has been spectacular, and in addition to the amazing clients I was already working with, I brought on two new clients for projects that I’m really excited about. That’s part of the reason I’m so delayed with an update… Your girl has been busy! While 2024 was not my year when it comes to my health, it has absolutely been another amazing year of building a business. I consider myself incredibly fortunate that I’ve been able to continue working throughout treatment, only stepping away briefly for my surgeries. I honestly think work has kept me grounded—and maybe even sane.
Speaking of surgeries, I am preparing for my exchange surgery on November 26. The exchange surgery will be just that, exchanging out the tissue expanders that I’ve had in my chest for the past 4 months for my permanent implants. During the surgery, they will also be doing fat grafting. Yes, fat grafting. For those unfamiliar, they’ll take fat from one area of my body and use it to smooth out the edges of the implants for a more natural look. While the idea of liposuction might sound like a two-for-one deal, the problem for me is that I don’t have a lot of extra tissue to be taken, especially since I’ve thinned out from my chemo treatments. Let’s just say this recovery won’t be a walk in the park... but at least my boobs will look kind of normal again.
I don’t remember if I mentioned it in my last update, but my plastic surgeon is leaving her practice on November 28, so mine will be her second to last surgery. That said, it’s imperative that I’m healthy and that nothing gets in the way of this surgery happening. So I’ve decided that I will be hermiting until surgery. Fall is primetime for spreading junk around and I’m not here for it.
Another exciting development since my last update is HAIR GROWTH! It’s been so exciting to have my hair growing again, and the benefit is that when it is short it feels like it grows fast. I’m also kind of loving my short hair, even though my husband keeps calling me Ellen. To be fair, Ellen and I both pull off jeans, tennis shoes, and a blazer pretty well. One of the questions I had at the beginning of this related to hair loss, was if areas that had been lasered for hair removal pre-treatment would remember they were supposed to be hairless. And I’m happy to report that they do! Those hair-free zones stayed blessedly smooth. Small wins, people.
While 2024 has been one of the most challenging years of my life, it’s also been a year filled with unexpected blessings. This journey has shown me that even in the darkest moments, there’s light if you’re willing to look for it. Cancer may have taken a lot from me, but it’s also given me a deeper appreciation for the strength I didn’t know I had, the kindness of those who show up when it matters most, and the clarity to focus on what truly fills my cup.
Life rarely goes as planned, but maybe that’s the point. Sometimes the detours—the messy, uncharted, and downright painful ones—lead us to places we never would’ve gone otherwise. And while I wouldn’t wish this experience on anyone, it’s taught me to savor the little victories, to laugh when things get absurd, and to try not to worry about the things I can’t control. I said try…
Cancer has tried to rewrite my story, but here’s the thing—it doesn’t get the last word. That’s mine, and I’m planning to continue sharing my story as I transition into a post-cancer life.
And who knows, One Tough Titty may be just at the beginning of what may be something bigger. I hope you all stay with me, because I’d really like to turn this into something meaningful - I just haven’t figured out exactly what that looks like yet.