A Success Worth Celebrating

Hello my dear friends!!

I realize it has been a long while since my last update. Five weeks in fact!

Much has happened in that time...not the least of which was a very successful surgery in Boston, proving once and for all that miracles DO indeed happen (in case you've ever doubted that). Surgeons removed most of my sternum along with the cancerous mass that had grown into it. Then, they reconstructed my sternum out of Gortex (can you imagine that??!). They also removed two cancerous internal mammary lymph nodes from my chest. The plastic surgeon did his magic, pulling my pectoral muscles over the reconstructed sternum to protect it and to reshape the contours of my mid-chest. A new port-a-cath was also placed - to handle any chemo in my future - before they stitched and glued me back up.

The best news is this: There is no longer any evidence of disease (NED in clinical talk) in my body! Yayyyyy!!!!

My physical recovery is going very smoothly and according to plan. If anything, I am ahead of everyone's predictions. That said, my primary focus will continue to be on healing for the next 6-weeks or so, until I return to Boston for my next visit with the surgeon. Meanwhile, I am gradually regaining full range of motion and the day before yesterday I took my first short drive by myself! Whoo hoo!

I want you to know how very much I appreciate all the love, support, prayers, and positive energy that you have been sending me! If I could somehow write a personal thank you note to each and every one of you, I would. But instead, I'm going to give you all a great big THANK YOU here, together with lots of HUGS and LOVE and then I'm going to continue spending all my energy on healing. I know you'll understand.

And...while I've missed our interaction here (I thought surely I'd be writing long before now!)...I realized there was something more important I needed to do first. I needed to practice what I preach, walk my talk, be my own client. I needed to get back to the basics...Self Love 101.

So, for the past five weeks I have been indulging in all forms of self love...like listening to my body and giving it what it wants and needs; listening to my soul and nourishing my Inner Spirit; setting healthy boundaries; getting aligned with what feels good, and only doing the things I've felt inspired and excited to do. Quite often, that simply meant - a nap ;).

I'm proud of myself for doing it right this time. I'm not rushing the process and I'm doing my very best not to over-think the future. I'm just basking in the now...feeling my body heal (isn't it amazing what our bodies can do?!), appreciating the love that surrounds me, grateful for the opportunity of waking up to a new day. A day I wasn't so sure I'd get just a few months ago.

Which leads me to something else I can't end this blog post without acknowledging. There's no lens more profound or clear, I think, than the eyes of a person facing an earlier goodbye than expected to this physical life and those they love. My first journey through cancer provided a subtle glimpse. This time I had to look long and hard through that lens. I had to find acceptance and peace in the possibilities - all of them. The gift in that? A deep-down, crystal clear knowing of what's most important to me and a new found ease in letting go of all the rest. It's something that immediately became the guiding force in my life - and it will continue to be - whether I am blessed with weeks, months, or years.

I'll write more on that soon, but for now, know this...

Miracles DO happen - and I'm convinced that there are plenty more headed my way. I'm also convinced that there are miracles happening every day, to each of us, that we might just overlook if we're not present enough to notice. Ask. Expect them. Trust. Let go. Quiet yourself. Revel in the beauty that surrounds you - the miracle of nature and that of a new day - full of possibilities and blessings! And know that all is well, no matter what! You are loved, guided and protected and everything is always working out for your best and highest good.

Bliss & Blessings,
Lisa

A Look Back at My First Days Post-Surgery

I thought it might be fun to post these here. They are the quick little updates I gave people via text and Facebook in the days following surgery and my first couple of weeks at home. It's funny for me reading them now, since I barely remember writing some of them! It's also hard to believe I was on Facebook (via my iPhone) right up until about an hour before surgery! And that just a few days post-op, I was back on it updating people again. Modern technology ;). Considering all the drugs I was on, thank God I didn't say anything too crazy!! 

Dec 13, 2012 

All checked in for surgery! Thanks for all the love, prayers & support! Love you!! Xoxo

Dec 16, 2012 - AM

Hello all! This is a quick update from Brigham & Women's hospital. Surgery went very well & after 2 days in ICU, I've been transferred to a "step down" thoracic unit. I'm up walking & tubes are slowly coming out. Pain is being managed & just started eating & drinking again. More soon... Thank you so much for your prayers, love, & support!! Keep it coming...long road ahead but I think the worst is behind me. Xoxoxo

Dec 16, 2012 - PM

Last chest tube just came out! Next will be my epidural & IV – so far they have disconnected me from them (without removing them entirely) so we can try oral narcotics for pain relief. Wow! Feeling untethered! Walked to X-ray w/o walker just now! Five walks today is our goal. They say I'm doing very well ;). Xoxo

Dec 17, 2012

Good morning! The day begins early here, but had a pretty good sleep ;). Walked a total of 1/2 mile yesterday! May have some exciting news soon! Stay tuned! Xoxo

Dec 18, 2012

Yesterday was a long day with many rough spots but I'm officially discharged from the hospital! We're still in Boston until I'm cleared to travel at my post-op appointment Wed AM. Now THAT will be a long day! But making progress!

Dec 19, 2012

Cleared for "takeoff" & on the road home! Can't wait to be home - just wish I could teleport there! Xo

Dec 21, 2012

Thanks so much for all the support & well-wishes! I'm home now - yayyy!!! - honoring my body with rest & love. I'm not really up to visiting yet and not even enough energy to be online much, but will be soon. All is well & I am grateful. Xoxo

Dec 27, 2012

Exactly 2 weeks ago (to the hour!) I was in surgery. I am unspeakably grateful for the gift of healing I have been blessed with...My body still has a long journey back to 100% but I'm well on my way! Give YOUR body a great big hug right now & enjoy a moment of awe & appreciation for the amazing gift that it is ♥. Xoxo

Dec 28, 2012

Excellent clarification on what it is to surrender...something I've learned a lot about over the past year and a half. No surprise it's from Anita Moorjani ;). If you haven't read her book, Dying To Be Me yet, I highly recommend it!!

“Surrender, but don't give your power away. There is a huge difference between "surrendering" and "giving your power away". The first one empowers you, as it means surrendering to what is, no matter where your life is right now, and allowing universal energy to work through you to take you to the next level of your life. Whereas giving your power away allows others to control you, which can deplete and drain you. When you are feeling drained, scared, tired, and don't know which way to turn, start by accepting what is, and then surrendering everything you are feeling to the universe. Empty your heart out to the universe, and then let go and trust.” ♥

Jan 1, 2013

Happy New Year everyone!! Still recuperating quietly here with much gratitude for ALL of 2012's blessings & challenges. Whew...what a year! No wonder I'm so tired! Hehe ;). Goodnight!

Jan 5, 2013 

Felt a little better today, got overly ambitious and completely overdid it. Time to apologize to my body, (give my daughter back her Chromebook!), take my pain meds, and rest, rest, rest! Bye for now...♥