What I didn’t mention in my picture montage of 2022 was my diagnosis of breast cancer in November. I never expected a routine mammogram to lead to a mastectomy. Right? I found out in late October that I had 2 suspicious calcification areas in my left breast. The odds were 20/80 and always in my favor: a second mammogram, not to worry; let’s do a biopsy just to make sure, probably nothing; lumpectomy and radiation probably the worst scenario… I lost all 3 wagers!
Even though I had stage 0 non-invasive cancer cells in 2 milk ducts (dcis), my surgeon recommended a mastectomy because the ducts were far apart, most likely the connecting tissue between the ducts contained cancer cells, and a lumpectomy would remove a third of my breast anyway. The silver lining was that I would not need any chemo or radiation. Still, it was a lot to experience and process in a little over a month. A phone call, a second mammogram, a biopsy, a diagnosis, a major body altering surgery to schedule… I was so depressed. It was really difficult to get through the holidays. I wasn’t scared about the cancer so much as devastated by the mastectomy!
But again, the good news was I went to OSU’s Stefanie Spielman Comprehensive Breast Center. It’s a one stop treatment center, close to The James Cancer Hospital and Solove Research Institute. In just one visit I met my surgeon and found out his recommendation of a mastectomy, I met with a plastic surgeon to learn of my reconstruction options (an implant) which I opted out of, I had lab work done, and I scheduled my surgery for January 13, 2023. And I just happened to have had a top- rated, very precise, (picky), and preferred surgeon from every female staff member I talked to! Plus, my surgery was the first one of the day so it went by quickly and now it’s over! It did take 8 weeks to feel like my new normal self again. I still have numbness and almost full range motion of my left arm. And I am embracing my huge scar and lopsided chest! Since my diagnosis, 2 beautiful women in Olivia’s family (well, mine now too) are fighting breast cancer as well. What a coincidence! And none of us knew this on October 15th, the day of Olivia and John’s wedding!
My January
Think pink…
Meanwhile Oliver and his family enjoyed the hot tub in the cold weather…
And Reagan and Brian worked on her 100th day of school project together: 10 sets of 10 animals…
On January 25th, my grandson, Sascha was born in London! He is 3 months old now and I am going to fly to London in a few weeks to see him, hold him, play with him, and cuddle!
I can’t wait to hold my little guy! You are precious, Sascha. I love you sooo sooo much!
And Reuben turned 9!
A Ninja Warrior Birthday Party, so cool! I miss you lots, Reuben, and I hope I get to see you when I am in the UK next month.
Love, Grammy…
Our Kiddos in Jernigan Land!
Finn…
Jasley…
Jace…
Eliska…
I miss you guys and love you bunches!
Homemade Valentines
Ollie’s 8th Birthday!
Party at We Rock the Spectrum…
Shaun the Sheep cake! No, I didn’t make this…
Caregivers Emma, Jamie, and her boyfriend, Jake…
A quote on the wall says it all about this place: “Finally a place where you never have to say I’m sorry.”
A Hike with Papa Jeff and Grammy L
Random Times
Ollie loves the hot tub! Thank you Make A Wish!
Graeter’s ice cream after school…
Reagan and friends at preschool…
Reagan loves to take selfies…
An afternoon at Grammy L’s…
The new roller slide, a sensory delight for Oliver… I know fuzzy picture from a video, sorry…
Goodbye RV
As I write this post, Jeff is driving the RV to its new home. After signing all the papers, he will unhook our car and drive back to Columbus, Ohio.
wandering gypsy Laurel 