krista colvin's [putting on my big girl panties + kicking breast cancer in the ass]

lump day

I'm only days away from what I've dubbed "Lump Day".

February 28th, 2010 I found my lump...

My post 'what the lump" shares how I discovered my lump... my cancerous, aggressive lump. The rest of my blog posts share my journey. Some of which has become a blur... moments forgotten, moments that make me laugh, moments that remind me how lucky I am to be surrounded by loved ones and to have such community support.

One of those friends is a local blogger... Today she tweeted this:  

I'm giving away a Flip Camera & Cancer research gets $1 if you join the Just Ask FB page. For my gal @kristacolvin http://ht.ly/434GU

Take a looky... it's WONDERFUL! And... it made me tear up. Thank you Kim, Thank you for your friendship, your support and your contributing to the cause. #nomorelumpsforyou

HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill

I've never written to my Washington State house representatives... until last night. My plastic surgeon is sponsoring a bill that requires a medical community member to give information to women regarding their breast reconstruction options. I fully support women being informed. Amazing that this information has not yet been 'assigned' to a particular type of doctor etc.- hence it gets lost in the shuffle. My breast cancer sisters should NOT be lost in the shuffle.

Here is my letter (if you would like to support this bill the information is below the letter)

I'm writing in support of the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill.  Within months of my 43rd birthday I found a large cancerous and aggressive tumor in my breast. I am thankful that my two children, age 10 and 7 burst into the bathroom as I was soaking in the tub. I quickly covered myself and my fingers felt the edge of the lump. The previous spring my mammogram had been clear.
 
Before my bilateral mastectomy my daughter asked if she could sit on my lap and snuggle me... She knew what my surgery entailed. What she did not know was my decision to have reconstruction wasn't an easy one. I debated my options.
 
I was thankful to have them (options). I am happy with my decision. I am grateful that my medical team communicated with me. I am one of the few.
 
Please support the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill so that all women may have the information they need to make an educated choice. Women should have more than a Google search when making a medical decision.
 
Sincerely,
Krista Colvin, Stage 3A Breast Cancer Survivor
.........

If you so desire to support this important bill: contact legislation by going to http://www.leg.wa.gov/House/Committees/HCW/Pages/MembersStaff.aspx.  

You can address your support to the Health Care and Wellness Committee.  
 
Details about the bill:  http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?bill=1101&year=2011

A simple note is all that is needed, you can add your personal story to what is listed below. 
 
Send your e-mail to [email protected]. Please give her permission to share with all legislative members.
 
If you weren’t informed of your reconstruction options:
I’m a cancer survivor and  I was not given my options.  I did not have reconstruction because I didn’t know insurance would cover it. I support HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction bill!
 
If you were informed of your reconstruction options:
Your story and a statement that you support the HB 1101 Breast Reconstruction Bill
 

so when do i call it good...

I feel like each time I reach a treatment milestone that my journey isn't really over. #becauseitisn't

I read all the wonderful comments and feel they are premature- yet I know life is about the journey, it's about stopping to smell the roses, celebrating the successs along the way- I'm that kind of girl. But I find myself unwilling to throw the Survivor party just yet...

So I got to thinking... When is that moment for me?

Like any professional organizer... I got out my planner.

I looked at my pending cancer related appointments. Three more Herceptin infusions, Hysterectomy, Reconstruction surgeries. Throw in visits to my oncologist every 3-6 months and a PET scan or two... It won't ever really end.

I picked a date. March 23rd is my last infusion, my last 'die cancer die, don't come back' treatment. This day will mark 1 year and 23 days of breast cancer. I'm calling it good.

I'm going to celebrate. I'm going to exhale. I'm going to look at the view from the top. It's my moment.

 

rock 'em sock e'm

 

I picture my radiation oncologist and my plastic surgeon doing a lil' rock em sock em as they discuss when to re-inflate my expanders. Both Dr. G's have valid points and want the best for me. After a couple of phone calls with one being from the doc's Hawaiian vacation [apparently my girls are that important] I waited one week to get the process started instead of three.

Factors included: skin readiness v. skin 'cementing' down and making expansion difficult.

I love that my doctors work together... I don't think they are this close though #arethosetoysmakingout