2 Weeks Post Op

According to my plastic surgeon, I am healing remarkable well. It’d hate to know what it’s like not to recover well since the past two weeks have been ROUGH!  The first week was the hardest but the pain has subsided and I’m mostly dealing with lack of energy and skin sensitivity.

The surgery was anticipated to take between 4-5 hours but ended up taking 6; I left the surgicenter later that afternoon with 5 drains and a bag full of medication to head home for recovery.  I spent the better part of that first week in bed. I did manage to make it to Aiden’s two swim meets that week, but I learned very quickly that just sitting around watching him swim would drain way more energy than I had thought.  Thanks to my very awesome co-workers and friends we had dinner dropped off every night that week. This was a tremendous help for Jonathan who was juggling work, Aiden, and taking care of me.  My parents played taxi driver for Aiden and I until I was able to start driving again and our fabulous friends have taken Aiden for play dates and dinners.

I’m down to just one drain with hopes that it will be removed this week.  I’m still having a hard time lifting my arms above my head, which makes getting dressed a little difficult. I’ve always been a stomach sleeper so sleeping has been one of the hardest parts; I wake up a lot but can’t really toss and turn to get more comfortable. This gives me an excuse to take a nap during the day though!

I start the expansion process this week. If all goes well, I’ll get filled once a week. I’ve been told this process isn’t too bad, I should be back to normal within a day or so, it’s more pressure than pain. I’ll let you know if everyone was right! Thanks for all the calls, texts, cards, support, and prayers!

6 Month Follow-Up & Surgery

I’m still visiting my breast surgeon and oncologist every 6 month for follow up appointments, along with yearly mammograms. I’m happy to report that my mammogram was clear! During my appointment with the oncologist, I mentioned that I was having some back pain. Last year I was diagnosed with Degenerative Disc Disease so back pain isn’t something new but it usually comes and goes; this time it has been hanging around for a few weeks and got to be pretty bad. My oncologist, always erring on the side of caution, sent me for an MRI. Praise the Lord, it was clear! In fact, it showed no progression in my DDD since last year so that’s a plus! We still don’t know what has aggravated my back, causing the pain but it’s tolerable and I can live with it.

When I diagnosed 3 years ago, my desire was to have a double mastectomy. We went into treatment taking the most aggressive approach possible. However, since I needed radiation, I wouldn’t be able to have reconstruction for 1-2 years after the surgery.  I wasn’t emotionally strong enough to wait for reconstruction so I opted to go ahead with a lumpectomy. Fast forward 3 years … My skin is healed from radiation and I am scheduled for a double mastectomy tomorrow morning. Research still supports a lumpectomy with radiation as being just as effective as a mastectomy for my subtype of breast cancer.  Even though I understand the research, there are many reasons why I am opting to have this surgery. I'll save those for another post, I'm not ready to get that deep tonight. I have complete trust in my surgeons but I’m very nervous and scared for the recovery process. Please say a quick prayer all goes smoothly tomorrow. I will keep everyone updated on the recovery!

Aiden's Beach Bash Birthday

We celebrated Aiden’s 6^th Birthday with a Beach Bash at ECU’s North Rec Complex this weekend. There was a short rain shower in the middle of the party – perfect time for cake pops and snacks – but the bad weather held off until RIGHT after the party ended!

The kids and some adults too, enjoyed an afternoon of kayaking and paddling boarding. I was a little nervous, since you can’t swim in the lake, that it was going to be hard to keep a bunch of youngins out of the water but A has some awesome, well-mannered friends that played on the beach and splashed until it was their turn to kayak! An extra special thank you to the older kids and adults that helped us out and took kids out onto the lake, we appreciate the help.

We really just wanted his friends to come, hang out and have fun! So instead of gifts, Aiden asked his friends to bring a food item to be donated to Backpack Pals and everyone was so generous!

I did catch some slack on the no gift request but don’t worry, Aiden received plenty of gifts! He is a very blessed little boy with lots of people that love and spoil him. We strive to teach him about giving back to others; we talked about organizations and ways he could help and he chose Backpack Pals! He is excited to drop off the items later this week.

Some days it feels like I blinked and here I am with a 6 year old, other days I’m counting down the minutes to bedtime, but this boy changed my life and has my heart! He is full of energy and spunk, can have a smart mouth (that’s the Jersey in him), always on the go, only has one volume – loud, and can’t sit in a chair to save his life. He also has the biggest, kindest heart, loves to learn & explore, is funny, and has the best white-boy moves in Greenville. I’m so glad God picked me to be his mommy!

6 Year Old Favorites 

What your favorite color? Orange

What’s your favorite toy? Legos 

What’s your favorite food? Pizza

What’s your favorite TV show? Casey Undercover

What’s your favorite thing to eat for lunch? Jersey Mike’s

What’s your favorite outfit? Superhero shirts

What’s your favorite game? Candyland

What’s your favorite snack? Goldfish

What’s your favorite song? All About That Bass by Megan Trainor

What’s your favorite book? Any book about snakes

Favorite restaurant?  Basils

Who’s your best friend? Marley

What’s your favorite thing to do outside? Play basketball and ride my bike

What’s your favorite drink? Sprite

What’s your favorite holiday? Halloween

What do you like to take to bed with you at night? My stuffed animals

What’s your favorite thing to eat for breakfast? Pancakes

What’s your best memory? Washington DC and Spy Museum

What do you want to be when you grow up? Paramedic

Sweet Summertime

Summer arrived in our house a few weeks ago when Aiden finished kindergarten! We are so proud of all his hard work over the last year and he is looking forward to starting 1^st grade in August. 

Even though it’s summer, we are still on the go! I just finished teaching 2 summer classes, Aiden went from soccer to baseball and in now doing swim team, business has been great at Jersey Mike’s and is keep Jonathan busy!

Our nephew Mason came to visit and those boys wore me out! 

I was able to squeeze in a few minutes with Jackie; I took a quick trip up to NJ for a memorial service for my best friends father.

We participated in Pitt County's Relay for Life and celebrated 3 years of survivorship and walked the PurpleStride in Raleigh in memory of my father-in-law, Dan!

It’s been a busy few months but I have loved every minute of it with my boys!  We are looking forward to vacation at Holden Beach soon so we can relax and spend some time together!

I recently had my 6 month mammogram and follow-up with the breast surgeon; I am happy to report that the mamo was clear and everything looks great! I see the oncologist in a few weeks and we are expecting the same report from her. In April I had genetic testing done at Duke and even though those results came back negative, I have decided to go ahead with a double mastectomy with reconstruction.  The doctor will place tissue expander in during surgery and those will slowly be filled to stretch the tissue and replaced with implants hopefully within a few months.  I’ve got a bunch of trashy TV saved up on the DVR to keep me busy during recovery, hopefully I can catch up on some other blog posts I’ve been wanting to share as well!

#YSC2015

Has it really been almost 2 months since I've blogged, wow!?1? I have good intentions of posting but it seems like life just gets in the way. I know, that's my standard excuse for everything nowadays but it's true and I'm sure it's the same for most of  you! I'll post an update on what we have been up to around the Williams house soon (trust me, it isn't too exciting around here) but I want to share with you about my time in Houston at #YSC2015.

I've posted before how I've hard a harder time dealing with survivorship then I did with treatment, attending the Young Survival Coalition Summit in March was hands down the BEST thing I have done in my survivorship journey!

The summit was attended by over 600 women in various stages from newly diagnosed (under 1 year) to living with metastatic disease. All of these women were diagnosed before the age of 40! I have the most amazing support group of friends and family but I cannot explain what it's like to walk into a room and have every. single. women totally "get it" when I talk about anything related to breast cancer. 

Just about every presenter over the weekend was not only well respected in the breast cancer world but was a survivor herself! I attended sessions that focused on breast reconstruction (that's another post to come), talking to children about cancer (hope to NEVER have to do that again but Aiden does still ask questions), and staying healthy post-treatment.There were sessions specifically for co-survivors - Jonathan sat this trip out but is planning to attend next year with me - and those living with metastatic disease. 

The weekend wasn't just filled with cancer talk, we enjoyed Texas BBQ under the stars, exercise classes, free gifts, the Houston Rodeo and John Legend, line dancing, and lots of good food!

This was such a life changing experience for me, I have signed up to become a volunteer with YSC so that I can help other young women that have been diagnosed. I want to thank everyone that donated to help off set the cost of my trip, I cannot thank you enough!!!

Here are a few pics from the trip, I wish I had taken more, these don't do the weekend justice ....

Apple Spice Pork Chops

We've had a busy few weeks and I've been relying on old standards and freezer meals to get us through. I just haven't had the time to try anything new until this weekend. I wasn't feeling well on Saturday and spent quite a bit of time scrolling through Pintrest while laying on the couch. I can across this recipe, from Budget Bytes, that I had pinned a few weeks ago. 

These pork chops were amazing! The hint of cinnamon and nutmeg paired so well with the apples, onions, and pork. 

Cook chops undisturbed for 5-7 minutes or until the bottoms form a nice brown crust. Flip the chops and cook the second side in the same manner. 

While the chops are searing, thinly slice the onion. Wash, core and slice the apples into thin wedges. Once the chops have seared on both sides, remove them from the pan and add the apples, onion and butter. Stir and cook for about five minutes or until the apples and onions begin to soften.

Add the bouillon, water, brown sugar, cinnamon and nutmeg to the skillet with the apples and onions. Stir until everything is mixed together then return the chops to the pan. 

Nestle the chops down in the mixture, making sure some onions and apples are on top of the chops.

I sereved this with Basmati rice and mashed cauliflower and it was a hit! For the full recipe check out Budget Bytes. 

Currently Crushing

PUNJAMMIES ... have you seen them? This line of lounge and sleep wear is not only adorable but supports a cause as well.

Punjammies are made by women in India that have escaped from sex slavery. The program is sponsored by International Princess Project. IPP's mission is "to create pathways to freedom for women escaping the ravages of sex slavery to achieve lines of hope and dignity.

IPP partners with different organizations to establish sewing centers where these women learn a new trade (sewing) and are offered a fresh start that includes fair wages, housing options, medical care, and education for their children. 

The website says that 100% of the proceeds from sales get reinvested back into the company. I'm very skeptical about where my money really goes when I make a donation, so I did a little research. I came across an annual report that showed the majority of the companies income does go back into the program.

They make pants, capris, and shorts in a variety of fun colors and patterns. Along with tees, tanks, and hoodies to match.

I'm always looking for unique gifts and punjammies are perfect! Who doesn't love super cute, comfy lounge wear and being able to help support another woman in her quest for a better life. Plus if you sign up for their mailing list, they will send you a 15% off code for your first order. Don't be surprised if you receive these as a gift from me or if you see me sporting a pair of my own!

5 for Friday

Happy Friday!!!! It's been a long week filled with bitter cold temps and ICE - something we aren't used to in Eastern NC. Rumor has it there is the potential for SNOW next Tuesday as well. Fingers crossed we get enough that little man can play in it, he was so disappointed that all we got this week was ice.

Here are a few items the kept me smiling through the craziness and cold this week ....

If you follow me on Instagram or Facebook you probably have already seen this picture. I am in LOVE with these skull and cross bone loafers from Red Circle Footwear I ordered them from Groopdealz. If you haven't checked out this site put it on your list of things to do. They have the cutest items but since it's discounted prices, items go fast. I recommend signing up for their email list. Every morning my inbox has an email with the deals for that day - what a way to start the day!!!

To keep up with the shoe theme, I received these Tori Burch sandals for my birthday. Jonathan may talk a big game when he knows I'm headed to do some shopping but don't let him fool you - this purchase was all his. He sure does know what I like and isn't so concerned when he's buying it! Unfortunately, it'll be a few weeks until I can sport them - come on spring!

Jonathan received a Spiralizer for Christmas and it is my new favorite kitchen tool. We have used it for a bunch of different recipes but my new obsession is "veggie noodles". I've used this handy little gadget to cut back on pasta and rice by making zucchini noodles - one medium zucchini has about 35 calories and makes a bowl full of noodles! Up next ... carrot, pear, and beet - the possibilities are endless!

One of the downfalls, or perks depending on how you look at it, to being stuck inside on Tuesday was I had plenty of time to surf the web and do some online shopping! Here is another one of my Groopdealz finds. I'm obsessed with this scarf/wrap and cannot wait for it to arrive. If I have to deal with the cold weather, I might as well look good doing it. It comes from Funky Monkey, they have some awesome items on their website that would be great for gifts.

Tonight a group of us girls are headed to Painted Peacock for a night out! Wine , snacks, and paint your own pottery ... my Friday nights have changed quite a bit over the last few years but I wouldn't have it any other way. It'll be a fun, relaxing end to this crazy week that I get to share with some awesome ladies! Enjoy your weekend!

Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls

I came across this recipe on Facebook last week and figured I'd give it a try. It seemed quick, easy, and healthy plus Aiden is on an apple kick lately. Since I told him they tasted like a caramel apple, he was sold on trying them and woke up this morning asking if he could help me make them.

They were super easy to make but I had a hard time getting a paste to form so I added a drop (about 1 tbsp.) of honey. Any of my friends that have made these, did you have the same problem? If so, what did you do?

They were really good and did taste like a caramel apple. I'm definitely be adding this to my book of recipes for future use.

Author: Brianne @ Cupcakes & Kale Chips

Recipe type: Snack

Prep time:  10 mins

Total time:  10 mins

Serves: 12 - 14

 

These Cinnamon Caramel Apple Energy Balls are perfect on the go healthy snacks for kids!

Ingredients

• ½ cup pitted dates
• 1 cup dried apples (not freeze dried, these are the chewy ones)
• ½ cup oats
• ½ teaspoon cinnamon

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients in a food processor and process until it forms a thick paste.
2. Using about a tablespoon of the mixture, roll into balls. If you want the little bites, use about ¼ teaspoon

Valentine Craft

I was on a roll there for a while with my blogging but then classes started back, life got in the way, and here I am a month later with no new posts.

Today's post will be a short one, I have class in an hour, but I wanted to share with you the cute Valentine craft I did over the weekend. The inspiration came from a Facebook post of a friend of mine, so I cannot take credit - thanks Christy. What was even better, I had all the supplies I needed for the project tucked away in my craft bin.

I started with burlap that I cut into 2 hearts.

I hot glues the edges together leaving a small opening.

I stuffed the hearts with grocery store bags and glue the opening closed. This is a side view, it really needed to be more full but I had already glued it closed before realizing that.

I started to get worried that it wasn't going to look good after this first coat of paint, but Christy reassured me that after it was coated a few times and dry, it would be okay.

She was right, after 3 coats of red paint, this is what it looked like.

After it was dry, I added some white polka-dots ...

a chevron burlap bow and some red floral wire to hang it with. 

This is the finished product on the front door!