Christmas 2008

I love Christmas! What do I love most about Christmas? Family!!! I love my family. I love that we are close. I love that we get along. Christmas is the day Jesus was born which makes it very special. Family adds to it. This year we were blessed to be back at the home I ate Christmas breakfast at for years and years. We did not have Christmas breakfast there in 2006 or 2007. Instead, we had family at my parents' house. That was nice but not the same. The home was my Grandma Lundgren's home. She passed away in November 2006. Her house was purchased and remodeled by my cousin, Tara. This year she continued the tradition of having breakfast there. We had the same menu and it was a wonderful morning. Dustin, my Mom, Dad, brother, uncle, aunt, cousin, her daughter and boyfriend, my other cousin, her husband and their two kids were there. It was a wonderful time of food, family and laughter. We also went to my Grandparents house for lunch. We have done this as long as I can remember. Dustin, my mom, dad, brother, uncle, grandma and grandpa were there. Again, food, family and laughter. We were also able to spend time with my Aunt Linda and Uncle Harold, Aunt Shirley and Uncle Harry, Aunt Karen, Uncle David and their family, also my Aunt Jean. The day after Christmas we spent with my mother-in-law, Diana, my father-in-law, Darrel, my sister-in-law, Dawna, her boyfriend Erik and my niece, Alaina. I am so thankful for this Christmas. I don't know what the next year will bring but I am glad I will have the memory of this Christmas to hold in my heart forever.

I saw on another blog Christmas favorites so I thought I would post some of mine.

Movie...It's a Wonderful Life

Tradition...spending the day with family, hearing the Christmas story read

Food...creamed potatoes my Grandma Lundgren made for years and years, now my Aunt or I does the honor

Lights...all one color, white, blue or green

Ornament...the ones my Mom and Dad have given me...they all have meaning

Memory...times with family

I hope you all felt blessed this Christmas season because we truly are. I know life is not perfect but remember if God brought you to it he will bring you through it!

Breast Reduction Update #2

Today is post-op day #12. I wish I could say that my pain was all gone and I never thought that this far after surgery I would still be having pain, but I am. Of course, it is not as extreme as it was. It is sometimes sharp pains that make me feel like I cannot breathe. It is sometimes an aching feeling that hurts and hurts. It is sometimes in one spot but sometimes all over. However, there are 2 pains that are so much better...my back and neck. My back has hurt because sleeping on my back in one position is not always comfortable but that has only happened once or twice. I cannot wait for this pain to be gone. I cannot wait to be healed better and to be able to wear something than a sports bra. I cannot wait to sleep on my stomach. I cannot wait to go shopping for new bras and shirts. I will be patient though as I still have a long time to go until I am completely healed. It will also take time for my breasts to look natural, usually 6 months. I can wait though...because I am THRILLED with my new breasts.

By the way...I don't have any after pictures with my shirt on so I will not be posting any pictures here until I do. I have a bunch of before and afters that are nude. I have shared them because I am very open about and proud of my surgery.

Post Surgery Appointment #2

I went to my second post-op appointment on Tuesday, December 23. I was glad to be going because I had some questions regarding what was going on with my breasts. The appointment went well. Dr. Monacelli (my plastic surgeon) is pleased with my healing. He checked a red area I was concerned was an infection. He said he did not think it was an infection but natural healing. However, to make sure, he prescribed cephalexin just to make sure. I have also had some serious, serious pain in my right nipple. He examined that and said I have a hypersensitive nipple. He said that time and massage (which he will teach me at a later date) will change that. After the examination I told him thank you so much. I told him that my pain is so much better. I told him that my life has changed and I am very happy. He said you're welcome with a huge smile on his face. I am truly so thankful that I have had the opportunity to have this surgery. It has changed so much for me already. I cannot even imagine what the long-term affects are going to be but I cannot wait to find out!

My Mom's surgery has been so rough on me!!!!!

Breast Reduction Update #1 - Not feeling well

It has not been the greatest day. I am in pain and I just in general feel like crap. I know that I should not expect to feel wonderful but I really did not think I would feel this way. :(

Post Surgery Appointment #1

I was so glad I was going back to the plastic surgeon's office today. First, I was anxious to see what my breasts looked like and second I was having a lot of pain that did not seem my pain killer was even touching. Mom and I went to McDonald's, my pain was so bad I did not even want to eat...I love McDonald's usually! So off to the plastic surgeon's office we go. They ask how I am, I tell them I am having a lot more pain than I anticipated. The nurse and surgeon then cut the ace bandage off from me, pulled the gauze away and there were my new breasts. I could only see them from the top but Mom got a great view...such a great view that she started crying and then told the surgeon they are beautiful. The surgeon said they looked great and he would not need to see me on Friday. Instead he will see me next Tuesday. By the way...some of my pain was relieved when the tight ace bandage was taken off. The entire ride home I was anxious to see my boobs. When we got here one of my aides from work was here to bring me somethings. I pulled my sweatshirt back and showed her. The first thing we did when we got into the house was to take my bra off, let me look at them and then take a picture, I am documenting this in pictures. I thought they look a little funky but so much better than before and they will change...after all, it is only he first day after surgery. So I cannot keep my hands of my new boobs, partially because they are great and the other reason because I feel like I m massaging or touching the pain away.

I have had a few episodes today where I did not believe that I had a breast reduction and cannot believe that my boobs are so much smaller and nicer. It is weird! However, I am so glad I had it done!