The Everlasting Disruptor

    I am Woman her me Roar! 

    As a woman who has gone through a lifetime and a plethora of medical issues none, I could have ever controlled, except the high weight gain which was totally self-induced by poor choices and being a lazy child, I decided approximately 2 and a half yrs ago to make not only a lifestyle change but also make behavior changes. It was one of the hardest things I have done in my life to become healthier not only for me but for my family, as they are my whole world. For the last year, I have embraced my lifestyle. Learning how to eat, what and what not to eat, but how to eat.  There is a science behind the behavior change I made. For the most part I have done very well. I haven't gained much weight back. According to my healthcare team, I have gain no more than 5% back in weight. That is very good and shows that I have learned a lot in the changes I have made. Have I stumbled and chosen to eat or drink things I shouldn't, I sure have and everybody does when trying to lose weight or make behavior changes in their life. It is called being human.

    However, the past 6 months has been a true test of research and deep reflection of where I want my life to be, going forward.  Again, I  have had many health issues since the age of 16. Mononucleosis, Severe Tonsilitis, Bulging Discs, Spondylistesis, Autoimmune Disorder, Fibromyalgia, Chronic Pain, Trigger Finger, and a history of Breast Cancer.  I have a family history of all kinds of cancers. I've had the experience of bullying, verbally being abused and physically abused. Something I have overcome, but took and decided to heal. I am Woman hear me Roar! Strength, Courage, Endurance, and Tenacity have been supporting actors in my life. 

    Around October 2025 after a mammogram which turned out fairly well but showed dense breast tissue mainly on the right side. The doctor chose to have me go for a MRI on my breasts.  This was a total failure. I couldn't handle the contrast which made me sick as a dog. It tasted like aluminum foil. My breathing wasn't calm and relaxed. However, I was uncomfortable and apparently moved too much. None of the pictures they got were clear enough, so I am no longer a candidate for an MRI.  After that I chose to chat with my primary care doctor to go over results. given my history and my family history chatting with my primary doc who has been my doctor for the better part of 33 yrs and he suggested that I see the breast surgeon. This surgeon was on fire. Super smart and very forthright with my concerns. She isn't pro prophylactic mastectomy. Not everyone is. This is where the research and deep reflection comes into play. After chatting with the surgeon, she suggested I first go for genetic testing to see if I indeed carried the mutation of the BRACA gene. Sure as crap I do. 

    So, I started the journey of research of women who had or have breast cancer. Who choses double mastectomy with reconstruction, double mastectomy without reconstruction: that is to go flat and be fitted with a mastectomy bra and prosthesis. Whichever you chose is a deep and very personal choice. No judgment here. It's your life. Run it they way you think is best for you. Reading case studies, watching videos chatting with friends who have gone both with reconstruction and without reconstruction amazed me. The percentage of women who have reconstruction are very unhappy.  The results of women who have had reconstruction within the last 15 yrs. for which technology and procedures have definitely improved greatly, are fairly satisfied. Many however are not and choose to go Flat! Yup Flat as a board! 

     I have chosen after doing deep research to have a double mastectomy without reconstruction. I first was going to have implants, but after discussion with my plastic surgeon the recovery period is more than double and it's actually two separate procedures. Something I really don't want to endure especially in the summer. Afterall isn't summertime the time of the year that we as individuals are most social.  All I ever wanted is to live a stress-free healthy lifestyle with my family. 

    So, last year I began to garden especially after reading a lot of what is put in our foods that quite honestly can cause a more than just clinical health issues.

    This is when I decided to control my health and consumption of certain foods instead of the government deciding what is good and not good for me. It makes you really think that the government and Big Pharma are in bed with one another. Yes, modern medicine definitely has its place in our life but only to a certain point.  I chose to plant my vegetables and buy food in the cleanest way possible. I think everyone should learn to read food labels. you would be astonished at what is in our food. what pesticides are allowed. I just can't do it any longer. I need to be there for my husband my two sons and my grandbabies. They are my whole world. The reason I am still here on earth. Their presence is why I have the strength I do. Prior to surgery I had a small bra burning ceremony. This was a hoot. They wouldn't burn. Plus the wind was no help. But it was an eye opener. Burning size D D bras was a reality check. 

    On May 6th I had surgery and as of today, 3  post op I am feeling not too bad. Pain is still pretty high but manageable. Drainage is still high, but this is normal. This is a new normal . No more bras and being flat is something I need to get use to. But truth be told I  have never felt comfortable with my breasts. I've always have had pain. Now I pray and hope I will be pain free and live the life that God intended me to live.

    I am thrilled I chose to be proactive. To be there to live life to the fullest. 

Stay Healthy, Stay strong, and Stay Safe.

Sally