Just home from my Mater hospital stay. Allegedly all went well. The only odd thing is that I woke up looking like I’d gone ten rounds in the ring. Some patients’ eyes flutter or remain open so they tape them shut. I’m not sure why mine were (probably ’cause they fluttered like butterflies), but I had an allergic reaction hence the bruised eye appearance. Not a biggy, as they don’t hurt at all. Happy to be home and with my new ladies.

and my thirty-sixth present to myself is a new pair of breasts. I go into hospital tomorrow. I’ll be in overnight and return on Friday as a silicon cyborg.

I can see my heart beating in my left breast. My breast expanders act like a water bed and the pitter-pat rhythm of my heart sends waves through the saline solution. Pretty odd hey?

On the 28^th of this month I turn thirty-six. On the 29^th I have my tissue expanders replaced with silicon breasts. I’ve gone slightly bigger thank you very much doctor. Still the same bra size as before; it’ll just fit real snug now. Even with the balloon like inflations on my chest I’m happy with the result. I was off balance after the double mastectomy. It made me realize how much I needed the breast form to feel ‘right’.

I stepped onto the road to physical fitness last week. Every Tuesday and Thursday morning (from hereon) I wake at 5:15am and cycle to Genesis (terrible name) for an rpm class i.e. a stationary cycle class. Odd you say … yes, well I like cycling without focusing on road crossings, stop signs and such. I also enjoy the solidarity of other tired people doing something about their hearts and bods. The AM time is unglamorous. We all yawn, plunk ourselves on the bike, and sweat. Then leave with a smile on our faces. This place has a crèche, so next week I’ll take Felix during the day so I can rubber up in Pilates – oh, the modern mum in me.

Last but definitely not least I’m happy to report there are only four Herceptin sessions left. I’ll finish in June, and then have my portacath removed. Yes!