Going under!

... My post op brain being what it is, has seen a delay in posting any booby news!! ( that's my excuse anyway!)

So let's redeem this with some rather exciting news .....I am now the proud owner of a rather fabulous cleavage !!! YAY!!

On the 8th December 2015, I arrived at Wycome Hospital..... Late, due to traffic, never the less; ready for surgery and keen to get the show on the road...

There was lots of hustle and bustle at surgical admissions , though I had Danny and Becky to settle any nerves .... As I went through routine checks with Nurses, I noted days AFTER the op that they had occupied themselves with my camera phone!!!

So.... My post op brain being what it is has seen a delay in posting any booby news!! ( that's my excuse anyway!)

Being the perfect patient, I had arrived at the hospital with my bladder full, knowing that a urine sample was expected!!  So feeling  proud ....and  somewhat amazed that I had remembered, I returned from the toilet with an empty pot and  'an oooopsy' look on my face because I had enjoyed relieving my swollen bladder so much that, I forgot about the primary purpose !

No worries ....10 minutes and two attempts later ... We were in business!!

I met the surgeon ( forgot his name!!)that would be operating with Mike Tyler and the anaesthetist before Mr Tyler took me away into a side room to draw out his surgery markings!  All three being very efficient in their roles and composed in their manner, they Relaxed me into 'confidence' like a comfort blanket

Next thing I was whisked away to the anaesthetist room. There was never any time to think about what was ahead of me as the anaesthetist and his assistant kept me focused with Christmas chit chat and navigated with skilful dignity, the 'get your knickers off as we will he putting a 'catheter' in when your under', discussion !!

It was 8.45am when I last looked at the clock.

#IA- Inspiring the next generation of girls!

Around this time last year I was writing about the Inspiration Awards for Women in the capacity of 'blogger', after attending Cadogan Hall for the 2014 awards….

This year, somehow I have made it on to the short list for two awards in the 'Inspirational' and 'Inspirational fundraiser category'…Wowzer!

Imagine that…I have no idea who nominated me this year and was completely surprised when I received a tweet asking me to make contact with #IA.  I am completely made up by this honour and being associated with an event that celebrates the achievement of women and empowers and inspires our next generation of girls!

This year the format of the awards ceremony has been enhanced and involves a Gala event in the Grand Ballroom at the Landmark Hotel in London on the 12th December 2015.

Check out the website to find out how you can obtain tickets, to what promises to be a truly glamorous and uplifting evening.

The event will be attended by stars and women from every walk of life .The short list of names are on line and voting is open until Midnight on 5th December 2015.

#IA 2014

I have cast my votes already…..There is quite a  feel good feeling attached to the voting process,  with each nominee no more worthy than the other, but each inspiring in their own way….so be sure
to vote where you relate or are inspired the most!

I am only disappointed that I will not be able to go to the award ceremony, as I will be recovering from breast reconstruction surgery, but I am happy that my brothers Mark and Julian will be attending on my behalf to support the event and report back on the glamour of the evening.

Twitter  is bursting with excitement about the awards and most recently, the rather big Christmas tree from the Landmark Hotel was posted to tantalise our excitement.  Check out the twitter feed and follow @womensawards.

Whats more the whole affair will be raising money for 'breast cancer NOW'…. Having been diagnosed and treated for breast cancer, like many thousands of women before me and those that will be diagnosed after me,  this is truly something that is worthy of attention and any donation now will seek to protect future generations.

'It’s our ambition that by 2050, no one will die from breast cancer'

In fact I am shamelessly going to take advantage within this post and launch my 'Breast Cancer NOW' £1000 challenge. I obtained my £1000 challenge pack sometime ago and I will be completing this fundraising challenge in memory of 'Booby Jo' who died age 44 on 12th April 2015.

I met 'Booby Jo' in hospital in November 2013 after our mastectomy operation and we became booby buddies and I became 'Suzy Breast'. She was delight to be around as we both progressed through our cancer treatment and I don't know what I would have done without her!

BoobyJo's death was a profound loss to everyone that knew her and in particular to her two children and unborn grandchild.

Booby Jo and Sister Pam

I will be undertaking various activities/events over the next 6 months and I am determined to raise £1000 in Booby Jo's memory!

My first activity is an appeal for donations in lieu of Christmas cards for 2015. Instead of sending Christmas cards this year I will start off with the first donation…. So if you can, please follow this link and donate your Christmas card money and set my challenge off to a good start!

Even better….why not  follow the link and take on the challenge yourself!!

Booby Pre Op!

On the1st December I went, accompanied by my friend Mary, to Stoke Mandeville Hospital for my pre op appointment!

So….on the way to collect Mary for the appointment, I probably should have been feeling more nervous than I was about the whole affair…. however the radio was saturated with Christmas tunes and so I was bopping away….la la la !!!  I was also really looking forward to spending time with Mary as I had not seen her in some time! 

There has been the temptation to become overwhelmed and over focused on the forthcoming operation because of the potential risks,  and so sharing my focus between the blessings and trials of my life, has helped me manage the feelings of trepidation that have been creeping in. 

We arrived in plenty of time for my appointment and throughout the 5 hour period we were at Stoke Mandeville, the service/treatment was outstanding !!  From the surgeons and the nurses to the many staff members that stopped at one point or another, with a smile on their face, and keen to offer  help when we looked lost along the corridors! 

Nurse, Pam was first to introduce herself in the pre op department and she took me thorough a set of questions to ensure that I was fit enough for the anaesthetic. 

I was relieved to learn that I passed with flying colours…. !!!! There are often, possibly irrational  anxieties that bound their way into my head, when ever there is a risk that the surgery may not go ahead!!  

Pam!

Then there was an E.C.G to check my heart activity.  Lots of sticky patches (electrodes) were placed around my heart area, arm and the bottom of my legs. Some wires that were connected to a machine , were then clipped on to the sticky patches and a measurement of my heart activity was taken. This didn't take long at all and I'm glad to say that there were no worries found!

It was photos' next at the medical photography studio….. A number of photos were taken of my chest and  tummy area . Josh Van Gelder -( #LGFB photographer) prepared me well for this photo shoot!!! I took direction well although no 'Smizeing' this time!! lol!

Whilst in the photo waiting area, I met Sam Bull, who I later learnt was having the same procedure as me, the day after mine!! It was somewhat reassuring to meet someone going through the same procedure. We have since exchanged details and I look forward to seeing a familiar face on the ward next week!  

So after some pretty routine blood and MRSA tests, It was time to meet the Surgeons…and initially I met with 'Theodore'?? ( memory blank!!), who took me through the consent form.  Mike Tyler later joined us and went through  his plans for my boob!

I now know that Mike Tyler is aiming to reconstruct my boob to its original size Yay!!! After a life threatening illness and treatment , the size of my boob may not seem important, and it really isn't, I would be grateful for anything , however, to hear that my original size is possible, is in complete defiance of what the cancer took away! So up yours cancer ! ha ha !

After reminding Mike Tyler about my unicorn tattoo, he took a look, a pinch and a sigh!!!!…. But confidently told me that unless  it compromises the shape of my boob, the tattoo will not be transferred there…Yay!!! Bye Bye Boobicorn!

It's seems the fat will still be used from that area but not the skin. There is a small chance there will be a small reminder of the tattoo left or  the incision/scar  may dip around that area. Never the less , I felt confident he would make the best of what is there ….So another Yay!!!

Thank you Mary for your most fabulous company!

Now then….I don't want to take away from the seriousness of the occasion …. but in the spirit of 'keeping it real'………… Oh My goodness …..to say Theodore and Mike Tyler were pleasing on the eye is a total understatement !!…

I had planned to request a picture/selfie with them for my blog, but couldn't bring myself to ask for fear it would belie my thoughts ! ha ha! I'm kicking myself now, so will be on the hunt for a picture next week and hopefully I will have regained my composure!

So…… after this meeting with Mike Tyler and Theodore, there were a couple of hours of waiting before the last pre op procedure with Mike Tyler.  This was an ultrasound of my tummy area and took no longer than 10/15 minutes. This was to identify the arteries (?) and I left the appointment with red and blue pen marks, showing their location and instructions to keep them dry with some waterproof dressings!

A work of art!

Having completed all pre op activities, I was given an injection of  'Fragmin'  to administer myself the day before my operation and a sharps box. This is to prevent DVT. We were sent on our way, all set for the operation on 8th December!!

In preparation for the operation, I have to stop taking the Tamoxifen for two weeks as I think this affects the blood clotting (?)….. I felt a little wobbly about this, as Tamoxifen prevents that 'pesky cell' from coming back, I have however accepted the assurance I have received as it's only for such a short  period of time. 

I'm now well on route for my 'two perfect boobs' !!

A new Boob for Christmas

If you have been following my blog, you will know that I was diagnosed with breast cancer in October 2013 and 'sugar coated my cancer experience' by awareness raising, fundraising and blogging my way all though the treatment and recovery…. 

Now it's time for the next phase of my story and so, I shall be blogging and sharing with you my metamorphosis through breast reconstruction surgery.

So, a quick recap……. I had a mastectomy in November 2013 and at the  same time I was given a temporary implant in my left breast. This later became infected and the implant was removed in March 2014. I have been wearing a silicone prothesis ever since.  

I have opted to have a Diep Flap reconstruction and after initially seeing surgeon, Mr Varma  in December 2014,  I  gained a second opinion from surgeon Mike Tyler in May this year, and after what seems such a loooooong wait, my date for surgery  has been confirmed as the  8th December.!!!!

Yes….this means a new boob for Christmas, what more can a girl want….right??!!…..Gosh...I have missed my cleavage ! …. 

My humour remains and it shall not disapate , although the reality is that this is NOT a 'boob job' and the magnitude of such an event does not escape me.  

The word  'reconstruction'   is  defined as  'A thing that has been rebuilt after being damaged or destroyed'…. I don't want to rain on my excitement about the procedure, I feel lucky and grateful,  but to call it a 'boob job' in it's traditional sense, seems to undermine the emotional and physical ravages of breast cancer !

Never the less, what is about to happen in my life is truly remarkable and I am beyond excited at the prospect of having some symmetry back in my life! 

Life without a boob , has been wholly doable and besides some inconveniences and clothing practicalities there have been few limitations for me.  Acceptance of my wonky boobs had set in very early on in my cancer story, and the personal growth spurt I have been experiencing, has eased any  laments about my physical appearance. as I have been waiting for my reconstruction.   

What happens next?; ….well…  On the 1st December I will be going to Stoke Mandevile Hospital for my pre op appointment and to see Mike Tyler to prepare for my surgery on the 8th which will happen at Wycombe Hospital ! 

I hope to learn more about what to expect , although I already know that the procedure involves an 8 hour operation to remove flesh and fat from my tummy and create a new left boob!!  I'm yet to learn whether my boob will be the same size and where my unicorn tattoo on my knicker line will end up!

I will be in hospital for up to 5 day's and by all accounts I will be out of action for sometime and I will be reliant on my lovely family and friends. Lucky friends and Family I say !!!!! ha ha!

As If a new boob wasn't enough for Christmas, I have also been blessed with the honour of being one of six women shortlisted out of  1000's of nominations for an Inspiration Award for Women…….. in the  Inspirational Fundraiser category. 

Suzanne Wright 

I am absolutely devastated that I won't be able to attend the Gala event on the 12th December at the Landmark Hotel in London, because I will be recovering from the surgery…….I am however keen to raise awareness of this event, as I did last year, which seeks to raise money for 'breast cancer NOW',  and so please do look at their website and feel free to vote for this years nominees' by 5th December!!!!!.  It is free to vote and takes only two minutes using this link.

#boldisbeautiful - Wow I'm a cartoon!!!

This May, Benefit Cosmetic UK has launched the incredible #boldisbeautiful project that will raise a huge amount of money for Look Feel Better as well as Refuge.

Benefit have used footage from the #warpaint4life behind the scenes video and turned ME into a cartoon for the #boldisbeautiful project video!!

This was an absolute surprise, so I'm still 'buzzing' from the novelty of it all and for those that have followed my story you will know the sence of satisfaction that I am feeling right now in being associated with the empowerment of women and all things fundraising for #LGFB ! 

Empowering big dreams and bold moves! 

I have been a beneficiary of #LGFB and as a social worker by profession, I'm also able to see on the front line the life changing impact #Refuge has on the lives of women and children. So a MASSIVE 'pat on the back' to Benefit for choosing such amazing charities ! Thank you x 

So... All you have to do is book in for a brow wax during the month of May and 100% of the profits will be donated equally to #LGFB and Refuge. Not only that,  it seems you will also receive a free full sized  'gimme brow' as a thank you !!! 

http://www.boldisbeautiful.com/uk

The Bold is Beautiful march in London, on 10th May 2015 also seeks to raise funds and promises you some  'Benefit goodies and good times along the way….I'm only gutted that yet again I'm unable to take part due to recuperating foot fracture…unless of course anyone fancies getting me and my crutches there with a wheel chair on stand by???

   There's guaranteed to be goodies, giggles

Anyway, book yourself a face date and spread the word you fabulous ladies x

"Where is my unicorn going?"

So..... today, on route to see plastic surgeon Mike Tyler at Stoke Mandeville Hospital, My XMIL and I pondered on  suitable questions to ask about the reconstruction of my not so 'perfect' boob!

Instinctively my XMIL declared that my primary question should be….'where is my unicorn going?'

And to explain  ……..You may recall  from a previous post that I went to Leicester Royal Infirmary back in November 2014 for a consultation about the  reconstruction of my boob. The surgeon, Mr Varma  had  casually announced that my pink unicorn tattoo, situated  on my knicker line, would be transferred to my boob and that if I didn't want this I needed to put on weight so there was more skin to work with during the Diep Flap  procedure. 

Well,  I had no doubts about  Mr Varma's skills, I had done my research , however I didn't feel confident about his insight into my own needs……It just didn't feel right for me, so I  spoke with my GP about a second opinion, and following  recommendation from a friend and a discussion with Mr Dawson, I was referred to Mike Tyler….. so with the 'pink boobiecorn' thing weighing on my mind, I went to this consultation sporting some extra weight  and ready with my primary question.

I was pleased today, that Mike Tyler has different plans for my unicorn and whilst he was realistic with me , I left feeling confident that the best that could be achieved, would be , not only in relation to my unicorn, but also in relation to the size of the reconstruction. #MikeTyler was optimistic that the size would match  the perfect boob'!

In direct contrast to the consultation in November, my expectations were not only fulfilled  but exceeded at this one. I know that  I will never ever look the same, I know that because of the radiotherapy damage  that I will have a patchwork boob, that I will have scars on both boobs and a large one on my tummy, but under the circumstances, that'll do me just fine! 

I was also given permission to loose weight. After being advised against this in  November, Mike Tyler explained that within reason, my weight should be as close to how I want it to be and that he will work around this! 

So ...  I'll be stepping up the gym work , when my foot fracture heals and I will have approximately 7 months to get 'game ready' for the operation!... Yes that's the only downside....Mike Tylers waiting list... I'm in no rush and he is worth the wait ! 

A shout out to all those 'Rocks' out there

As I stood by Booby Jo's grave today, on the day of her funeral,  I  saw the utter destruction of cancer in the eye's and hearts of the forgotten victims of cancer, those she loved and left behind.

I have always been grateful for the care and concern that has been unconditionally given  by those around me through my cancer troubles, as I know Booby Jo was through hers,   but what struck me this day was the emotional collateral damage caused to her family and friends by this wretched disease.

I'm sure those that have been 'there' for  Bobby Jo would not really see themselves as the forgotten  'victims of cancer ' for it is clear from today that they have not felt burdened by the role that they have been cast in her cancer story, never the less, those that have stood by her  are worthy of thought and respect …for it would have been just unimaginable for her without them.

Booby Jo's 'rock' was her sister Pam , who remained strong and resolute until the end for her . Pam's heart was breaking and whilst caring for her sister and the children, it is clear from the 'spectacular' send off ' Booby Jo was given, that she saw all  of  this as an honour.

Booby Jo and her 'Rock'

I know first hand that a kind word or deed done has meant  the difference between a good day and a bad day , whether from  a casual acquaintance or close family/friend, so in any way that you can  reach out …. and know that you make a difference.

So with the memory of Booby Jo in mind; here is a big shout out for ALL those 'Rock's' out there; … for your emotional investment and practical support, for the care shown, miles travelled, errands fulfilled, tears shed, plans changed, childhood's interrupted, frustrations contained, tender words said, 'hair dares' roped into, swear words forgiven, distractions made, comfortable silences enjoyed and hugs shared.

My Rock 

THANK YOU!

'Rest in Peace Booby Jo'

It is with overwhelming sadness that I write to share the news of 'Booby Jo's' death on 11th April 2015.

You may recall from previous posts that Booby Jo and I were brought together by our breast cancer  stories and tragically,  in a bitter twist of fate, the very thing that brought us together has now claimed her life.

When I last saw Jo at the beginning of March, she really did not seem to know that she would not be with us for  long …. it really does, all feel, so very sudden.

I am deliberately not blogging about Jo's personal circumstances out of respect to her family, however Jo was a mother, a sister, a daughter, an aunty, a niece and a friend and the loss will be felt profoundly.

Jo's death marks a 'stinging slap' to the face of those within the breast cancer 'community'…. a sharp reminder that none of us are immune to death, no matter how valiantly we take cancer on …. it's indiscriminate!

This of course is Jo's story and there are plenty of other stories out there full of hope, but  now, it's time to mourn my dear friend and live life inspired by her memory.

A pair of perfect boobs - Feeling blessed to have know Jo 

'Music and Friends'

A brand New Year full of opportunities is upon us and time for my next fundraising venture for #Look Good Feel Better;

Thank you very much to ‘Music and Friends’ who have invited me to their Luther Vandros tribute event on 7th February 2015 in Northampton, to raise awareness and funds for #Look Good Feel better!!

If you have been following my story, you will be aware that my involvement with LGFB, has not only seen me feature in the #warpaint4life campaign on billboards across the country and national magazines/TV, but fundamentally it restored my confidence, at a time when cancer treatment was tearing ‘strips off me’ and making me....well, look like ‘Gollum’ ha!

Wow that really does seems so long ago…..The truth is, even though I probably did look like Gollum , I didn’t feel it ...and that’s what LGFB did!!! ....helped me ‘face cancer with confidence’ 

It's in fact exactly a year to the date when I attended the LGFB workshop in Leicester;  I vividly remember how nervous/scared I was about  the looming date of my first chemotherapy treatment, and how I left the workshop all 'fired' up with determination that I would not be cancers victim.

LGFB remains the only international cancer charity that supports women and teens with the visible side effects of cancer treatment.... and I’m keen to continue raising awareness and funds, so others may benefit as I have had.

The event promises to be a great night and my glamorous ‘boobettes’ and I will be representing LGFB and adding an extra sparkle to the affairs of the evening. I’m really not sure how this will all unfold, but I’m not so secretly hoping that we beat the £500 we raised in ONE evening on the neon Pub crawl for NGH.I shall certainly be setting my boobettes some challenges and creating healthy completion between them.

Please do join us; Tickets can be bought on the ‘music and friends’ website or on the door.

I’m also looking for some raffle prizes, may be suitable unwanted Christmas presents or from any businesses, to make the evening a fund raising success, so if you can help let me know by 30thJanuary (sfcwright33@gmail.com).