I like to think I’m a pretty go-with-the-flow kind of person. Sure I’m known for obsessive organization and being a planner and my type A personality for many things, but for big picture things? Totally different. I thrive on sarcasm, and most of the time I can take it just as much as I can dish it out (and oh… Can I). I’m open to different beliefs and ideas, socially liberal, and might jokingly act offended at times, but it really takes a lot for things to get to me. Like deep inside of me, “me.”

I’ve made this whole BRCA/mastectomy thing as lighthearted as possible, and that’s not a front. At all. It’s a serious crappy situation but being serious and dramatic won’t help anything, so I choose not to be that way. And let’s be honest, boob jokes are so much more fun! I’ve been blessed with supportive people surrounding me, and while I know not everyone agrees with my decision, have been lucky to not have those people throw their opinions in my face. Likely because they probably know it won’t change my decision, but regardless I’m grateful for the lack of negativity.

That said, there is one thing that offends me in all of this. Not in a “rock me to my core” kind of offense, but a “cringe and leave a bad taste in my mouth” kind of offense. And I only bring it up with the hope that anyone reading this will be cognizant in what they say to others in my situation. The few times this has been said to me it’s been by truly well-meaning people, and I hope if they’re reading this it doesn’t upset them, but it gets me. I wish it didn’t, but it does. And it happened again yesterday, reminding me of how much I hate it. Again, no harm was intentioned but when this person said “Angelina Jolie cut off her breasts and that’s what you’re doing too!” I couldn’t help but cringe.

“Cut off your breasts” provides such a barbaric image. It fuels the argument that ill-informed bystanders perpetuate about this surgery being self mutilation. And that legitimately makes me want to vomit.

It makes it sound like I’m doing this out of spite, that it’s a spur-of-the-moment overly radical choice. And as I made this decision to proceed in this direction last October, it’s certainly not spur of the moment. And 87% risk of getting breast cancer? Wanting to decrease that? Wanting to live a long and healthy life? Not too radical, if I say so myself.

It’s also a disservice to the surgeons that pour their heart and soul into these women. I consider them legitimate artists, and people who genuinely care for their patients. They are not butchers. And we are not animals being slaughtered.

And lastly, there’s really no “cutting off.” That’s the beauty of technology and skin-sparing, nipple-sparing techniques. Scooping out? Sure. “Angelina Jolie scooped out her breasts, and that’s what you’re doing too!” just sounds ridiculous I know, but that’s really what’s going on here.

Anyhow, not to be on a soapbox, but just wanted to get this one out there. I know no offense is ever meant, but sometimes just a sensitivity reminder can make all the difference. It’s a delicate topic as it is!

Not much news to report… 50 days tomorrow! Just enjoying some good quality time at home and celebrating Father’s Day with my wonderful Dad!

Have a great week!!

So things are definitely getting more real every day now as time flies by. Every possible way to mark 2 months out (day, date, 60 days) has passed. Preop is in just over a month. Wow.

I filled out all the paperwork for FMLA today… Very curious to see how long I’ll actually end up needing off. Back in February my surgeon said I’d be bored by the end of 2 weeks so I took that and ran with it… Then when I talked to his nurse today she said plan on more like 4-6 weeks. As a wise friend said, there’s a big difference between “bored” and “ready.” Definitely will be bored!! I’m relieved that half days, etc, are an option and that I work with such incredible and understanding people. But 4-6 weeks is a LONG time!! Needless to say will definitely play it by ear. Certainly don’t want to rush things and regret it, but patience has never been my strong suit!

Not much other news to report… Work is keeping me busy and nicely distracted. My sweatpants and zip up jackets collection is expanding well. Boob Voyage party is being planned. Insanity is still a butt kicking but good. Think I’m getting readier as it gets real-er!

Yeah got that one thrown at me today – ha! Seems like I just posted about Angelina Jolie and all the sudden it’s JUNE! How did that happen?! And how do we make it stop?!

Things have been great – super freaking busy so time is a flying! Been to Boston and Philly since I last blogged and had wonderful trips on both counts. Now home for almost a (glorious) month before spending the 4th of July with my family. It’s one of my absolute favorite holidays because oh. Do we know how to celebrate. And let’s face it, my inner pyromaniac has a chance to surface once a year! Plus I get to see my newly engaged brother!!! Soooo excited for him and my future sister-in-law! Even though it was totally expected it’s still weird but awesome saying that!

So needless to say, not a lot of time to ruminate over the boob situation. One of the quietest, yet most wonderful, people at worked stopped me in the hall today and said “your surgery is what… August? How are you doing with all that?” Means so much to know people are thinking about me. I think I caught him a little off guard with just how okay I am with everything… My surgication is just another date on the calendar! Well at least right now it is. Let’s talk in a month! I know the freakout moments are ahead! I had to move some appointments and it was a little weird saying “well my prophylactic mastectomy is August 6.” Just reality I suppose but that’s so soon! And it’s so real. Anyhow so it’s now all 4 docs in one week. Phew! Exhausted already just thinking about that week but will be good to get it all over with and get in the right mindset.

So yeah. Things are great. I feel mentally ready and with the appropriately named Insanity program kicking my butt, quickly getting physically ready. I actually RAN up the stairs today at work and it didn’t phase me… And it’s been a week and a half! Pretty impressive. Especially if you know those stupid stairs!!

Thanks for checking in and being along for the “chill” part of this journey. What I am anticipating to be the busiest month of the year at work starts next week (eek!) so I imagine updates will be scarce, but will pick up for sure in just one month.

Ending with the mottos from a fabulous event this weekend and words I always need to remember… “Collect moments, not things,” and “Dream big. Love life. Be positive.”