The BIGGEST news to celebrate this week: The large mass they removed from a critical area came back CANCER FREE, and the overall mastectomy margins were clear & good! Very grateful to my amazing surgical team. While there are still 3 additional masses being sent for further pathology to determine my treatment course, this clear spot that we were most concerned about is definitely worth doing a happy dance over (which I'll need you all to do on my behalf for now!).

Adding to the celebration, I finally came home on Wednesday (photo is last moments at the hospital- finally in my own clothes!). After days of hospital beds, beeping machines, and the necessary shuffle of medical staff, I'm back in my own space with the best care possible. (Though it's taken 3 days to get this written… so clearly I've been much busier than I ever imagined with just my care). I knew Robie would be attentive and loving, but my husband has me humbled with what an incredible caretaker he is with such arduous tasks. His tending to my drains with such precision meant the angry tissue showed improvement after just one cleaning. His gentle attention to detail is making all the difference.

Thursday night marked a milestone – nearly 8 hours of sleep with just one 40-minute bathroom break! Compare that to the 45 min. to 1 hour stretches of sleep that would happen 3x a night in the hospital (eventually growing to almost 6.5 hrs. Total sleep in a night), and you can understand why I'm celebrating. There truly is no place like home when it comes to rest and recovery.

Another blessing has been getting outside each day. Robie has made sure I've gotten fresh air and sunshine since leaving the hospital, taking me on walks in a wheelchair (more on that shortly) around the block. Kim even got in one healing walk around my neighborhood. These small doses of the outside world have been incredibly restorative.

I'm deeply grateful for the food deliveries that have appeared at our door from Robie's colleagues twice now. We are also looking forward to using the thoughtful DoorDash cards we were given (and ordered Chi last night with $ sent to me via Venmo!!) that ensure we're nourished without adding to my husband's already full plate. Each act of kindness lifts our spirits immeasurably.- If you are interested in being with meals learn more here- https://bit.ly/SRMeals

The Unexpected Adventures of Movement (& My Superhero Husband)

Many friends have noted how complex it is to understand my surgery, wounds, and limitations.

It is lightyears different than my mom's partial mastectomy (now referred to as a lumpectomy), or a mastectomy with no reconstruction (about 35%) or what's most common- or a reconstruction with implants (40%). Only 10-20% of breast cancer reconstruction opt for DIEP - one form of natural tissue reconstruction, and the intense up front investment is one reason. The surgery isn't in the book my friend gave me about how to exercise/ prepare- and everyone who thought they knew someone who'd had it- hadn't. So, if you are confused, it's quite possible that I'm the first person you've known who's done this. Even if I was tenth… every person's cancer journey is different.

We have time to familiarize you, so there will be lots of little pieces I toss in each time and the podcast will definitely have an episode that folks can opt to listen to that will go in depth.

I'm learning constantly.

One thing I'm constantly learning after a bilateral mastectomy with DIEP natural tissue reconstruction: the creative gymnastics required for basic movement!

One surprise is the walker I was prescribed in advanced- has never been used. It never made sense. I weigh more than 5 pounds- if my arms can't lift/ lean/pull/push more than 5 lbs- how could I use it? The PT in the hospital explained it was for balance... there was no way I would use it for that and not for leaning!! My husband quickly realized I needed a wheelchair (how would I navigate the 4 steps up into our house when I came home or went to medical appts, and it would be essential for the long distance from the recliner to the only shower on the mainfloor). Thank goodness my dad jumped into action building a wheelchair ramp, and my husband found a wheelchair ramp when no one ever hit back to me at the hospital regarding this while I was there!

Speaking of my husband – let me tell you this man has been required to become the most dedicated caregiver imaginable. His days now consist of 8-12 hours of direct care for me. My daily shower alone takes two hours with all the careful maneuvering and precautions needed. Drain care happens twice daily, taking about 40 minutes each time. Add to that medication management, constant wound care for multiple sutures, mountains of laundry (shower towels galore from our tiny bathroom that gets soaked!), helping me figure out clothes- (I'll share more on that next time), plus getting me anything I need and handling everything– you can see why I'm in awe of him.

I cared for my mom through two long cancer battles (with my dad, her best friend, my Grandma LaRue, and siblings stroking in to help in various ways), and I can tell you this level of care is far more intense than anything I experienced then. By the end of next week, most of my drains should be removed, which will help lighten the load a bit. Until then, I've added his favorite coffee to my Amazon wishlist - https://amzn.to/4bHT4RD for anyone wanting to send him a little support. This man is truly a saint, and I cannot imagine going through this journey without him.

The Fine Art of "Scooching."

The funniest part of recovery has been learning the fine art of "scooching." At the hospital everyone kept telling me to "scooch my bum". Now that sounds easy. So right now... scooch your bum to the edge of wherever you are. Did you use your arms to scooch? In my world I use my arms to stabilize my self each time I scooch. It's not just a movement of my bum.

So plot twist... without my arms... I'm not so good with the scooch!!

So quick review-

-Incision wound from hip to hip (it's where they harvested the tissue for reconstruction).

-Weight restrictions for arms of no more than 5 pounds- pushing, pulling, or lifting.

-6 drains (tubes with larger 100 cc bulbs at the end and roundish wounds where they enter my body) one on each hip and 2 under each arm pit

-Incisions/ wounds under each breast where all tissue was removed and replaced, so lots of tenderness asking breastbone and everywhere on the front side of my ribcage.

Getting up and down is now my Everest.

I'm discovering just how much I've taken for granted. Do you ever stop and cherish the simple act of standing up from a chair? My poor abs and back are getting quite the unexpected workout! (They are fiery and unhappy about it.)

Folks talked about the Sumo squat walk... but I practiced that. I didn't practice this!

Wanna Join the "Hands-Off Stand-Up Challenge" #StandingwithShawna

Want to truly understand a slice of what this recovery journey feels like? I invite you to join my "Hands-Off Stand-Up Challenge" starting Monday for the next 30 days (4/21 to 5/21). While I'm facing three months of these restrictions, I'm inviting your solidarity for one month.

**The Challenge Rules:**

1. At least 10 times a day (that's about how often I get up- PT suggested once an hour… but I need recovery time and everything is strained and unhappy- I'll get there), when it’s time to get up- lock your hands at your chest in a prayer position

2. Rise from sitting to standing using your legs and abs- so, without using your arms for support

3. Sit back down without easing yourself down with your hands or arms

4. For an extra bonus- When you need to "scooch" to the edge of a surface, do it without using your arms

Try this when getting up from your desk chair, the couch, the dinner table, out of your car, or (for the advanced players) the toilet. This small exercise will give you a glimpse into my daily reality – minus the pain, drains, surgical complications, and Sumo walk one you are up.

This isn't just about understanding my journey – it's about joining our circle of warriors. Every person who takes on this challenge, sends a supportive message and becomes part of the community carrying me through!

I'd love to see your "Hands-Off Stand-Up" attempts! Tag me in your social posts and add #StandingwithShawna or send me a message about your experience. Together, we're turning this cancer journey into a story of community, courage, and hope.

Keep track of your involvement- I'd love to send a little something to all those who complete it (and hope to have energy to do that in a month!!).

I appreciate your patience in getting this latest update!

With immense gratitude and a sore back (abs and legs..),

Shawna