Things I've Learned Since Having a Double Mastectomy

...from the desk (bed) of someone who said goodbye to her boobs four weeks ago

• Nobody knows their bra size

• You’ll be surprised by how lovely and caring and thoughtful most people are

  • Others will show you with how little they care (it won’t be a surprise)

• The answer to “do you want some Ativan?” is yes

• There is something profoundly meaningful about realizing that you married someone who can and will and wants to care for you when you can’t get out of bed or shower without help. In sickness and in health, indeed

• Everyone who said the drains were the worst part were unfortunately telling the truth

• You are stronger and braver and more capable than you think

• Tissue expanders are about as weird as they sound

• Watching TV in bed all day is fun for about three days but that’s it

• Going under anesthesia really does feel like blinking and being done (I don’t remember falling asleep or waking up)

• The time and energy you spent working on yourself mentally and physically was as important as you thought it would be

• Most of the time, things end up better and easier than you thought they would

• Yes, your boobs really were that saggy before