1) Work: I have been partnering with one of the science instructors at Lindsay High School to organize Exhibition Night where our learners present their Level 4, advanced projects to show that they have more than proficient knowledge about their chosen research topics. I have also been working on new teacher induction and looking at what kinds of things our new teachers need in the way of support. I have been working on our Adult Learning Curriculum where we create resources to help advance the practices of our teachers. This includes scheduling, writing, and filming. I've been learning a ton! As always, I've been working on data gathering, disaggregation, and analysis for our Alternative Education site. In addition, I have been learning to embrace change as I get ready to go from the high school level of instructional design and delivery to the realm of K-8. This is all in conjunction with my regular duties. Whew! I'm tired just writing about this.
2) Extra Curriculuar Activities: I have been working on art for my Etsy store. I'll share some of my pieces at the end of this post. I also designed and built the Orange Blossom Festival float for our Foothill Floozies Red Hat group. I think it came out really cute. Pictures are also found at the end of today's post. I'v been working on the yard, spending time with my kiddos, and doing a little redecorating as well.
3) Health: Ok here's the real stuff. The reason you probably read this blog at all. I got to meet with my plastic surgeon this week. Things didn't go exactly like I wanted, but it's still going to be pretty great once I am through the reconstruction process. I cannot get flap surgery like I had hoped. No tummy tuck for me, darn it! I am too thin (I never, ever thought I'd hear someone say that!). I will be having my initial surgery soon. Let me tell you how this whole thing is going to work:
* I will have major surgery that requires an overnight stay. My mastectomy scars will be opened. Bags with metal ports will be placed beneath my pectoral muscles. Every two weeks, those bags will be filled with saline solution via a needle through the metal port in order to stretch my skin. This is major surgery because of the movement of the muscles. I will be unable to do much of anything for about a week.
* Once my skin is stretched to the appropriate dimensions (this will take 4 to 6 months), I will have a second surgery. My bags will be removed, and my implants will be placed. I have chosen gummy bear silicon. Check out this link http://www.sientra.com/feelgood/GummyBearBreastImplants
or the resources page for more information on gummy bear silicon. It's pretty cool stuff, and there will never be a chance of leakage. I will have to recover for several days after this surgery, but it is outpatient.
* Later, there will be a third surgery to rebuild my nipples and to tattoo my areolas.
All of my surgeries will be done in Valencia, but my fills can be done in Bakersfield, thank goodness!
I want to talk a little bit about cancer fatigue before I sign off. This is a real thing, and I am struggling with it like crazy right now. I'll add some resources to the resource page if you want to research this further.
* Cancer can cause changes to your body that can lead to fatigue. Some cancers release proteins called cytokines, which cause fatigue. Some cancers can increase your body's need for energy, weaken your muscles, cause damage to certain organs, or alter your body's hormones, all of which contribute to fatigue.
* Certain medications, such as pain relievers, can cause fatigue.
* Many hormonal changes can occur during cancer treatment. Hormonal therapies are a common method to treat certain cancers, and this change in the hormones in your body can lead to significant fatigue.
* The level of cancer fatigue you experience can vary — you may feel a mild lack of energy, or you may feel completely wiped out.
Your cancer fatigue may occur episodically and last just a short while, or it may last for several months after you complete treatment.
It's nice to know that what I'm experiencing is normal. However, I wish that my body, my energy, my world was back to normal now. Patience is a difficult, difficult lesson.
Be good to yourselves, readers. Rest and be at peace whenever the opportunity presents itself. Knowing when to stop will give you the energy to pursue your life with health and vigor.