I really hope Patrick’s head cold hasn’t found it’s way to me. I felt a bit yucky most of the day—sinus drainage and such. It probably doesn’t help that our weather has swung from -31 windchill to almost 60 degrees. Crazy. And not good on the sinuses. I might have also felt lousy from a terrible night’s sleep last night, so I’m lucky that Chance is a good snuggler.

I’m thankful today for a good conversation, good meds, hot tea and ice cream.

I’m grateful that my work day started out this lovely.

I’m thankful that I got massage gift cards for Christmas, and today I had a massage with my masseur’s replacement. I hate to admit that it wasn’t so good. The new guy was nice, but he seemed nervous and was inexperienced. And he wore a rubber glove because his skin was so dry he said his knuckles were split. (Um…rubber gloves do not work well during a massage, fyi.) Since he’s fresh out of school, I expect he’ll get better, but I’m also thankful there are a few other folks at the clinic to try. I really need to continue getting my range of motion back, so I’d like to find someone more experienced. At least for now.

Today I’m thankful for a day off work spent running errands and having lunch with Patrick, who is feeling slightly better from his head cold. I’m also thankful for a quick FaceTime call with Bree and Noah, who made it back home safely from their holiday travels.

I’m thankful for a lovely Christmas Day with Patrick, the pups and, for a couple of hours, my friend Ann. I’m blessed.

Merry Christmas Eve! I’m thankful today for celebrating early with a friend, and for a relaxing day at home.

Today I’m thankful that we didn’t need to leave the house in the super windy weather that supposedly felt like -31 F. It’s nice to be able to work from home. I’m also thankful that even though their power went out, my daughter and her in-laws survived the cold snap, too.

Like much of the US, we were impacted by a severe cold front today. We didn’t get a lot of snow, but the wind made it colder than usual and difficult for driving. So I’m grateful that Patrick made it home from Texas without issue. He started driving yesterday and made it home late this afternoon. It’s good to have our little family together again.

I saw my plastic surgeon today, and it did not go well. In his opinion, my only option to repair the damage caused by my radiated skin is to take skin and fat from my side or stomach and replace some of the damaged skin in an attempt to relax it again. He doesn’t think going to smaller implants would be a good option because my skin may not heal as well. I could remove the implants altogether, but I’m not sure I’m ready for that. He ended our appointment with the news that he would also need to refer me to a another doctor. The clinic he is working in has decided to stop accepting insurance, and thus stopped doing breast reconstructions completely. He said I’m his last reconstruction patient. And now he’s ditching me.

I was pretty upset as I left. It’s been a long process and I keep expecting it to be done. Honestly, I felt a bit betrayed. Disappointed in my options, but mostly disappointed that this doctor who was so passionate about helping women with breast cancer when I first met him has given up on me.

But I’m going to be ok. I’ll take his referral and continue my journey elsewhere. Maybe the next doctor will agree with his assessment of my options, or maybe he or she will have another suggestion. Maybe there’s nothing more to be done.

Today I’m thankful for supportive family and friends who help me stay positive, for Christmas lights that always make me smile, and for cookies. Because…cookies. Mmm.

It might not look like it, but these guys were happy to see me come home today, and I was happy to see them. They were exhausted from the excitement.

I’m so thankful for good pup sitters. It’s easy to go away when you know someone is home loving on your pups so they’re not lonely. I realized today that it had been about 5 years since I was last in Texas. Too long to be away from this happy bunch. I’m so glad I was able to see Patrick’s side of the family after so many years.