The Start of a New Chapter

On May 18, 2026, I had my final reconstructive breast surgery.

My surgeon reconstructed my left breast, created a new mammary fold, performed a capsulectomy, and placed a new implant. My left breast is finally symmetrical with my right.

Most people probably never noticed the difference. To the outside world, it may have seemed insignificant. But I noticed it every day. It was a small reminder of everything my body had endured and everything that was still unfinished.

Now, for the first time in years, it feels finished.

My surgeon did exactly what I asked him to do. He listened, he understood the problem, and he beautifully corrected something that had quietly bothered me for a long time. My nipples are aligned, my scars are hidden, and with time and a few laser treatments, those scars will continue to fade.

But I never want to erase the story they tell.

I never want to forget what I have been through, because it has made me stronger than I ever imagined I could be.

Over the last several years, I have tied up all the loose ends. I underwent a prophylactic oophorectomy. I underwent a prophylactic mastectomy and reconstruction. I faced those surgeries alone.

Would it have been easier with a partner by my side?

Perhaps.

But that was not my story.

I did those things alone because I wanted to put those concerns in the rearview mirror. I wanted to close that chapter. I wanted to become the healthiest, happiest, strongest version of myself possible.

And I did.

There is something important I have realized through all of this:

I wanted someone to love me.

I never needed someone to rescue me.

I rescued myself.

I have spent the last few years doing the hard work. The physical work. The emotional work. The healing work.

I am whole.

I am healthy.

I am happy.

And because of that, I find myself looking toward the future with excitement rather than fear.

As is typical for me, I stopped taking prescription pain medication the day after surgery. I returned to work three days later. I was careful to follow my surgeon's instructions, limiting myself to short walks and avoiding overdoing things. I returned to the office full-time nine days after surgery.

Today, less than two weeks later, I feel like myself again.

My surgeon has cleared me to resume normal activities, including one of life's simple luxuries—a warm bath.

And that felt wonderful.

One thing I have learned through many surgeries is that mindset matters.

That doesn't mean pain is not real. It is.

But sometimes what we call pain is actually discomfort. Sometimes we need to pause and ask ourselves what we truly need.

Do we need something powerful to dull the sensation?

Or do we simply need patience, rest, Tylenol, and time?

Everyone's situation is different, and there is no prize for suffering. Some people absolutely need stronger medications, and they should use them without guilt. But for me, I have learned that the sooner I can think clearly, move gently, and reconnect with normal life, the better I heal.

The goal is never to ignore pain.

The goal is to listen to it, respect it, and then move forward when it is safe to do so.

Because healing is not simply about recovering from surgery.

Healing is about returning to life.

Not rushing.

Not proving anything.

Not pretending nothing happened.

Living.

Enjoying.

Laughing.

Making plans.

Taking walks.

Sharing meals.

Booking trips. Hello Belgium in October! 😉

Holding babies.

Sitting in the bathtub and feeling grateful.

For a long time, my story was about surviving.

Today, it feels more like my story is about living.

And I think that may be the greatest gift of all.

This surgery did more than create symmetry.

It closed a chapter.

Now I am ready for the next one.

A chapter filled with adventure, connection, joy, and possibility.

A chapter where my past is honored but no longer carries the pen.

A chapter where I continue sharing my story in hopes that it encourages someone else facing their own health challenges.

And perhaps, somewhere along the way, a chapter that includes someone special who is ready to share life with me—not because I need saving, but because we both recognize how beautiful life can be when it is shared.

The future feels wide open.

And for the first time in a very long time, so do I.

With gratitude for every chapter, and excitement for the pages still unwritten,

Honey 🐝

Who still believes life gets sweeter when we keep showing up for it