So… I had my third and final surgery last Tuesday. That’s right—final. Exchange surgery, complete. One week post-op, and here I am: slightly stitched, moderately sore, and absolutely victorious.

Let’s back up: I made a bet with my trainer. I told him I’d be back in the gym faster than he thought was humanly possible. Spoiler alert: I won.

I pushed off this surgery as long as I could. Honestly, I was tired of traveling and randomly setting off airport security. Yes—beeping through metal detectors. Me, waving my implant card like a backstage pass at a rock concert while the TSA looked confused and unimpressed. Not exactly the airport aesthetic I was going for.

So, I went on one final hurrah—travel, fun, sun—and then walked into surgery like the seasoned pro I’ve become. But first, I did something only a post-mastectomy fashionista would do: I curated a "vision board" of cleavage while on vacation. I wanted a full collage of inspiration to proudly present to my surgeon. Because she isn’t just a medical professional—she’s an artist.

My only real request? More cleavage. Just give me that little something extra to make this whole journey feel like a hard-earned win.

And she delivered. She even told my husband post-op, “We were able to get her more cleavage.” I mean, how often does that sentence make it into a medical report? When I read the surgical notes later, I actually gasped. They literally “sat me up” during the procedure to check dimensions and shape, like I was a mannequin in a couture fitting. That is true commitment to the craft.

But the real question remained: When could I go back to the gym?

Answer: Apparently… immediately.

Because guess who was doing light mobility work and bending just two days post-op? Yep. Me. My trainer is now taking me out for dinner and a cold plunge (once I'm fully cleared) because I won our little wager.

I prepped for this surgery like it was a marathon. I prioritized strength training before my mastectomy, my oophorectomy, and now this. I knew that building myself up beforehand would make recovery faster and smoother—and it did.

Also, a little silver lining: the post-op meds helped more than expected. Not only did they ease the surgical pain, but for two glorious days, I had zero Letrozole side effects. A gift with purchase, if you will.

To anyone reading this who is about to go through surgery—or even if you’re just facing a tough day with a hot flash and a heating pad—move your body. Just a little. A walk, a stretch, a breath of fresh air. Yoga pants and a playlist can work miracles. Prep for your healing like it’s a comeback tour—because it is.

We don’t get to choose this road, but we can choose how we show up on it. And me? I’m showing up with a new lease on life, a strategic recovery plan, and a dinner date I rightfully earned.

Take Charge of Your Recovery Resilience isn't just about getting through the day; it's about preparing your body and mind for the win. If you're looking for a community that values advocacy, strength, and showing up for yourself, let's connect. You can find the full story of my journey and my strategies for a "victorious" recovery in my book, or visit my website to see how we can work together to rewrite your narrative.