Hello Everyone,
I am sorry that I have not posted for a while, but my 28th week of pregnancy (third trimester is here!!) was a bit hectic. As most of you closest to me may already know, I had a spot on my chin biopsied in December that came back from the lab with the diagnosis of Basal Cell Carcinoma, the most common type of skin cancer. The big C word definitely threw me for a loop, especially since I am pregnant and have the joys of pregnancy hormones to thank for some of my emotional ups and downs. Last week, I underwent a procedure called Mohs Microsurgery to remove the cancer. The doctor I was referred to is a specialist in Mohs, so I knew I was in great hands, but it didn't make the procedure any more pleasant. I left the doctor's office on Wednesday morning with 8 sutures in my chin and a 1 inch long incision. (They have to make absolutely sure that the cancer is totally eliminated, so they examine each layer they cut out under a microscope.) I have always been a sunscreener and the type to wear a hat, big sunglasses, and long sleeves when out in the sun for a long period of time - but my celtic genes put me in the highest risk group for BCC.I get the sutures out tomorrow at 2 pm and I cannot wait! The Mohs procedure is great for two reasons: 1) 99% of the time the cancer never comes back; and 2) It is the best procedure for removing skin cancer in the face cosmetically. I will have a small scar that should fade into the background and become almost undetectable within 1 year. So, even if you are not as fair as me, use sunscreen people! Believe me, you do not want to go through this process if you can avoid it.
Later that Wednesday, with a 2 x 2 1/2 inch pressure dressing on my face, I met with my new ob for our first visit. WHAT A RELIEF!!! He is one of the nicest doctors that I have ever met and he is totally supportive, even encourages natural childbirth. I am so happy to have found him this far along in the pregnancy. I also found out that I passed my glucose screening test and that in the last three weeks I gained 1 pound. I have now gained around 14 pounds total and can expect another 10 or 11 in the third trimester. I have been working out and eating right, to ensure that I am in good shape for the natural childbirth that I desire. I have been using my elliptical 3 times per week, doing yoga 4 times per week (2 times in a class and 2 times on my own) and walking the Cider dog all over the place. My new doctor said I was doing great and that everything is progressing as it should - he even told me my belly looks great!
In other news, I finished little t's baby blanket this weekend. It is so adorable. I am posting photos of it here as well as a couple of belly shots I took myself on Friday night.
Yesterday I met with a photographer who is going to take some pregnancy photos of me. I really wanted to be able to capture how my body looks carrying this baby. She is going to take some really artistic and beautiful black and white photos of both me by myself and of me with JM. I am excited to have something to show little t when he is older.
I hope everyone out there is doing great! I just want to give a shout out to Jen and Erin who are planning the baby shower we are having on March 14. They are working really hard and I am REALLY lucky to have them in my life to pull of this together. THANKS GIRLS!! And Jen, I cannot wait to see you! I miss you tons.
Big Kiss from CBT, JMT, & LT
