Today is the 13th anniversary of my chest surgery. I honestly can’t quite believe it. Probably the most vital part of my transition in making me feel whole and right in my body. When I had surgery there were only 3 or 4 surgeons in the US. I went to Dr. Medalie in Cleveland which meant traveling a lot of hours by car, needing to spend a week in a hotel, and then a painful ride home. Also, insurance covered nothing. I had to pay, out of pocket, in cash, in FULL for the surgery the morning of. It was only due to a fluke error in student loan refunds that I was able to have this surgery when I did. Recovery was hard in a lot of ways. I was out of work (which meant I was also out of money) for a while. My partner at the time was not super supportive. And yet, to be able to feel like this in a shower? To be able to feel at home in my skin? To be able to live and feel euphoric? Worth every cost. This surgery saved my life. It continues to save my life. So grateful.