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Exchange City

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Comments

  • wabiwoman
    wabiwoman Member Posts: 151
    edited December 2009

    Kittycat, A fellow cat fan!  Yes, I am in the cat cult and it is glorious.Thanks for your breasts in Vegas story!  I do have to remember I'll look smaller in clothes.  I think for part of this I have to just trust my PS's eyes.  I guess I worry about two things - I fear the larger I go the more complications I may have AND I also know that I'm 5'2" and my weight vacillates enough to make me either look like average peasant stock (I'm a bit apple shape) or very fine boned and slim.  I know that the look of my breasts won't change despite the ever changing shape of my body.... so larger to go with my potato picking ancestors or slender to match my more usual slender size?

    What I keep coming to is I gotta let go.

    We had a foot of snow here in RI and I'm looking at my car, covered in it and needing to shovel my way out of the driveway to the road.  So I go down the stairs from my third floor apartment in my cat covered robe to assess the situation and get teary cause, well, usually I would just go out and do the shoveling deed, but I have to go easy and not stress my pecs, these painful tissue expanders - and I'm *#&$(@)! alone.  Frustrated.  Sad.  This is a hard road to hoe alone, even when you have great friends (who are also all snow bound and can't help right now.....).  Maybe it's time to go introduce myself to the boys in the frat house (Providence College) next door with a shiny $10 bill and ask for help.  Here goes...

    Peace,

    Geena

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited December 2009

    Geena, I understand some of your frustration. I'm restricted for the next four weeks, and my husband just had total knee replacement. We have no one to help and have THREE golden retrievers who SHED SHED SHED. Neither of us can vacuum the house. I took the trash can to the curb just before my surgery, but neither of us can wheel it back up the driveway. The kitchen trash needs dumping but we can't do that either.

    Oh, and I couldn't buy milk the other day because they only had gallon sizes. Too heavy. Had to go to another store. GRRRR!  

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited December 2009

    Aw Geena!  I know what you mean.  I always like to go dig out (or help anyway) and can't this year (so BF is out there digging).  I vote for the frat house plan :)  When I was alone I used to hire a local kid anyway half the time (snow is a drag to shovel, especially when it's so thick!)  We didn't get as much in NJ as you did in RI, though, I think. 

    This too shall pass. 

    Texas -- google "maid service" or even search that term here on this site.  I am certain I've seen more than once a mention of a free maid service for BC patients.  They come and clean once a month for free.  I know once a month won't do it with three dogs but at least once to have a free visit would be good, no?  (Oh and btw I LOVE Golden Retrievers!  The sweetest dogs alive).

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Geena ~

    I would try the frat house too!  Money is tight for everyone...everyone wants to make a buck.  Isn't it amazing how debilitating this has effected our lives?.  The slightest movement to our pecs. bring such discomfort...as simple as opening a door.  When I go to the dept. stores I have to use the automated "handicap" button because just pulling or pushing on those heavy doors are a killer!  I delivered pizzas to my son's school (5 boxes) the other day & I had to call a friend to help carry them to class.  I hope the weather "lightens" up on your end.  I watch the weather reports for you folks on the east coast & realize how tough it has been especially under our circumstances. I won't even tell you about my end of town...Calif. Wink!

    Texas ~

    Yes, there are services that offer "free" cleaning to BC patients.  The website escapes me...I am sure if you google free cleaning for BC patients something will come up. I have 2 small growing boys & 2 small muts that shed.  Trying to keep up with housework is difficult...I can't even sweep because that movement feels strange on my pecs!

    Bless everyone!

    NAE

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited December 2009

    Ah found it for ya Texas -- and actually it was posted here not too long ago by Sandy Sunshine :)

    http://www.cleaningforareason.org/

    I haven't perused the website, but everyone who posts about this site says they will clean your house once a month for free.

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Thanks Lilah for finding that for Texas.  There are numerous postings...I have a hard time keeping up with everyone & everything!  This thread has grown so much since I joined.  The list has grown every month for surgeries as well.  Bless you & hope all is going well.

    NAE

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2009

    Nae

    I just read the response to your post about the exercise.  My DH got an eliptical machine for our combined Christmas gift.  Guess I won't be able to use for a while I miss not exercising.  I also read the previous posts and I had one of those He-Man muscle pec movements the other day. I don't know what I was doing but somehow made my pecs ripple and the breasts moved. Very funny.  

    To the other animal lovers,

    I have 3 cats of my own (all rescued) and my dear dtr has 2.  Meaning at times I have 5 cats so I know a lot about animal hair (and litter). 

    Good luck to all surgeries this week.  May you have great outcomes.

  • lifegoeson
    lifegoeson Member Posts: 57
    edited December 2009

    Wendy,

    So sorry to hear about what you are going through.  Unfortunately the storm was pretty bad last night, but the roads are fine now....I hope your daughter got to visit you.   ((((((hugs)))))))

  • my560sel
    my560sel Member Posts: 399
    edited December 2009

    Greetings from another cat lover - I have 2 (at the moment)...lol

    I'm doing better today, not as swollen and just wanted to stop by and say thank you especially to Val, Michelle and Cheri for your encouraging words. It's hard not to want the foobs  to be perfect right away and I'm trying to be patient. I feel very selfish and cruel complaining about my issues when there are some of us who are going through far worse so I've decided to stop my whining. I'm focusing on praying for our hurting sisters and will put my faith in the hands of one far more Superior.  I hope everyone has had a great weekend and wish all the best to those having surgery next week  Jan1,  Mooretennis and  Lizziesnunu

    Gentle hugs,

    Terri

  • Cheri2
    Cheri2 Member Posts: 185
    edited December 2009

    You are welcome Terri and don't feel selfish- we want our own selves back and there is nothing wrong with that!!!  :)

    A very blessed Christmas to all my BC sisters.  May we have a much better 2010!!! Cheers! 

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited December 2009

    Ladies.. I hope to catch up reading here soon... I MISS YOU ALL VERY MUCH!

  • Lilah
    Lilah Member Posts: 2,631
    edited December 2009

    Just wanted to write and say good luck and good health/speedy recovery to the ladies having surgery this week:

    12/21 - Jan1 - Fipple surgery

    12/22 - Mooretennis - Exchange from 800cc to 1200cc saline

    12/23 - Lizziesnunu - Exchange surgery

    May all go smoothly and may you have results you love!

    Cheers,

    Lilah

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited December 2009

    Thanks all! I thought of that service but I believe it's for chemo patients. Since I finished chemo in April, I don't think I'd qualify anymore. But I can certainly ask. All they can say is "no" right?

    Oh,and about the Golden Retrievers, I volunteer for a Golden rescue group here in Houston. It's the best therapy around!

  • typhoon55
    typhoon55 Member Posts: 48
    edited December 2009

    Everyone,

    First off thanks to everyone who has helped me along this journey.  I have posted pics so the new girls as well anyone else can take a look.  I am 9 days post op from exchange to Allergan style 20, 425ccs each side.

    And thanks especially to Deborah who helped with the sizing.

    Janet

  • LizziesNuNu
    LizziesNuNu Member Posts: 33
    edited December 2009

    Terri,

    Thank you so much. Don't feel bad about wanting to be like before, I say the same thing every morning when I see myself in the mirror before my shower. I think we have a right to want our "new" ones to be as nice if not nicer than our real ones. I'm excited and apprehensive about Wednesday, just know I've got to go through it, and pray every thing goes right.

    Texas, I've got labs, so understand the hair situation. Where are you in Texas, I could come vaccum tomorrow.

  • Hannahbearsmom
    Hannahbearsmom Member Posts: 266
    edited December 2009

    I just want to give my best wishes to those having surgery this week--I hope your surgeries are painfree and meet all expectations!! 

    And to those of you having doubts about your results or difficult recoveries, I pray for peace, happiness and health.

    TCK

  • blessedby4
    blessedby4 Member Posts: 117
    edited December 2009

    my560sel:  I so understand your feelings of hoping and wanting the foobs to be "normal" with no waiting.  I know for me this has been hard, I think I had an expectation that I would be myself again right after surgery but this is not the case.  I am trying to take on the attitude that this will be the new me and that there is no going back to what I was.  Hope we can all find peace with our new selves as we head into 2010.

    typhoon55:  I hope your happy with your results, you look great.  I do not believe mine look they match as well.  I am hoping the exchange side will fill out more as time goes on.   I am not sure if this actually does happen but I am counting on this.

    Jan1:  Hope your surgery goes well!  Another hurdle accomplished!

    Mooretennis & LizziesNuNu:  Hope your exchange surgeries go well!

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited December 2009

    Wendy, I PM'd you,  I am keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. 

    Thank you for your good wishes, I can't wait to get this next step done.  Then it is on to Tattoo city (Sarasota) in March then I will be DONE!  Hallelujah and pass the peas!  This procedure should be very small potato's (Tater tot size) compared to what you sisters have been through.  It will be a crazy week with the houseguests, work, Christmas dinner at my house and parties. I pulled out my wonder woman cape and know that I can do this.   I do remember that the sisters here are good at "Faking Normal"   Hugs,  Jan

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited December 2009

    JAN.... WAhoooooo.. are you having Judy do tats?

    MooreTennis.. Denise... I am loosing it.. I thought your surgery was the 29th... GOOD LUCK THIS WEEK  (HUGS)

    Lizzie... GOOD LUCK!!

    What kind of nips are your doing Jan?

    NAE... We are busy at the Salon this time of year... thank you for asking... my fear is Jan -March...

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    my560sel ~

    I, too, feel selfish esp when I am whining when there are others here who have or are going through a lot more than me. I feel blessed to be a part of such an amazing group of women...sooo strong & united!!!  This Christmas I really don't need anything...I have everything & that is my family & my newfound family...here!!!!

    Bless you all!   Luck be with you Jan1, Lizziesnunu, & Mooretennis!!!!

  • KEW
    KEW Member Posts: 450
    edited December 2009

    Good Luck to all the Sisters of the week.  My wish for you--succussful surgeries, and a quick recovery.  Happy Holidays.

    Wendy--Thinking of you daily.

    Laura--Jan-March is tough in your business, but we will all be pulling for you!!

    I miss you all, mostly lurking, busy with work, and just tired.

    Love and Hugs--Karen 

  • Jan1
    Jan1 Member Posts: 281
    edited December 2009
    Laura,  The type of nipple I am getting is where he cuts into the scar tissue and folds it over, twists it then sutures it.  He did warn me that they often go flat.  One of the sisters here mentioned a product that was used to keep the nipple from going flat, it started with R, I am going to ask him about that.  My procedure takes about an hour and I am driving myself to and from, so it can't be that big of a deal. . . . .I hope.   My DH and I need a vacation so very much after this past year.  We love to snorkel and found a cheap cruise to the Bahama's.  We  have wanted to explore Florida a little more and knowing that Judy was in Florida I have asked her if she would do my tat, (I only need one)  She said she would!!!Cool   Her kindness to accomodate me has blown me away, especially since she has her own BC stuff going on.  What would I do without you lovely ladies?   Hugs.  Jan
  • FACECRAFTER
    FACECRAFTER Member Posts: 433
    edited December 2009

    Good luck Jan, MooreTennis and Lizzie--  Here's to the next step.  Sorry I've been really busy and sort of lurking, but I'm still here!!  Love to all, JUDY

  • val61
    val61 Member Posts: 969
    edited December 2009

    Laura - We miss you, too!!!  Hoping that the holiday business stays with through spring!  And I agree....I think Advent is definitely helping.....

    A special good luck blessing to our surgery sisters this week - what a Christmas present!!

    Speaking of cleaning.....I have a Gordon Setter (Savannah, in my pic), so I can absolutely relate about the hair issue!  

    Question for anyone who has an opinion:  How long does it take to NOT feel stuff in our pecs?  It still can't scoop ice cream (a good thing for the waistline, though!), sweep, or wipe counters without feeling it.......  

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    Val61 ~

    I am curious too about how long it takes before our pecs feel "normal" again?  It's been a great excuse for my young boys to learn how to do their laundry since I still cannot lift the laundry basket up & down our stairs!!  LOL! 

    NAE

  • Estepp
    Estepp Member Posts: 2,966
    edited December 2009

    Well... I carry anything and everything. On the side I had all my nodes removed.. I limit lifting to 20 pds. My pecs look like jumping beans.. it is quite fun...LOL.... It does not hurt for the pecs to move all over the place anymore.. ( exchange Oct. 28th..2009)... so I just let these suckers free....

    I can pec jump better than any dude lifting weights next to me at the gym... wahooooooooooooo

    I am woman... hear me roar.... ROFLOL!

  • Nedeza
    Nedeza Member Posts: 351
    edited December 2009

    My MX side looks the most muscular & I can make it flex (move)...it looks really funky!   My aug. side, I cannot make it move as easily plus it is not all that noticeable...probably cuz of the breast tissue vs. having only muscle under the skin in MX.  I am waiting for the day I don't have to think what my 2 girls are doing!  LOL!

    Good night ladies!

    NAE

  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 1,155
    edited December 2009

    I know all about pet hair.  I have 5 cats and 2 dogs.  2 of my cats are long hair and my dogs are Border Collies.  When I had my bmx, I was knee deep in pet hair after 1 week.  I had friends coming over to visit.  So, I got out the vacuum out and pushed it around with my body.  Then, got out the lint roller and cleaned up the sofa best I could.  Everything seemed to take FOREVER to do!!!

    One thing I realized after I went through the exchange surgery was how incredibly tough the BMX surgery was.  So far I've been fortunate to not have any complications (still knocking on wood).  Not that the exchange was a piece of cake, but it was WAY BETTER than the BMX.  :)

  • kittycat
    kittycat Member Posts: 1,155
    edited December 2009

    Mykidsmom -  I keep forgetting to tell you that my name is at the end of the list as in waiting, but I've had my surgery on Dec 15th (I'm listed twice). 

  • Texas357
    Texas357 Member Posts: 332
    edited December 2009

    Funny, I've had a harder time with the exchange surgery than the mastectomies (except of course for the drains!).

    I'm in an area of Houston not covered by that free maid service. Guess I'll just put up with dog hair for a few weeks.

    I'm reassured to see that I'm also not the only one feeling a little down. I feel resentful about all that cancer has done to my body.

    I had a bit of an emotional setback this weekend. It's been 15 months since my diagnosis, I finished treatment in June, and here I am STILL dealing with the consequences.

    My eyes are still watering so much from the Taxotere that I couldn't see the prices on the grocery store shelves yesterday. I'm fighting lymphedema. I have to apply lotion several times a day or my hands and face start to chap. (My skin used to be oily). The roof of my mouth and the tip of my tongue are still dry and have no sensation. My fingertips are numb. My white blood count is low. And they can no longer find a good vein for anesthesia, thanks to the chemo. My arm is black and blue after last week's surgery.

    I'm positive I'll adjust. I'm mostly a very happy person. But after a lifetime of taking good care of myself, I do feel frustrated from time to time.

    Sorry to vent! I really needed to get that out in the open so I could get on with my day.

    DX 9/08, ILC, Stage 3A, ER+/PR+, HER2-, 7/13 positive lymph nodes. Chemo and radiation. Prophylactic mx 8/09 (by which time I had my own hair!). Implant exchange 10/09.

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