One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Fortunate1, you are well-named. Bougainvillea looking like "a fuscia cloud" in your back yard! How envious I am!
Tracy, you are a fortunate woman, too, to have such a considerate dh. What a neat idea to have a website to help friends and family keep up to date on your health news. I relied on e-mails sent out to most of the people on my contact list. I don't have a surgical report of my BMX. Time will do its thing in helping you adjust to your present reality. The first week after my dx, I would wake up in the middle of the night and think, "You have breast cancer." It was just too horrible a reality to sink in. But after telling quite a few strangers my sad story, I've gotten used to it!
I made a new bc acquaintance yesterday at the checkout counter at Walgreen's. The woman who checked me out also had undergone BMX. She didn't have recon and was very flat-chested. She wears the prostheses when she dresses up, but finds them uncomfortable for wearing to work every day.
Okiegal, we must have a birthday party when you turn 50! We'll all bring gifts and food. Somebody else besides me will have to do the decoration. You and Meg9 are both youngsters. I thoroughly enjoyed my 50's and half of my 60's before I hit the bc roadblock in June. Now I'm hoping for some more good years.
I passed the NP's inspection of my revised incision with flying colors today. She answered all my questions. Yes, I can go braless, sleep on my right side, not the left for a while. No, she has never had another MX patient complain of carpal tunnel syndrome after surgery. My next apptment will be with the PS in 6 wks. By that time I will have decided on whether I want any further revision surgery. I'll return to the BS (who will be my BC dr.) for ultrasound screening in 3 mos. After that, every 6 mos. Once a year I'll have a PET scan. I'm to take Arimidex for 5 yrs. After that, Femara. It feels strange not to have an apptment in the next couple of wks. I've never been to the dr's office this frequently before the last 2 mos.
On Fri. I'll be 8 wks out.
This day has whizzed by. It's almost martini time!
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After an absurdly long search, I did it! My fuchsia cloud.
I'm looking forward to the birthday party. I'll start thinking about what to bring. Carole, I'm so glad you passed incision healing, you get an "A+".
Unhappy news. Since my workload has been cut, leaving me a class every other semester, I am now considered a new hire every time I teach and must be evaluated. After 6 years? Not without a challenge. Grrrrr!
We are all fortunate ones. Sleep well and sweet dreams.
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Fortunate1 - You are also technologysmart1! You gave us a gorgeous photo...beautiful! I think Bounganvilla is my favorite plant. I'm not much of a gardner at heart, but have actually nursed one along for the last 2-3 years. It really helped with feelings of homesickness for L.A. Thank you for persevering.
So now you're a new hire? Por Favor! It sometimes seems like schools and universities specialize in absolute beaurecratic absurdity. Fight on! Why couldn't you be categorized as taking a sabbatical between teaching semesters?
For now, the"nipple pillows" remind me of fabric raviolis, but I am inspired by visions of art! Who knows?
It's so much fun checking in to see what you all have been posting. My birthday party will be on the 14th of December. A very busy time for sure, but if anyone can make it, remember.....chocolate!
TracyAnne - Your husband sounds like a jewel! And you all sound like a good match. I'm sure you bring a lot of social action that he secretly really needs. I read my Path report with curious revulsion. It made my head swim to read about my former body parts in such technical and clinical terms. I'm glad there weren't pictures.
Carole - So happy to hear about your good report. Can it be eight weeks already? I just stopped to count it up and realized I'm 15 weeks post op. Guess I lost track somewhere along the line. You inspire me to talk to more women about my BC. I'm ususally outgoing, but eventhough I aspire to not have breast cancer be a "taboo" topic, I don't find myself talking to anyone except family or friends. I think it stems mostly from an attitude of perfectionism or not wanting to be seen as ill or to burden strangers. Although when you mention your conversation, I'm proud of you and think how nice it must be to meet another survivor. Maybe I'll grow bolder with time. I'll be a bit more public on Saturday. I'm walking in the Susan B. Komen event with my sister, my sister-in-law and my niece. And I'll be wearing the pink "survivor" t-shirt and eventhough I look horrible in light pink, I'll blend in!
Meg9 - I'm excited to hear how your first Crockpot adventure turns out. I'm going to try a new recipe today, Indian Curry. I'll give a report tomorrow.
Have a great day!
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Fortunate 1, I love everything about your photo of the fuschia cloud. There will always be a soft spot in my heart for LA, where I lived for the first 8 years of my life and visited every summer afterwards. We moved around a bit in those 8 years: Long Beach, Cerritos, Anaheim...
I've lived in Austin, Tx all my life since then, but still have family in Lakewood and friends in Pasadena...though there will be no more summer visits to my grandmother's house in Norwalk since she passed away a year ago. Your yard could be hers, and I miss the flowers, the sky, the smell, the feel of the air and the grass. Sigh...Southern California. Went to Florida Disney World for the first time last summer and felt like I was betraying my roots.
Thanks for sharing the photo.
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Fortunate1, I love the photo, too! Thanks for conquering the challenges of computer technology for us!
Happy Wed. to all.
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I forgot one important matter! Let's all put Dec. 14 on our calendars. Okiegal's birthday party! Definitely lots of chocolate as well as other goodies.
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December 14, it's a date. A full dinner with chocolate for dessert. Maybe even dancing. December will be one year since diagnosis for me and I'll be in the mood to dance. Fifty was a nice age, you'll like it, okiegal.
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Hi Everyone,
I just came back from the BS. Here is what he said...No mammogram, with BMX no reason for it. No MRI, same reason. The pin and needles I'm feeling are nerve regeneration, especially under my arm. He said otherwise everything looks good and my next appointment is in 6 months. Now, at 3:00 I see the PS.
Fortunate1, You've turned into a computer wiz! It's a beautiful picture. How long is it in bloom?
Okiegal, Nipple raviolis... makes me laugh.
Carole, Happy to hear the good news.
I have been talking to anyone who will listen about my BC since I was diagnosed. I am a people person.
A little story...My surgery was the day after Memorial Day, May 26th. I was at the nursery on Memorial Day buying plants and flowing pots for my yard. I was not sure when I would be able to go; and I love to have flowers around the house during the summer. A woman had a rose bush in her wagon with the most beautiful pink roses on it. I said to her, "What a beautiful rose and what a beautiful pink color." She said she was buying it for her sister who had breast cancer. I told her that I have BC and was having my surgery the next day. She said she was a BC survivor also. We talked a little and she told me not to worry, that I would be fine. She said "look at me, I'm proof." She wished my well and said that she would pray for me.
I thought to myself, what are the chances that I would meet someone like this the day before my surgery. She made me feel that everything was going to be ok. In stead of worrying about my surgery, I was thinking about was this woman. Later that day, when my pastor called to wish me well, I told him of my experience. He said, "Sometimes God puts people like this in our path."
When I told my DH, he said, "Are you talking to everybody you meet about your cancer?" LOL He was happy that she was of some comfort to me.
I think all of you have been put in my path.
Have a good day!
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Meg9 - What a beautiful observations...I think you are on to something! My surgery was May 29 and I think my "tinglings" are also probably some sort of odd nerve regeneration. They seem to be diminishing and I am relieved.
I love dancing and chocolate and parties. If my 50th year starts off so wonderful...of course, it will be a great year. We'll celebrate your 1st year while we're at it, Fortunate1. How about a glass of Champagne, too?
Have a nice evening all!
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Yes. I have always viewed the tingling and pin pricks as a positive sign of nerve regeneration. I've never had them as strongly as you all have. Maybe you're going to get more feeling back than I.
Yes Yes. I want to put last December away, far away. A celebration will do it, right? I'd do it in person if I could figure out how. Definitely champagne.
Meg, I talk to people too. The woman with the rosebush is a perfect delight. The 'sisterhood' is enormous, unfortunately. Someday we'll tell someone "look at me, I'm proof". Okiegal, you're going to look wonderful in a survivor T-shirt this Saturday.
My garden with the huge bougainvillea is a joy. I am a negligent gardener though. Plants have to be pretty hardy to survive my care. But, lots do, and it's pretty. There's a plant that I envy you all for.....peonies. I love them, and they don't grow here. Rarely, I buy them for $$$$, and luxuriate for a few days until they collapse.
Until later.
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Hi,
Saw my PS today. She explained the pins and needles were nerve regeneration. Just as BS said. The sharper pains come from the large nerve that is cut during the mx.
She does not reccomend revision surgery for me. She said, "for the first shot you couldn't look any better." "Many wish they look like you!" She said that revision surgery would require cutting the same scar that is healing beautifully. Drains would be necessary, and there is always the risk of infection, which would cause me to lose my implant. It would mean that I went through all this for nothing. She said to continue to massage for life. It is scar tissue that causes CC and massaging will help to prevent it. She also said that there are not enough studies that AlloDerm would prevents CC. AlloDerm has only been around for a short while.
My next appointment will be a year from my surgery date, May 2010. A year after that in May 2011, I will have a MRI to check the implants. She also said no need for a mamo. She asked me if I wanted nipple tattoos. I would have to wait 6 months from my surgery date for the tattoos. She did not mention nipple reconstruction. She knows I am apprehensive to have additional procedures, but she is all for tattoos...the final touch.
The doctor who does the nipple tattoos was in the office today and my PS told me to speak to her. The tattoo doctor is not always there...my lucky day. She told me I should consider nipple reconstruction. My PS would do the reconstruction and she would do the tattoos 6 or more months later. My PS creates the nipple from my breast skin at the site of the nipple.
The first appointment for the tattoo would be to choose the color. She would test the area to make sure I did not have a reaction. The procedure for the tattooing would take about 2 hours. She showed me her before and after pictures. It really does make a difference to have what appears to be a nipple, but I'm not convinced about the look. I am undecided. If it came out badly, I would have to live with it. She also said all tattoos fade overtime. My PS said women come back every couple of years to darken their tattoos. I still have time to think about it.
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Meg9 - Interesting information. I talked to my anesthesiologist last night about my random all over tingling/stinging. He has a specialty in pain management and is a family friend. With all of his knowlege, he didn't have any idea why I would be having such odd symptoms. I asked if it might be unrelated to the surgery, but be related to pre-menopause. Surprisingly, he thought that my self diagnosis was possible! I think I probably have two issues. Like all of you, one is nerve regeneration while the other one is possibly falling hormone levels. Maybe there's a dietary, herbal or vitamin supplement that will help. The other possibility is that it's some sort of nervous system/pathway response to the nerve regeneration at the surgery site. Mysterious and annoying, but bearable. It comes and goes.
I'm still undecided about the nipple reconstruction. I'm leaning toward having it, but want to ask about what technique my PS uses. Maybe he has some pictures, too.
I picked up my Susan B. Komen packet and t-shirts yesterday afternoon. They gave me a pink one and a white one. I can wear the "survivor" pink one to the race and the white one to advertise at other times. I'm not normally a participant in these types of crowd activities, but I like the idea of making an issue out of BC. The whole event is really about raising awareness and some money. I'll be the breast cancer survivor that my niece knows and I will sign her t-shirt. Her sororiety is participating. It's supposed to be cloudy, but they aren't predicting rain. Pray for good weather!
Oh, I almost forgot. The Crockpot Indian Curry was delicious. I will add a little red pepper next time, but it was a keeper!
Hope you all have a good day.
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Okiegal, that's great that you're walking in a bc fundraising "race." Dh and I were walking in Lake Havasu, AZ, last year and found ourselves smack in the middle of a big crowd of people wearing pink shirts. When we ended our walk at a recommended breakfast place down near the relocated London Bridge, some pink-shirted ladies had beat us there and grabbed all the outside patio tables and we had to go inside. At the time I was a little disgruntled. Now I think it was only right that they got the best tables. How one's perspective changes!
Meg9, do I detect a note of relief that your PS doesn't recommend revision surgery?
I questioned the NP during my apptment Tues. about replacement of my right implant. She said the incision would be the same. My right incision is only 3 1/2 in. because it begins at the edge of the aureole. At this point it's nicely healed, too. In most cases, she said, there's no need for drains, and the recovery is fairly quick, about 2 wks. She did not seem to be favoring the procedure and volunteered that 9 out of 10 of their recon patients do not opt for any revision. Usually it's younger women who do. She said that Dr. C. is a perfectionist and wants his patients to be completely satisfied.When I go to see him 6 wks from now, I'll question him and make my decision then. It doesn't frighten me to have another procedure. It's as though I've used up my fear. I wasn't apprehensive about having the incision redone 2 wks ago, just regretted not healing properly the 1st time. If I do decide to go for the revision, I'll have it done in Jan., which is often not a good month for getting outdoors. In Jan. of 2007 I had cosmetic facial surgery and was under anesthetic for 7 1/2 hrs. It was an El Nino winter with lots of rain, perfect weather for a few weeks recovery since I wouldn't be playing golf anyway. That's when I learned what a good nurse my dh is!
My BS will also be my cancer dr. Maybe she's overly cautious in her approach, but the NP said that Dr. L. has seen 2 MX patients in recent years have recurrence on the chest wall. I don't know how many years out they were or what their dx info was. Dr. L. didn't do their MXs. Another recurrence spot is in the underarms. However, I don't think Stage 0 ladies have as much to worry about as we Stage 1 and IDC ladies. When I was browsing on this website a week or so ago, I spotted a post by a woman who'd had recurrence after MX and recon. I PM'ed her and she answered with some details, including having the implant removed. She seemed to be handling her situation well. In any event, I'm okay with 6 month ultrasound screening and annual scan. It remains to be seen how Medicare coverage will be affected by whatever health bill passes through Congress.
Okiegal, dare we request the Indian Curry recipe? My dh is crazy about curry.
I'd better get myself showered and dressed to go and drive my mother to her hair apptment. This morning has slipped past. I didn't get up until 8am and then did a workout. 15 min. on the recumbent bike. My 1st weight workout with hand weights, only 8 and 10 lbs. Yesterday I went outside and did a little chipping and also practiced swinging my driver. No soreness from the exercise today.
Happy Thursday to all!
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Hi all,
Okiegal, I experienced joint pain when I went through menopause. My girlfriend is a chiropractor..non force technique, applied Kinesiology. I used to have neck, shoulder and back pain sporadically. It took some time, but she really helped me.
The dr I spoke to about the tattoo said she waits 6 months to a years after the nipple reconstruction, because sometimes when she put the needle in the nipple, it could collapse! If I could be sure of the result, I think I would do it, but some pictures didn't look so good. I know me and I would be really upset if it came out bad.
Have fun in the walk with your family. I wish one was around here. A friend was telling me about 5K run a couple of weeks ago. It was held in Manhattan. The traffic would have been a nightmare.
Carole, I'm not sure what to think of my PS not recommending revision surgery. I thought one look at me and she was going to recommend it. I was surprised when she didn't. She tends to be more on the safe side of things. She is a very down to earth kind of person. She may treat her bc patients differently. I think it is difficult to get perfection after mx.
It is damp and cold outside. Temps into the low 50's tonight. It was a long day and I am ordering take out!
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Good evening friends. I haven't been very chatty today, Have I? I just got back from a nice long walk with my daughter-in-law. I love the sound of that. I have a daughter-in-law! I was glad for the exercise, as I am very lazy, but then we split a chocolate shake so I probably undid any good.
I have dutifully self-evaluated (grrrrr) and will send it off tonight (grrrrrr!). Here's hoping that they don't care that I haven't bettered myself in one very nasty year.
Revision surgery? It's a big question mark, isn't it? I'm sure we'll settle into some sort of comfort eventually. As much as I want that measly extra inch and a nipple too,please, I'm just going to ride along for a while and see if it still matters to me. And of course if the PS has any answers that seem feasible.
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Good morning all,
It's raining here, with a 30% chance for rain tomorrow. Looks like I'll need to find a poncho for the race. I'm sure it will be fun even if it rains. The weather is rather unpredictable in Oklahoma, so most people make adjustments and don't let it stop them.
Meg9 - Yes, I think menopause has a lot of varied symtoms for women. My sister is having some joint pain, mostly in her hands and shoulders. She also complains of neck pain sometimes. Maybe a chiropractor would help? It's worth looking into. I did some research about the "pins and needles" I've been experiencing. The technical term is formication. Yep, spelled with an "m".
Could I please have an "n"?
It's nice to hear what everyone's doctors are saying about the different aspects of reconstruction and treatment. I don't have another appointment scheduled with my PS. I was going to call and make one when I got back from Santa Fe. It would have been to have for the nipple reconstruction, but I'm just not ready yet. I would almost like another consultation to ask more questions. He seemed so exhausted or stressed at my last appointment (office construction difficulties for him) that I felt like waiting might be a better decision. Also, I don't want to rush the reconstruction. We'll see. I feel a little pressured to get this "wrapped up" because my insurance will pay if I have the procedure done by the end of the year, but I don't want to let money be my deciding factor. I want to be happy with the decision I've made. Right now, I'm having trouble finding bras that fit and I don't want to struggle with hiding little "pop out" nipples. Like you, Fortunate1, I "want it all", but I'm not sure I need it to make me comfortable or happy.
Carole - Nice to hear you are getting back to your game! You probably noticed that I PMed you the recipe. For everyone else following along or interested, it's the Indian Curry recipe from www.crockpot365.blogspot.com. My note would be to add a little salt and red pepper, but try it first the way it is written to see what you think.
TracyAnne - how are you doing?
I need to get something done today, so I better move away from the computer. Have a great day!
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Fortunate1, I can see that the nipple decision gets a little complicated with the single MX. There's the issue of matching the new with the natural. My "saved" nipples are looking more like themselves as the weeks pass. The left one actually looks completely normal and will poke out when stimulated just like pre-mx. The right aureole had a problem area on the top a little smaller than a dime where the BS trimmed out too much tissue. Am I being too graphic here? The mx surgery is a delicate balance between removing all the breast tissue and leaving the layer of fat beneath the skin intact so that the skin can live. My BS told me after the surgery that I was not "easy" because my breast tissue was extremely dense. Probably from not having children. Now that I'm over the hump with skin healing issues I guess I'm glad she took a little too much in a few places rather than leave breast tissue that might be harboring a little cancer cell.
I sure hope to skip "formication." How many weeks out were you, okiegal, when the sensations started?
After managing not to gain weight during my convalescent period, the scales are showing that I'm edging up a couple of lbs since I started having an evening cocktail. So I'll have to scale back on the calories.
No apptments or commitments today, which feels nice.
Hope everyone has a "good Friday"!
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Hi everyone,
Yes, I think the matching aspect is a problem, but I can't really regret having my one natural breast with all it's sensitivity intact. Just one of those things, I guess. You were very lucky to have the nipple saving version of all this.
I'll check back in after class.
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Hi Everyone,
Okiegal, I am definitely waiting on the nipple tattoo. I wish I had more confidence in the outcome. I hope the rain holds out for your race, but I think it will be fun anyway. I have a busy weekend coming up..I was hoping to use the crockpot.
Carole, You are the lucky one to have your own nipples. I think your BS is way ahead of mine. I don't think he does any nipple sparing surgery.
I am still trying to lose 4 lbs that I gained since bmx. How much do you think the implants way?
Fortunate1, You are lucky also to have one nipple in tact. I saw pictures of umx tattoos. She did say that it was harder to match.
I'm trying to get my newsletter done. It used to be fun...now it's a chore.
I hope you all have a great weekend.
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Meg, I got a good laugh out of your question, How much do implants weigh? That's very funny. Do you think they weigh a little more as time goes on? That would explain my extra lbs the last week.
I'm weight conscious to a fault. Step on the scales every morning. In 1997 I became a WW lifetimer. In Oct of 2008 I started attending WW meetings again and lost 13 pounds that had crept up. Some of my good habits have slipped during the past two months. It's time to get back on the wagon before my waistbands get too snug.
Procrastination takes many forms. I had the whole day to accomplish any number of tasks. But my Dh called when he was on the way to our club and told me the shrimp man was at his spot selling fresh shrimp. So.... I decided to do a good deed for my mother. I went and bought 10 lbs. The shrimp were lovely, 16 to 20 count per lb. Took them to my mom's, headed (beheaded?) them and helped her bag them up for her freezer. FYI, if you freeze shrimp in water, you can hardly tell the difference between fresh and frozen. Same with fish filets, like catfish and trout.
Then... There was still time enough to do housework so I went back to the shrimp man and bought 10 lbs for us, headed them and put them in the freezer in ziploc bags with water.
Thank goodness it's getting into the afternoon, too late for housework!
My sil in Decatur, IL, did her church's newsletter/bulletin for a long time. I don't know if she still does it. That's quite an accomplishment, getting various articles on the page all neat and tidy. I'm impressed.
Fortunate1, it must be fun having a dil whose company you can enjoy. The two of you definitely have something important in common--a taste for chocolate shakes!
About the nipple-sparing, I expect it to become more accepted. It's only possible if the tumor isn't close to the nipple, and mine wasn't. My BS took tissue behind the nipples and sent it to the pathologist. If there had been any cancer cells, then the nipple/s would have to be removed in a later surgery.
If anybody's interested in checking out my dinosaur bras, the brand is Underscore at JC Penney and the one I bought is the Seamless Pindot model. It's very comfortable (also inexpensive) and I look about the same in my clothes wearing it as wearing the Warners and Barely There bras. The Underscores can be folded without damaging the shape and should be hardier for laundering when we're travelling during the summers in our rv.
Okiegal, have you ever cooked with an electric skillet? I've been using mine quite a bit this summer because I can take it out onto the porch and plug it in to slow-cook meat dishes without lighting the oven and creating heat in the house. Tonight's meat course is barbecued chicken cooked in the electric skillet.
Hope you all enjoy your weekend.
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The "formication" began at about 8-10 weeks. I think I'm unusual as no one has any idea what this is related to. You probably don't have to worry about it. I've began to take some vitamin C to help with tissue repair. I figure it's a shot in the dark, but it won't hurt and it might help.
Carole, the shrimp sounds great. Nice tip with the freezing suggestion. I too am a WW (not going to the meetings for now.) I've lost about 3lbs. in the last two weeks. I'll weigh tomorrow and hope to see a better number. FYI, the Indian Curry is 8 points for 1/6th (a heaping cup) and then add 2 points for 1/2 cup rice. I also made a cucumber "raita" (1 point) and fruit salad. I've never cooked with an electric skillet, but the technique is appealing for our hot summers too.
I'm concerned about the quality of the tattoo as well. How can I guarantee the results will be to my liking? Such a perfectionist! I think at a certain point, you just accept what you have or what you've been given whether it's perfect or not. We all have to do that anyway with just about everything. But, the tattoos fade, so there is a chance to change things if you aren't happy with the first pass.
Checked out the "dinosaur" bras. I have two of them in my drawers right now. They are comfortable and durable, but don't fit at this point. A little baggy in front. I'm going to keep them. If the incisions soften up, who knows, my bra problems may be over.
The sun broke through this afternoon, but they are predicting 40% chance of rain tomorrow. Not to worry, I bought a poncho this afternoon. A shopping trip that helped me avoid cleaning bathrooms!
Have a nice weekend everyone.
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Hi again,
The nipple question. For us one sided beauties, perhaps the recon side should just be a badge of honor with a dashing scar.
I am very inexperienced at weight loss. I was a skinny young woman with - dare I say it? - a big ass. Hard to fit! Over the years I gradually accepted my actually very nice shape (we're so hard on ourselves) and added a pound or two a year. Now I'd like to take it backwards about 10-15 pounds. I actually took off 4, which to me seems miraculous. Eat less and exercise more, so simple, so hard. You all can be my guides.
Keep your fingers crossed for me tonight. A woman is coming by for a 'studio visit' for possible inclusion in an exhibit. My output has been pretty dismal this last year, but I think I gathered up some nice work for her to view. Nervous.
Have a good, happy weekend, (with no rain and no poncho over the pink survivor shirt of honor).
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Fortunate1, I hope your studio visit went well last night. Considering what you've been through this past year, it's a tribute to your strong character that you had any output.
Here's hoping it isn't raining on okiegal in OK. If the opportunity arises, I'd like to participate in a "cure" event.
I'm skipping my walk or workout this morning in favor of doing some chores. Don't know exactly which chores yet except I'll start with blowing leaves off the porch and patio and maybe cleaning the fountain. There's plenty to do but enthusiasm is lacking. Usually I develop some momentum once I get started.
Tracyann and meg and anyone else who reads this, hope you're enjoying your Saturday.
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A good Saturday? Absolutely...college football, with ESPN in town for the UT/Texas Tech matchup. We gave up buying season tickets when the paying for college tuition started, but we'll go mingle with the tailgaters and then come home to watch...I think I'll buy some Texas pajamas for my bday tomorrow.
I'll be 47, and this year I feel like I have so much to celebrate. At the time I was diagnosed in July, I had recently come off a bad stretch of years struggling with depression over aging, wrinkles, too much weight loss/disordered eating/then anxiety over putting weight back on, so more weight loss...and this diagnosis has indeed given my a wake-up call and some new perspective. I'm a lucky woman--read "woman"--and I know I do not have to weigh what I did as a teenager or look like I did as a twenty-something. Used to consider having plastic surgery for aging...then along came bc and plastic surgery for reconstruction.
Bring on those birthday candles, right? All I want now is to be healthy, and I'm studying up on eating right and exercising sanely.
Fortunate 1, hope the studio visit was a success for you!
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A quick note, I'm almost late.
The studio visit went very well. I think I have a chance. Fingers crossed. Hope everyone has a full and happy day.
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Happy Birthday tomorrow, Tracyanne! Hope your 47th year is happy and healthy. Sounds like you're on the right track mentally.
Tailgating always looks like fun when I see the tailgaters on tv. I've never "tailgated." Lots of food and beverages and camaraderie.
Well I did enough chores around here that I feel completely justified in sitting down in the living room and watching some LPGA golf. Next Tues., when my revised incision will be 3 wks old, I plan to hit the driving range.
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A quick update....had a great time this AM and had to wear sunglasses! The weather couldn't have been nicer. My sister and I walked the 5k, untimed course. My sister-in-law and niece didn't make it. I'll have to get more "activist" about things next year and get a group together. My sister thinks "Twins for the cure" would be fun. There were lots of different groups with their own t-shirts printed and, of course, lots of us "light pink" women. In our race, there was one 80 something survivor who was hunched over from age. At one point, she fell, but insisted that she didn't want first aid. She wanted to finish! Two other women each held on to one of her arms and continued on and together, they set quite a pace! What an inspiration and what a touching and inspiring day. It was so reassuring to see so many thousands of participants. I wore my t-shirt around town during the rest of the day and saw a few other survivors and other participants. Total strangers, but we would each acknowledge one another or non participants would ask about the race. I couldn't help wonder if they knew someone who had battled BC. There was a younger survivor who spoke at the "survivor parade", I noticed she had opted out of reconstruction. She looked great. If my reconstruction doesn't work out for some strange reason, I bet I could handle that too. A fun day. I highly recommend participating at future events.
Happy birthday TracyAnne! How our perspectives change. I find I've developed a little voice reminding me to "Participate!" Life is too short for perfectionism, anxiety and depression. I've found that out the hard way. I'm inclined to all of it.
Fortunate1 - I will keep my fingers crossed! So glad to hear that everything went well. This could be the start of a very good year!
Carole - Sounds like you are getting up to speed! All that hard work will have you back in shape in no time!
Have a great evening everyone. It's grilled salmon and mashed potatoes tonight...taking a night off from WW.
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Tracy! I was going too fast this morning to catch on ... tomorrow is your birthday! I hope you have a perfect day. It sounds like you are staring a remarkable year of growth.
Okiegal, the walk sounds like an emotional high. I hope to walk in a pink shirt someday, surrounded by people who care. We have to wipe out this disease.
I have to run again, weekends are busy. It's such a treat to log on and check in with you.
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Hello everyone!
Tracy, I hope you had a happy Birthday!
I think most woman are critical of themselves. There is too much pressure on us to be thin. When I look at pictures of a younger, thinner me, I can't believe I was critical of myself even then.
I have never been depressed, but I have had my share of down and difficult days...divorce, infertility, career issues, loss of loved ones, cancer and bmx, but my glass is always half full. I had loving parents and I do have a supportive DH, brothers and sisters. I think that helps.
Okiegal, I'm glad it didn't rain on your walk. I hope a walk/run will come to my neighborhood. I would love to participate in one.
I used the crock pot yesterday. My DH chose pot roast with cranberries. It was delicious! Cooking is not one of my favorite things, but I enjoyed the easy preparation and not having to cook at the end of long day. I will definitely be using the crock pot again!
Fortunate1, I have my fingers crossed. I think it is amazing that you have been able to accomplish so much in a short time, especially with the physical demands of your work. Good Luck!
Carole, How long does it take you to walk 2.5 miles? I'm planning to get back to my walking today. The newsletter can wait. The D&C took me off track. I think it's great that soon be able to play golf.
I got a new computer. My DH and son built it. I chose white and it also has white keys with light gray letters. It's a little hard to see. I'll have to get used to it.
The temperature has been below 50 the past two nights. I had two blankets on the bed last night. Brrrr!
I hope you all have a great day!
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Tracy, I hope you had a wonderful birthday. Did you get the pajamas? I'm missing the sports gene, so you'll have to tell me which team won and whether it was the right team. A computer of your own sounds like a marvelous luxury. They built it? I'm impressed.
Lots of work for me today. I'm having trouble making myself stay on task. I am so easily distracted and am doing almost anything else but what I should. Today I will work.
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