One step implant procedure with Alloderm - Anyone?
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Hello Everyone,
Hope you are all having a good day. I'm busy working on my stewardship program for this Sunday.
It is very windy outside. The wind is howling and there are very colorful leaves flying by my window. My little dog, a Maltese, is finding it very amusing!
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Tracy, thank you for the sympathy. I will be fine. I was feeling very bad at seeing two colleges shrinking for lack of funds, and unhappy at being the vulnerable, expendable one. If the state supports the schools and doesn't have the money, what can be done? I wish some of the cuts were being made in administrative positions and perhaps a bit off the full time faculty $, to save the classes for the students, and the college (and me). I receive no benefits, and am thankfully covered through my husband's employer.
I will find some other way to teach, and will find more venues at which to sell. I am evidently in an unwilling slide toward a sort of retirement.
.1 mm! I thought it was .1cm, quite a difference. My eyebrows would go up at the doc wanting to see skin effects, too. I worried about my 2mm at the skin side. I imagine they're giving you cream to keep the burning to a minimum. The good doctors are applying all their knowledge to your outcome.
I hope that someday these treatments are completely outdated. So I don't mind all the pink stuff in the stores. I do hope that there actually is significant money gathered for research. Awareness is good, but awareness + lots of money is what is needed.
Have a good Wednesday, friends.
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Thanks Carolehalston for passing on your experiences,
Greatly appreciated
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Sure hope everybody else enjoyed today as much as I did. The only hard part was getting up early, 6:40 am. I have become a bed slug since bc surgery and convalescence. I met two women friends at 8:15 to ride with them to Carter Plantation golf course, which is on the Louisiana Audubon Trail. The weather was sunny, hot and humid, but I still enjoyed being on a beautiful golf course with a couple of friends. I wished I had taken my digital camera to snap some photos of the wild flowers and reeds blooming in some of the marshy waste areas.
Afterwards we had lunch in the restaurant to celebrate the birthday of one of the two women. My golf stunk, but I felt so fortunate to be able to spend the day in this fashion.
Meanwhile my reunion with classmates from Grade 1 through 9 is coming up on Sat. The weather forecast is horrendous, and we're having a cookout at one classmate's camp. I need to get to work on my assignment, to do a memorial poster featuring deceased classmates.
Fortunate1, maybe it will turn out to be a good thing if you have more time to devote to your pottery. You can always give private lessons or conduct your own small classes in your studio, if you choose to do so.
I loved seeing the big, burly pro football players wearing pink in honor of breast cancer awareness this past weekend. I recently bought a pink rubber bracelet that I intend to wear whenever I leave the house. If I'm in an auto accident, the bracelet should alert medics not to put a blood pressure cuff on my right arm, not take blood from that arm, etc. I had only 4 lymph nodes removed but there's still the risk of lymphedema.
Meg, I noticed on the weather channel this morning that New York City would be very windy today.
Hi to everyone. Hope everything went well for each of you today.
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The doctor said that in my case, I could use any one of the top twenty creams on the market for softness, but that the burn would happen regardless because of how much they are targeting the skin. He told me today that it would soon be a deep, dusky red...and that in fact, if the change didn't occur soon enough, they will increase the use of the gummy-film-like thing they put over the breast that intensifies radiation to the skin. He was responding to my question about whether or not I heard him right the first week...that this was the goal...and he said yes, skin and chest wall are targeted and if he does his job right, I will have side effects but will also have a much less likely chance of recurrence...that his goal is to keep me healthy.
Skin is pink as of today, and not just the breast but that quadrant. Line goes from just below sternum up to about two inches above cleavage and then over to armpit and down again, taking in about two or three inches below the breast too.
I joked about not being able to wear low-cut blouses to work, but now looks like I won't be wearing even moderately cut blouses because the field reaches up so high and over to middle.
I don't exactly feel down about it, or worried...just weirded out. Can't think of a better way to put it than that! I've heard in the rads forum that the radiation burns fade over time, some in a short time...but I haven't wanted to ask that question of my rad oncologist. I just don't want to worry about the long term right now...just what's in front of me.
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Tracy - Weirded out, what an apt description. Have courage, your doctors really have their eyes on the long term - no recurrence for you. Just thinking about what's in front of you sounds like the best approach.
Carole, your day sounds lovely. You're still in contact with classmates from grades 1 - 9? Ithink that's amazing. I still know one classmate from back then, no one from Junior High and very few from High school or even college. The one's I have kept in contact with are very close and dear to me.
Yes, everything will work out for me eventually. I have reinvented myself so many times already. A friend and I are already discussing where we can teach, and I hope to go back to a long ago sale venue, my own studio. I'm getting better at making myself work. Pretty good today, rah rah. Better tomorrow.
YearoftheHat, did you find a new-old car?
Good night all, sleep well.
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Hello Everyone,
Fortunate1- I wish you well. Where is all the stimulus money? All the new jobs? Yesterday, my DH was told all VP are not getting raises or bonuses this year. This was not a surprise...it was expected. It is really a cut in pay. I'm thinking of leaving my volunteer jobs and returning to work. DH said not to worry.
Tracy, I think you have competent doctors. I feel sorry for what you and Julie are going through. It reminds me how fortunate I have been. I wish cancer researchers would discover other forms of treatments besides radiation and chemo.
Carole, It sounds like you had a great day. I love to be outdoors.
I keep in touch with one friend from grades 1-8, one friend from HS and no one from college. I believe most have moved away from the area including me. My elementary school closed.
I hope you have an enjoyable reunion. It sounds like fun.
I laughed when you said you bought a pink rubber bracelet to wear when you go out. Then, I thought... where do I buy one! I said to my DH..."What would happen if I was having a heart attack one day and they used those paddles to get my heart started again! Would these breasts hold up! Maybe I should get a bracelet like Carole." He laughed for about 20 minutes! He said I turned into one of the Stepford Housewives. I tried not to laugh, but it was funny.
I hope you all have a great day!
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Hi, everyone.
Today was a busy day for me. I walked 2.3 miles and got drenched in perspiration. It's unbelievably hot and humid. Feels worse than July outside. Picked up my mother and dropped her off at her hairdresser. Took her grocery list to a Walmarts and proceeded to walk the grocery section at least 5 times. My mother writes down her items in no particular order and I kept consulting the list and discovering I'd bypassed something. If I'd known how much exercise would be involved in doing her shopping, I would have skipped the morning walk!
Once we return to my mother's house on Thursdays, I have to carry in all the bags, which is more exercise. Today my niece, who is 7 mos. pregnant, arrived to give me a hand. She's pretty miserable at this stage of pregnancy. After lunch, I enjoyed playing with 4-yr-old Nova, my niece's little girl. She's adorable and very affectionate.
I must correct the notion that I have kept in contact with my old classmates. I haven't seen some of them since we graduated in 1958. The class split, half of them going to the high school I attended and half of them going to a different school. So I continued to see some of the kids through high school. Then I went on to college and after college to graduate school out of state at U of GA. I had good friends all along the way but maintained connections with very few people. With me it's "what's going on in my life now"! My DH is pretty much the same way.
Tomorrow is golf with some ladies in my Friday golf group. I haven't seen a couple of them since my surgery, just had phone conversations and received nice cards.
Still have not completed my In Memorium poster for the reunion on Sat. This is looking like a last-minute project!
Have a great evening!
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We're a busy bunch today. I worked, took time off to visit a friend, and am back at work again. DH will be coming home late so there's even more time. That's not to say I'm not still dawdling, but I'm better. A little bit more normal.
I was thinking that the weather is just nippy enough to be undeniably Fall. Sorry about the sticky heat you're getting, Carole.
Carole, I went off a rheumatoid arthritis medication a few weeks ago. Within a week, joint pain. So I'm taking Tylenol and trying to figure out if it's because of quiting the medication, or is it regular arthritis, or is it Femara getting to me like Arimidex is getting you. Or maybe hands in cold water half the day? I'm betting on the first, too much of a coincidence with the timing. Isn't it fun working out the symptoms these days?
Tracy, how did it go today?
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Hi Everyone,
Today was day 6 of the hyperbaric chamber. Everything is holding one week from surgery. My plastic surgeon said that I have one more week before we will know but it looks good. I had the wound care doctor look at it today and he said it is healing very well. I am just keeping my fingers crossed. I have officially postposed the nipple reconstruction that I was supposed to do on Decmeber 10th. I need a break and time to regroup after all of this, three surgeries in less than two months. My plastic surgeon agreed but said that I needed to do it to complete the whole process or I wouldn't be happy. I won't be happy if this doesn't heal because he said then he would have to remove this implant and put an expander in that is half the size of my other breast, let it heal then start over on that side with a new implant next year. I am praying that this continues to heal and I can't help but think that the hyperbaric chamber is really helping. Even though I dislike resurfacing because it makes me dizzy the alternative is much worse. Hope everyone is doing well
Tracyanne - don't think I don't go to the bathroom and sit in there for 15 minutes before just to make sure. That is the scariest thing.
Meg9 - thanks for your prayers. It isn't so bad. You get to watch movies so that makes the time pass pretty fast.
Julie
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Carole, In reading my last post it sounded like I laughed at your bracelet in a mean way. That is not the case. I think your bracelet is a good idea. It got me thinking of all the ways these breasts have changed the way I think and live my life now.
I had been reading a health magazine...an article on a healthy heart. I thought a bracelet that warned a paramedic that someone had mx and implants would be a good idea. Then I said to the DH, "I wonder what would happen if those paddles were used on implants? I really don't know!... Laughing at what I said (not in a mean way..he does not have a mean bone in his body) he said, "Nothing would happen...What are you a stepford housewife." Stepford housewife is an old joke between us...long before bmx. I am a bit of a perfectionist around the house. He started to laugh (at me) and so did I. Not at you or the idea of a bracelet, but at my silly question. Sorry, If it came off insensitive.
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Julie, I'm sending good wishes for healing your way. Just hearing about the possibility of having to start this process all over again with more surgeries to back track and then slowly move forward must be such a weight. I remember how I felt when my onc said that if the BRCA came back positive, she would want me to have my other breast removed. It was only one month post-mastectomy, and I just cried not at the thought of "losing" the other breast, but at having to go through the process all over again. My heart goes out to you, and I'm glad to know that things are looking good for full recovery.
Yesterday went well enough, though like you said, Fortunate 1, it's hard to know what symptoms are from what ailment. I have a sore throat and my breast aches along the right side. Could be radiation, could be the bug going around campus, could be exercising at the gym...?
I know for sure that the pinkness of my skin is from radiation, but I got the nicest gift from the wife of my dh's boss yesterday just for that side effect: a homeopathic, aromatherapy oil she mixed herself as well as a beautiful clay "angel of hope" figurine. She got the recipe for the skin oil when she went through bc radiation seven years ago. I've never met her, but we've communicated through our husbands and also with each other through email.
One thing I have learned from this whole experience is the importance of gestures: the office card signed, the small gift sent, the phone call to check up on, the email that says "thinking of you today"...I think I will be a better friend and a more attentive colleague from now on. I've seen for myelf how much it means to open a webpage guestbook and see a note of encouragement. Those things matter, and I will do more than I have in the past to reach out and touch someone who is ill :- )
Radiation office closed today for the three day holiday weekend (open Monday, unlike most businesses) so I"m taking the morning to see my psychotherapist instead. Been seeing him for some years, ever since our son came out and our family life went topsy turvy as we struggled with everything our church had taught us about homosexuality. All is well now--great relationship with our son and no relationship with our old church--but through it I discovered the value of therapy and getting to know oneself on such a deep level. I'm looking forward to this visit, and I have found that it's a very comforting place to shed a tear or two and express all the anger that bc has brought into my life these past few months.
Hope y'all have a great Friday :- )
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Another gorgeous day! You know, It's not bad only having a half a day teaching. It's more time for Dad if he wants, and maybe more studio time. It's crisp outside, the faintest little breeze and a hard blue sky. It's the kind of day that makes you want to go out and buy a pumpkin, one of those beautiful convoluted fairytale ones.
Tracy, a nice break in the treatments, a radiation holiday, yay. I applaud you for your response to your son, and also to the old church.
Julie, You're so brave in my eyes, claustrophobic eyes. Healing thoughts to you... and a good movie selection.
Have a good day, all. Any golf today Carole?
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Julie and Tracy, I admire both of you for being such strong women. The time will come when you'll look back on the difficulties of healing and treatment and be glad it's over. You'll also be proud of yourself for holding up so well.
I'm really pooped this afternoon. Today was another very hot, humid day, and I managed to play 18 holes of golf with 3 other women golfers. Now I really must get my project done for tomorrow's reunion.
Hope everyone enjoys the weekend.
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Me again. Hurray, I finished my poster memorializing the 7 people in my old class who have died. It came out pretty nice, if I do say so myself. Probably no one else will! All I could think of to write in big letters across the top was In Memorium, and that sounded so cold. So I left that part blank until I'd mounted the pictures and text and fastened some silk flowers. Then I got a marker and wrote freehand, REMEMBER US....
The chance of rain for tomorrow has decreased from 80 per cent chance to 60 per cent. Guess that's some improvement.
Sunday the dh and I are signed up for a couples golf tournament. Boy, does he have a bad partner. Bc has not improved my game.
Time for the news, which means martini time. Chicken fajitas for dinner tonight. Dh and I get in the kitchen and do the preparations together. An easy, tasty meal.
Enjoy your Friday night.
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Carole, I like "remember us" so much more than "in memorium"...that was an inspired thing. So much more personal.
I may be imagining it, but I think that the ps-prescribed regular, gentle massage of my reconstructed breast is making a difference. Either it is getting softer, more pliable to the touch or I am getting more comfortable touching it! I was pretty squeamish at first--just didn't like the oddly different sensation and worried about somehow hurting something--but now that I'm applying lotion religiously I'm getting quite used to the feeling.
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Hi everyone,
I have my Hyundai. I've been noticing that it smells oddly like donuts and I found a stockpile of all sorts of crumbs under the seat. Yuck! So it was off to the car wash for me today. It's much better now. Most importantly, I believe I have a reliable ride and it is decent.
It snowed yesterday!! That was about six weeks early. It's fairly typical here for the temperature to go from extreme warm to extreme cold. Spring and fall are usually fleeting but this snow was very early! And while there is snow on the ground I have my AC going! That's right. I am wearing hot flash unfriendly fleece PJs and this building I moved to is warm.
Carole and Fortunate, glad you both had nice days recently. Your positive outlooks always make me feel good.
Fortunate, I'm am sorry to hear your position may be cut. The artists are always the vulnerable ones and goodness knows, cuts could be made elsewhere. It's good to know you are trying to accept whatever happens and plan to keep busy.
Julie, I am wishing the the hyperbaric treatments are doing all that you want them to. There are so many hills and valleys in the treatment mill. You are very strong indeed. Was it your SIL with the weird attitude? She's a moron. I'm sorry you have someone like that near you. Whenever I have to deal with someone idiotic, I tell myself, "I have to deal with it occasionally, but that person has to be herself 24/7." At least you do not have to live in her skin.
Tracy, hang in there with the radiation. I can imagine the disbelief at the notion that your skin is being targeted. Your reaction reminds me of the shock I had when I was advised to have the mx. I went around in a daze, bumping into walls for several weeks. My thoughts are with you. You are also so very strong.
I am OK. I am sad that my releationship is ending. I'd had high hopes for us. This past week was fine. I need to give myself time to adjust to my new living arrangement.
I'm a lazy lady. I did some cleaning this weekend and little else. I'm stil hung-over from the five months of chemo I had earlier this year, plus my surgery was recent. I'm trying to forgive myself for the low energy, but actually, I did get out a walk about 2 miles this morning, in the crisp cool air. Now if only I could stop my fixation with dairy products, I might be able to lose some of the 30 or so pounds I've gained this year.
It's early to bed for me tonight. Good night everyone.
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Yearofthehat, I'm so glad you're doing ok. It's enough for all of us to cope with our bc dx and tx. We shouldn't have to deal with other problems as well, but all too often we do. You mentioned hot flashes. Are you taking Tamoxifen? I'm on Arimidex, and my poor body is begging for estrogen. Oddly enough, despite the muscle and joint aches and tiredness, I seem to feel better when I exercise. Maybe it's mental as well as physical. This morning dh and I walked 3 mi. Yesterday I sat around all day resting and didn't feel as good I do now after walking. My weight is shooting up, and weight gain is a possible SE of Arimidex. Today I'm going back to counting points on WW. I had dropped my online subscription but will subscribe again.
Received a forwarded e-mail this morning about the dangers of newly manufactured pyrex cook ware. Corning no longer makes the product. The formula and name were sold. Apparently the Chinese have changed the formula and the new pyrex can develop minute cracks and can shatter. If you're interested, you can go to Snopes and read more.
My class reunion was really nice. Low key and friendly. The food was ample and tasty. The "camp," a house on pilings, is located right on the water. The weather was great, about 70 degrees and overcast. All the area underneath the raised building was paved and we sat at tables and milled around, visiting. I wore jeans and was lucky enough not to have any hot flashes. I did a memorial presentation using my poster and we released 7 black balloons. This was somebody else's idea but it was kind of a neat thing. I hope we'll start getting together every year. One of my female classmates is battling melanoma and is taking chemo to stay alive, not to cure it. Very sad situation and her case was clearly malpractice. She went to her PCP with a big black mole that had grown on her arm, and he didn't send her to a dermatologist. He removed the mole and didn't send it to a lab. You can guess the rest. It's true that we can always find someone whose situation is worse than ours.
I'm doing jobs around the house today. Tomorrow and Wed. I'm signed up for ladies golf outings. Wed. may be iffy. I'm finding that when I get really tired one day, I don't bounce back the next day like I did before bc. I'm just not as resilient. So if I'm too tired to play golf on Wed., I'll cancel. It's not like being obligated to show up at the office.
Looking forward to hearing from Okiegal about the trip to Boston! And hearing from the rest of you, too.
Hope today is a good Monday for all of us.
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Carole, how did it go? "Remember Us" is warm and touching, much better than "In Memorium". Your writing skills are showing. Also, how was the golf? I bet your husband was enormously happy to have you as his partner. Normal life, back again!
Nancy, Your Hyundai story is funny. It's like the ghost of a donut crazed former owner. I could swear that there was a whiff of cigarette smoke in my used car. It faded eventually. Thank goodness.
As for my position and it's vulnerability. I have always been aware that what I do with passion is a mere frill in the lives of others. No one needs my work, I just have to hope they want it, something beautiful for their pleasure. Beauty is essential, really, but how you get it doesn't necessarily include me. So out to the studio today. Classes were particularly good this week. Enthusiastic students pushing themselves hard.
Tracy and JulieL, hope today is easy.
First for me this morning, a long walk. I would be ashamed to come back to you all if I didn't do it. Right? I have slowly whittled off 4 pounds, and I swear that even that little amount shows. I have never lost any weight on purpose before!
Back later.....
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Hello Everyone,
Carole, I hope your reunion was fun. Did you recognize everyone? When my son was younger, grades k-5, I was very active with the PTA and made many friends. One particular mom and I became very close. Once our boys started middle school she also began a new job. We spoke occasionally, but we rarely saw each other.
The other night the DH and I were out and she and her husband walked right past us. DH never forgets a face. I apparently never remember one! My DH was talking to them for a couple of minutes before I realized who they were....her voice gave it away. I was wonder why she was looking at me strangely. I am glad there are no reunions on my calendar!
Year of the Hat, Good luck with the new car and apartment. I wish many happy new beginnings for you.
I'm the one with the moron for a sil. I heard she is having a cyst in her breast aspirated today. I will call her later or tomorrow to see how she doing. Ugh
Fortunate1, Tracy and Julie, I hope you are having a good day.
Okiegal, I hope you had a great trip.
We had our first frost last night. The heat is on and I am dressed for a blizzard and I am still cold.
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Meg - Ooops. Sorry. I had trouble finding your original post about the SIL but wanted to comment.
It's cold here too! My hot flashes are not helping today. I have on a thick sweather at the office but I need another layer.
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Hi everyone! I'm back from "Beantown" and had a very nice trip. We had lovely weather and a very nice time walking around seeing the historic sites, visiting art museums and eating...too much.
I haven't posted the last few days as I was busy, tired and stressing out about today's nipple reconstruction. Although my PS stated that he would do it with local anesthesia, his office personnel kept referring to my "surgery" and "general anesthesia" at the "hospital". At the pre-op appointment, I realized they had me scheduled for a breast augmentation and a "block". I cleared up the confusion with the nurses who helped me refuse the unnecessary EKG and chest x-ray. Eventhough I kept stating that all I wanted was local plus sedation, I was still scheduled for the breast augmentation and "block" this morning! There was also some miscommunication with the PS office staff, an unreturned phone call and anxiety about how much "revision" was possible in addition to the nipple reconstruction. Deep down, I was scared about having another surgical procedure done to my breasts (what if they don't heal right, are in the wrong place, etc.) I've been feeling truly crazy the last few days. But.... everything went great. My PS is very pleasant, gentle, attentive and professional individual and he does good work. I can't wait to see the final results. This isn't a big procedure and I only have slight aching. It's nothing like my mastectomy. I don't know why I was so stressed out...I'll blame it on residual fear left over from the mastectomy and biopsies.The important thing is that I'm one more step down the road to completion.
It's great to read eveyones comments and know that you are all doing well. Year of the Hat, it's good to have you back. I've been wondering how you were doing.
Feeling a little sleepy and hope my writing isn't too rambling. I'll check back later.
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Okiegal, welcome back! So much. You'll have to tell us about Boston. And the restaurants, ooh does Rebecca's still exist?
But above all, congratulations on the surgery. You did it and it's over. That's two of us now, I think. I know what you mean about fear of another procedure. The "what ifs" just take over. Rest up and tell us how the results are as you are able. Again, welcome back.
I was a good girl, I did take the walk this morning. Now, back to work again.
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Okiegal, you did it! I'm so proud of you and can't wait for a glowing report on the outcome of your procedure. I didn't realize you were scheduled so soon after returning from your trip.
I got impatient and peeled off the last little bit of glue covering my incisions. They look really good! After all the angst over healing. I'm amazed at how short the incisions are, 3 1/2 in. on the left and 3 in. on the right. How in the world do those surgeons get the job done? It's mind boggling. When I go for my apptment with the PS on the 21st, I'll ask if I should start using Mederma.
YearoftheHat, I remember you said in one of your early posts that the breasts pop out more as the pec muscles stretch. That seems to be happening lately.
Okiegal, I ordered a pair of foam bra "fillers" from the American Cancer Society. Size small. They're very nicely made and are pretty much what I was looking for. A little pricey at $8 with $6 shipping. So far I haven't used them but continue to use my soft little home-made fillers or nothing at all.
I'm proud of you, Fortunate, for doing your walk! How about posting a photo of one of your favorite pottery creations?
It's rumbling outside. More rain. We're not due for some cooler, dryer weather until the weekend. Temp. in the 80's until then. Enjoy your crisp air!
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Okiegal, Welcome Back! How great it must feel to be almost done! How long before you can have your tattoos and be totally finished? I'm very happy for you.
Has anyone experienced pain under your breast where your bra rests? I have for a few days now and have ignored it. Yesterday, I started to feel the pain stronger and more often. I just walked 2 miles and while walking that area really hurt. I always wear a sports bra while walking.
What has me a little concerned is a while ago (2-3 weeks) when massaging my breast, (which I find I rarely do) I felt something... like a bubbling. It freaked me out and I immediately stopped. When I tried again, the same thing happened. I really thought it could be fluid retention moving around when I put pressure on the implant. I have not felt it since.
Could it be that I am still retaining fluid after all this time? Now I'm wondering if I could have a problem with my implant! I'll wait a few more days and see if this pain goes away. I don't think silicone gel implants make a swishing sound like I have read saline implants do.
I definitely don't want to call my PS. I'm really missing my old breast. How did I turn into such an alarmist?
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A long serving tray or wall piece. It's surprisingly hard to post this, much more revealing than my photo.
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Fortunate1, I love it! The colors and design are wonderful. Thank you for sharing. What are the measurements?
Meg, I wonder if you're not feeling the Alloderm. I have felt a sort of "bubbling" when I explored the bottoms of my breasts. It's probably nothing wrong. This afternoon I felt a couple of little piercing pains in my right chest and thought, "Uh oh, I wonder if I'm developing Okiegal's pinprick pains." I think we're all probably too focused on our chests.
When I began to sleep on my sides a couple of weeks ago, I would settle my body so carefully as though my breasts were eggs with shells that would crack. The next morning I would examine myself to make sure I hadn't developed a lopsided shape!
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Fortunate1- How lovely....I definitely see dancing! And a bit of landscape. Very nice.
Boston was....Lots of walking, temperate weather, subway rides, bustle and hustle, sights, scents and sounds, people watching, lovely gardens, graveyards, House of the Seven Gables, Salem's memorial to the victims of the witch trials, the Peabody Essex Museum, Boston's museum of Art, Harvard's Blaska botanical glass "Petals that Delight" collection, amazing architecture everywhere, shopping, chocolate from Trader Joe's, lots of oysters, a visit to Legal Seafood, dinner and drinks at the Marliave (with it's "speak easy" ambiance) and....lunch at Rebecca's!
Meg9, I have felt a strange 'bubbly' sensation and heard a slight sound while doing my massage several times. It's a little freaky, but for me, I'm confident it is the implant moving. I've been very dedicated with my massage and like TracyAnne have really noticed that it softens things up. In fact, I think my breasts feel almost normal. I suppose you could have a problem developing, but I think Carole may be right, we are probably all a little overly observant of our breasts at this stage. Interestingly, during my time away, I felt almost no prickling. The same thing happened on my trip to Santa Fe. It's as if my senses are overloaded and don't have the opportunity to send out "prickly" messages. My diagnosis is that my nervous system is confused which gives me hope that I'll eventually be rid of the prickliness. Today I'm very itchy from yesterday's surgery. I'll take it easy and take my pain medication and hopefully heal quickly. My PS did a little "clean up" as well as the nipple reconstruction. He took care of a slight "dog ear", hopefully re-worked one of the incisions and released an adhesion from one of my drains scars. I can remove the bandages and shower after 48 hours so I'll have to wait to see what was done. I'm not sure what my instructions are after that. I need to call the PS office to make an appointment. Hopefully, his young, seemingly undertrained, medical assistant can give me some advice.
Carole, it's nice to hear that you are happy with your healing. It's been such a long journey.
Good job to all of the exercisers! Keep up the good work!
It's cloudy, a bit rainy and cool today. Perfect weather for convalescing. Hope you all have a good day.
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Hello Everyone,
Fortunate1, What a pleasant surprise to see your work. Okiegal is right...I see dancing. I like it very much!
A funny story...When my son was in high school he had to take two art classes which were required to graduate. He decided on a pottery class. He was one to two boys in the class. It was harder then he thought. His teacher was great...she wanted them to express themselves..be creative. He was trying to make a hat that he was planning to give his dad. After the hat was fired, the top flopped down in an uneven blob. He was sure he was going to get a bad grade. His teacher walked by and told him what a creative and unusual candy dish! She gave him an A! When he brought it home I didn't know what it was. He said, "It was supposed to be a hat, but you can use it as a candy dish."
Okiegal, rest up and be happy! You're on the home stretch!
I think this summer we will try to visit my niece on Cape Cod. I would like to extend that trip to visit Boston. It sounds like you had a great time.
Carole, I always treat my breast like they're breakable! I still sleep with my travel size pillows on each side. I think it keeps the DH from bumping me while I sleep! Totally irrational...he never bumped me before. He asked me one night how long was I planning to sleep with the pillows! I answered, indefinitely! lol
I too am careful when turning from side to side when I sleep. When I wake up in the morning my hands automatically reach for my breasts...like I'm checking that things are still in place!
Back to work...newsletter deadline was Sunday. It is cold again, in the 40's this morning. There is a chance of rain today.
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Hi everyone,
Carole, the tray is 6"x18". And a bowl, 12", about soft and wavy porcelain. Meg, I'm glad your son enjoyed himself. It sounds like he had a good and encouraging teacher.
I just got back from the oncologist. He poked and prodded, checking on an enlarged but not worrisome lymph node. I am to be monitored by yearly mammograms on the remaining breast, and MRI's on a schedule he didn't clarify. He wants a mammo as soon as insurance will agree to it, one year and one day after the previous one. I feel I'm in good hands. But I do have at least four doctors with their own ideas for this schedule. I figure he's the boss at this point.
He was surprised that I hadn't gotten a nipple yet, and suggested that part of the unaffected side could be used to make one. Ouch! Not too sure about that.
Okiegal, Your trip sounds wonderful. You went to Rebecca's! How neat! I had two memorable meals there, on two different visits. The best was rabbit and paparadelle, really yummy. The Glass exhibit sounds beautiful. When I went to wholesale craft markets I always stayed an extra day to explore the city. Galleries, the symphony, museums, restaurants, I loved it and it often served as my vacation. Boston was a favorite, and even better, Philadelphia.
Lunch and work. I should take a walk. Bye for now.
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