new and future flat sister, with questions
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Welcome flat and happy, we are quite the bunch here, so chime in anytime.
I also shovel once in awhile too, we live in rural ND and just have to at times, like GB, I don't mind the fluffy snow, that and good cold fresh air is good for me.. Now ice and hard banks can wait for the snowblower when dh gets home from work,
Ariom, I love the pipes too, how nice you shared with Bec, they always make me cry too. We are back in the deep freeze again for T least another week...long winter.
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Welcome, Flat and Happy! You are obviously a bada$s. You do not feel the need to disguise your swear words. I like that in a woman.
PRB, is it you with the nurse who said, Oh, yeah, results are in. ? F0ck that! F0ck F0ck F0ck (F and H, trying to not have our thread blocked). I must say, I feel like saying more severe things even than that. The woman deserves to roast for a) the behavior of not reporting the results, and b) the delivery of the news. I am not kidding. Nurses can be some of the most sadistic people on earth.
Our Z is giving out top-drawer chemo recovery advice, as is her wont. Granwe, if you can hear me, I am so sorry for your pain! I feel like I can feel it. Is there anything we can do? I want you to get your tablet back and write us. I am worried about you. You are putting yourself last. That story about the weasel invasion was terrible and funny. Comedy is pain.
M, you got a kayak? You gobsmack me. You have energy to burn! Opps and the shops, manicure and facial, and then an evening out? I only pretend to have energy at this point. Also, I have extreme fig jealousy. ***jealous*** And I am jealous of barry the postman also. Must send a pic of yourself kayaking! You are amazing.
School event today. Girding my loins for dealing with the Public. I am the opposite of M that way. Ten days until my next sx.
XXXX
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Can I just say how much I adore all of you
Thank you for all the
well wishes! I have never been a 'glass is half-full' kind of person,
but I plan on trying to be more positive from now on (with all of your
help, of course). You inspire me...and I really mean that. Not sure I could venture through this ride without the support you've given me.Bobo - yes it was the nurse who said "oh, the results are in". I have to admit that for a split second there I was a bit terrified, because why hadn't they called me? In their defense, it was 9 am and I was calling to cancel my 11:15 appointment . She said they were going to tell me then.
OK, I know I promised not to whine...but I have a lot of tightness in my chest. Please tell me this goes away? Feels like a very tight bra. I had read about this, but thought it was mostly for reconstruction gals. I also have some weird numbness on the side of my neck. I'm trying to remain calm and think it's just a nerve being pressed on with fluid. Yes, I am pretty swollen under my arm, of all places. Didn't expect that because the axillary dissection was 4 months ago and I thought nothing was getting touched under there.
M - a kayak, really? Your enthusiasm for life is pretty amazing. I suppose we need proof that you actually put that thing into the water...otherwise it's just another one of your shopping adventures!! hah Pictures, I want pictures!
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Yes PRB there is tightness and it will go away. You probably haven't been given to go ahead to do anything. So watch your salt, drink lemon water and sleep propped up. You and the arm.
Yea M a kayak. You go girl. I'm not brave enough but it sure looks fun. Have fun on your date tonight. I'm with bobo. Too tired.
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PRB, oh yes tightness is a very big part of it. I remember posting something the same as you on some thread. My third week was the worst as I remember. You have to be careful of the exercise you do at first, dr. should have given you something to go by. You are very early out at this point. I could only hang over a chair on gently swing my arm in circular motion, and finger crawl up the wall which was nice to do in the shower because things are loosened up a little more, until the drain was out. I did not have any incision underarm tho so that may make a difference. After drains then the stretching begins and I still do those everyday. I still have some tightness and also the area is numb to some degree, but not totally. It does get much better though, hang in there. You sound so much lighter and I couldnt agree more about these boards, I dont know where I would be without these great ladies either, but hey we have found each other and the journey continues with all the support, humor, and understanding in the world! Take care.
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Ariom, how sweet of Colin to get you a kayak!! I can hardly wait for your stories about using it!! I can just imagine how many birds are attracted to that huge fig tree!! It must be quite a symphony of chirping! Hope you had a great evening out!
I'll echo everyone else PRB, yes the tightness will lessen. I remember asking the same thing early on, it felt like a steel bra around my chest. I am 6 months out now and it is much better, but as ndgirl said, still some tightness and numbness but much improved. When you are given the go ahead to start the stretching, go gently at first but be consistent about doing them. They will help loosen everything up and get your full range of motion back. I still do the exercises a couple of times a day.
You are doing so well, the change in your posts is wonderful to see!!
Lightly snowing, 22°F. I may not have to shovel much today but a big storm is on the way for tonight through Monday with lots of snow will have me shoveling I'm sure.
Hope everyone has a great weekend!
Hugs!
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I think the stretching is necessary forever. I stopped doing it and it began tightening up, so I resumed. My back exercises include stretches that work my chest muscles as well.
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Yes, Wren I think you are right about forever, a lady I know still does stretching and her sx was 18 years ago.
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Thanks everyone. OK, I will hope for the best. Since I've kind of been through this before with my lumpectomy, I do know some of the stretches. I have been 'gently' massaging some of the areas. I have mild lymphedema and therefore, I try to keep the fluid moving especially under my arm and side where I know there were problems before. The good news is that my hand and arm are doing well...no real flare-ups since the surgery. So while I know on one level I probably shouldn't be doing manual massages, on the other I feel like it is helping things move along and keeping my hand from swelling.
My surgeon didn't give me any restrictions, so I just do what feels 'ok'. I have really good range of motion this time...way better than after the lumpectomy. I find myself using my mx arm way more than I should, but it's hard to remember not to lift stuff etc when it really isn't hurting too much. No claw for me though....yet
Just this really tight feeling that is pretty annoying.I was down to taking advil only a couple of times a day and today I decided to take it every 4 hours ... whether I need it or not. That might help the stiffness too. Finally took a laxative yesterday and took care of that other 'problem'. lol I think they should inject us with a laxative after surgery. This was my 3rd surgery in 3 years, and after every surgery I've had a problem with constipation.
My sister is leaving tomorrow. It has been so wonderful having her here. I could get used to having someone cook and clean for me! I will really miss her. She's had a procedure scheduled for months and needs to get it done. I'm hoping she'll come back for another week sometime in the next 5 weeks since I will still be off. Maybe by then winter will be done? At least the sun is shining today, but they say we'll be back in the low teens next week. UGH. So sick of this winter.
Thanks everyone. Off to play a few board games. If any of you like games, I highly recommend the board game Qwirkle. We love it.
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Hello everyone! Sensational, sunny warm day here! Perfect for all the outdoor music that will be happening all day. I am going to try to get some pics to show you the more interesting ones, if I can. I have already got a shot of the water this morning, and the Fig tree, sans birds, they take off when they see me coming, and of course the Kayak!
Last night our date was fabulous, the band were not the best but the company on the table was! The food was great! One of the couples has just opened a B&B nearby and are coming over for coffee this afternoon. Colin is helping them to set up a website for the new business and they are rather partial to Figs, so hopefully another bucket load won't be eaten by the birds.
PRB, I had that tightness too, but it went away. That's not whining! Try not to overuse that arm, and keep it below elbow height. Even with this revision, I have the same rules from my surgeon, not to lift, reach or stretch for 2 weeks, minimum. He said the internal stitches are tiny and fine and need time to heal and dissolve. I haven't any idea how many internal rows there are after a Mx, but I had two rows, just for this revision. I also had swelling under my arm, but I put that down to the SNB, maybe it is just a normal swelling after this Mx surgery and that is what you are experiencing. I've got swelling again from this one too.
I know how you feel about your Sister leaving! I didn't want Bec to go home either!
I doubt I will ever stop the massage or the stretching either. It is just a habit now. I am also a devotee of the silicone scar strips. I have used them for lots of surgeries and have always thought they have improved my scars. I will be using them again when this one heals.
gB, sorry you have snow to contend with again.
I am really looking forward to getting the kayak into the water, it is perfect right now, but I am not willing to risk doing any damage, so I will wait till I get the go ahead from my surgeon. The woman I met last night, who is coming here today, has a kayak too, she's the one that got Mary, my massage therapist into it, so I may have a couple of buddies to meet up with in the mornings. Colin has offered to help her organize having a rudder put on to her kayak, he used to build his own kayaks before his accident, so he has a lot of useful experience for us.
ndgirl, we could be sisters! LOL There isn't much that can make me cry, but I am off as soon as I hear a piper!
Bobo, and Zills, I don't have the energy that you two have! I remember what running after kids, running a house etc was like. I am lucky, I can nana nap whenever I want to, and I can prepare for a night out, in my own time, and exercise only if I feel like it! LOL
Wren, is the back feeling better?
Pictures coming, when Colin gets a minute...take care M x
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A. Those words are a lot easier to say than spell. I get teary too with the pipes.
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Fig tree....... I can't believe you can't actually see how many figs are on this tree, but it is just covered in them.
Lake.....This is what it looks like right now...perfect kayak conditions!
Kayak..This is the Kayak as a single, but it can be turned into a two man by attaching the other midsection which is just out of shot. Excuse the messy grass, but it is still a dreadful mess from the watering system install, but they will be back to top dress tomorrow morning.
It has been a beautiful day, no wind and sunny. There were huge crowds here to watch the bands with food stalls all over and people sitting in the cafes. A really successful weekend! Take care everyone..M x
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Ariom, oh everything is so beautiful! It is just where you belong! What a nice surprise to wake up to this morning, thank you so much! Love the pictures! Back to foobs for a moment.. Do you have the amoena energy? I have been looking for my next one and that is sounding like a good one, need your advice please or any other suggestions. I go in April. Thanks.
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M ,
Tell Colin to start having the guest house built ........We are all going to take turns coming to visit you . OMG you live in paradise !!!
ND I just finally gave in and gave my only set of foob to the cats to play with ............ I have decided just to go flat all the time .
Its been a bad week . Thursday I had to put our lab of 13 years down . Her old hips could not take it any longer and I could not stand her in pain. I am not a crier . All 3 times I have been diagnosed with cancer I never cried not once. But I just lost it in the vets office as I sat with her ......... After he was done he told me to take whatever time I needed. So I sat there and bawled uncontrollably for 1 1/2 hours . I guess it was the reality of all of it and the tamox............ I know I did the right thing for her but it was so hard.
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FIA. I'm so sorry. I cried over my lab too. Still do sometimes and she's been gone for two years. She was a member of the family and the only one that was always happy to see you. You did the right thing.
I hope it was a good release for you. I didn't cry at my granny's funeral but cried over something silly later. I'm not sure if it's the drugs or just how we process stuff now.
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I was fixing dinner last night. Boy was outside playing in the mud. Baby into something inside. She's a little destructo. I hollered for him to come inside. He didn't come. I went to look and couldn't find him anywhere by the house.
I was starting to get panicked. The geese were hollering and I didn't want him at the pond unsupervised. Came inside to get coat, shoes, baby and turn off the stove.
I just happened to look in our bedroom and the master bath door was closed. He had snuck Firebob in and they were hiding in the bathroom in the dark.
That cat wants in so bad. He cried outside the door at breakfast this morning. DH is adamant that he stay outside. Snuffy doesn't like him.
Today the baby has been getting into drawers. She loves to get my purses and wave goodbye. Apparently she also got in the master bath and unrolled a new roll of tp into the toilet. I believe DH left the seat up. I just shut the door and left it for him. Don't dare flush it.
Happy Sunday! And yes I second the motion to vacation with M. Someone needs to win the lottery.
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Fiaranch, oh so sorry about your dog, 2 years ago we had to do that to our black lab, I will never forget the look in her eyes when I said goodbye.. I cried for days, but in my heart I knew it was for her best, no more pain. Before that we had a little black cocker spaniel and she died at age 13, just slept away and I cried for weeks! She was just a part of our family. I understand your pain. Let loose and cry all you want.. maybe we all have alot of junk stored up to let loose and that is a good excuse to "let 'er rip". Take care. Chuckling about cat playing with foobs!! I am uni, so cant do that.. But I think I would have no problem going flat most of the time if I ever lose the other one. Good for you.
Zills, your boy sounds like our grandson when they were little, always sneaking kitties and cats in the house, I swear the 3rd one was the "cat whisperer" he just seemed to know when the mama cats were going to give birth, I remember one night he told me that a certain cat was going to have her kitties and I wasnt even entirely sure she was even preg. but sure enough, he snuck her up to his room and she had 3 kitties the next morning! that has happened more that once!! kinda eerie! hope your weather is nice enough so boy can play with him alot outside! Our weather is in the deep freeze again.. so sick of this.
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Flaranch, I hope memories of the good times with your dog help you deal with the loss. I still mourn some of the cats and dogs we've lost. My son's lab is getting old and arthritic. It's going to be a major trauma for the whole family when she goes.
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Yes, let's win the lottery and all go visit M. We can learn to kayak before we go. It does actually look like paradise. I can imagine how many figs you have. We had a little tiny fig bush in Houston and it put out a bumper crop.
I tried on my Lands End mastectomy top and was pleased. It fits well (I ordered size 12) and is long enough to cover the low waist of my swim shorts. The bra has pockets and it is cut higher in front and the armholes as advertised. Best of all, it was on sale!
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Hi everyone! Oh how I would love to have you all here! I am going to buy lottery tickets! We could have some fun.
The water is like glass again this morning, but there is evidence of smoke again. I heard there was a fire at Wattle Point, so I guess the little breeze we have is enough to bring it here.
Wren, I am so glad your swim top suits you. Doesn't it feel great when you find something that just works, and to find it on sale is just such a bonus.
Fia, Oh my, I am so not a crier, but losing my animals just hurts so bad, I am so sorry to hear that, on top of all this, you've had this terrible decision to make and follow through. It's just too much, I am so sorry. Our last little Gizmo was 17 when he got really sick, and I felt for Colin because he was his dog and they had been through a lot together before we even met.
I had to laugh at the cat with foob story, how funny is that! I'm like ndgirl, being a Uni restricts your "going flat" time a tad. I still do it occasionally, but certainly not as much as I could, or would, if I had a BMX.
Oh Zills, I know that paralyzing fear that hits when all is quiet, and there is a child missing even for an instant. Bec was one to climb into cupboards and stuff, often found her playing in the bottom of the wardrobes.
That kitty wants to be a house cat, so bad. I love that you left the toilet surprise for your husband! LOL
Big day here today, gardeners to finish the watering system, can't be soon enough for me. I am sick of the terrible mess out there. The lawn is such a mess.
Cleaning lady coming to help me with the floors, changing the beds, and the rest, since I can't lift or stretch for another week. Colin has a business meeting at home, and I need to do some food shopping. Take care everyone, and Hi gB, I know you'll be her in a minute or so! M x
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Fia, so sorry to hear about your dog. Cry as much as you need, that is all part of the process. But in your heart, you know you did what was best for her.
Ariom, yes indeed, you live in paradise!! I'm getting on the list for a visit too!!
Kayak looks cool, neat that it can be one man or two.Zills, as ever so busy with those two little ones!! So cute that the boy snuck Firebob in! Oh I so remember the getting into the drawers stage!! My two particularly liked to get into the pan cupboard in the kitchen. They'd be banging and a clanging till I almost lost my mind and hearing!!
Gee, I wonder if the roll of TP in the toilet is some sort of rite of passage? My kids did that too (neither one would fess up, so not sure which it was) when we were staying at my Aunt's in WI on a family trip. My ex and Uncle ended up having to snake it.....
ndgirl, it has been snowing here nonstop since late last night and predicted to continue through to Monday, then will snow on and off. I expect it will be coming your way too.
Had 3+" of snow over night and as I said it has been snowing all day. I've shoveled twice, had to do the second one to get the garbage up to the road. I'll wait until it is just about dark and do one final shovel for the day. At least it is really light and fluffy snow!
Wren, glad the Lands End top worked out. I'll have to check them out.
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Ariom, you are so right!! I had started the post above and then walked away to deal with the garbage. Happily it had not disappeared by the time I got back! I posted and there you were! I had to laugh at your comment to me!!
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Ha, gB, I knew it!
I just remembered that I didn't answer ndgirl about the Energy prosthesis. Yes, I have one of those, I don't use it too much but I do like the fact that it can be rotated to make the shape you like. I have a concave close to my underarm and this sits well over that. It has a different back on it too, I haven't noticed any real difference, since I have no feeling in that area.
I hope this helps. M x
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Wow M - beautiful pictures. You live in paradise and we are all
coming to visit! Not sure I know the difference between a fig and a
date. My oldest sister used to make a great pinwheel date cookie when I
was growing up.One of my favorite stories is when I was in
elementary school. My best friend had just learned that in olden days,
women used rags instead of pads for their periods. We were laughing in
class pretty hysterically about that, and could not stop. Of course the
teacher wanted to know what all the commotion was about and told us if
we didn't 'share' with the class what was so funny, we would have to
bring cookies for the class. There was no way we were about to share
that information, so we
brought cookies. Me? I knew most kids hated Fig Newtons... so that's
what I brought the next day. Hah.Fia - I have probably cried enough for everyone on this forum! That's probably why none of you cry... I have used up all the allotted tears for the year and then some. Sorry to hear about your dog, and glad the vet was so understanding. Little acts of kindness are a wonderful thing.
Zills - Glad you found your son safe and sound. Nothing like that moment of panic when you don't see your child! As far as TP goes.. my dd never did that, however she did fill her glass from the toilet once and was so proud. Have I ever mentioned I'm a bit of a germ freak? I resisted the urge to make her rinse out her mouth with Listerine!
My sister left today. WHAH.. oh there I go crying again! She lives 3 hours away and said she might come back on Wednesday to stay for a few more days after her appointment. It was so nice having her here, and she tries to makes me see the 'good' in all of this. I saw a quote today..it said something like "sometimes negative things are what we have to go through to get to the positive." Kind of reminded me of M's negative/positive philosophy she talked about last week.
It's very cold here today....however...I could see the grass under one of the trees! YES!!!! There is hope
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M, your pictures are beautiful! **fig jealousy** Love how you 'proved' you have kayak! Who doubted you? Was it PRB?
FIa and nd, I am so sorry for your losses. Really, for me, there is almost nothing worse. I dislike the idea of sharing my own similar stories here. I dislike, sometimes, when you tell someone something and then they say, Oh? I also had something similar, and even a little bit worse.' However, I must say something because I think there is something hopeful in it, and plus, you might think I am crazy as you hear it, and that might cheer you up.
My 17-year-old cat, Man, was my man. We were incredibly close. The day we put him down was the worst. I cried and cried for days. But after a week of that, the adoption lawyer called us to the hospital. Our princess was born! We rushed to pick her up. And then we found, in the paperwork, that she had been born the day Man died. A few minutes after my Man died. He had been sick for a long time -- I worried we had let him live too long -- but he seemed to so want to hang on. So I let him. Now I feel he was waiting until the baby could be born. It isn't as if I had been a believer in reincarnation before this, but it was just so obvious that he wanted to stay with me in some way. So we named her Charlotte, which is the feminine of Charles, which means 'man.'
Sending you kisses and hugs. XXXXXXOOOOO. Z, your story was hilarious and familiar. Rooting for firebob in the house!
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Bobo, Buddhists believe that a good life leads to a higher incarnation. So, who knows?
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bobo, that is a beautiful story! You two clearly had a strong bond. Who is to say that Man didn't hold on until he knew your heart would be filled with a new love?
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PRB, love the cookie story! I was odd I guess, I always loved fig newtons!! How nice of your sister to offer to come back!!
Hugs for everyone!!
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Bobo, love the story, the wonder of life! Thanks for sharing.
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I still miss my Aussie, been over 4 years now. The vet would have let me stay, but I couldn't. Went to my car to cry. When he did the final shot and Vulfies light went out I screamed. MY VULFIE. why does it seem loosing a pet is worse than loosing a human?
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