new and future flat sister, with questions
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Hi Zills, yes I have Braggs Apple Cider Vinegar with the Mother. I use it all the time, but haven't found it really helps the reflux.
I am certain that it is beneficial bacteria in the vinegar, and germ free, but as with anything, if I were you, I'd check first. There are lots of things, I believe, that shouldn't be taken with chemo.
If you send me an address, I'll check if I can send you some of the Quick Eze. I doubt there is anything in it that could be a problem, they are sold in servos and convenience stores, not prescription.
Keffir should help too, good bacteria in that. Another thing I used to use was Slippery Elm powder. It helped, but I can get a rush of reflux from drinking a glass of water, and then I can eat a Moroccan spicy meal and feel nothing. Very weird.
Gaviscon, is another good one. It sets up a raft in your tummy so the acid can't rise. I used to take that too.
I am so sorry you've got it bad. Its a dreadful feeling. ((((Hugs))))) M x
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Zills, I think the site will be down your time. The Aussie thread had a post from the Mods to say we would be affected because of the time zone.
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@Ariom, Yes, MT is Montana, beautiful big sky Montana!!
I belong to a diabetes forum and you would be surprised at all the "#*@#*# diabetes" posts there are. Wouldn't expect any less here!
I can't wait to checkout some of the camis you mentioned. I want to have a few on hand right away. I want to have all my ducks in a row right at the start.
@Zills, My daughter will be with me the first 2 days home. I heal really fast despite the diabetes, I'm hoping to be up & about by then. As far as eating regularly, I have to because of the d. I also drink enough water a day to float a boat!! I just have to have some meals made in advance. The way I eat, low carb/high fat ketogenic, everything is made from scratch and I know I won't be up for cooking right away. My daughter makes a killer eggplant lasagne so I'll have that to eat for days!!
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Montana sounds so beautiful. I have seen it in the movies!
The button front cotton shirt is a good option at first grammaB the drains are pretty annoying, and if you are having the Sentinel Node Biopsy, your range of motion may not be great, so something that needs to go over your head can be a challenge. I found a fabric belt around my neck that hung down the front was a perfectthing to attach the drain to, and here in Oz they give you a pack when you are Dx that has a cloth shoudler bag to carry the drains aroound in. I found I had a habit of dragging mine around behind me from the kitchen to the living room, gross!!!!!!!
I also wore a sarong with the ends tied halter style at the neckline. I also pinned a "softee" "foob" into it to fill it out on that side when people called in to visit. It was high Summer here when I had my surgery at Christmas.
Just ask, if you think of anything..we're here for you! M x
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Yes, I am having the SNB just before the surgery.
I saw a cami like that in the "tlc" catalog that came in my bag of booklets and pamphlets from the cancer center. I'll have to check it out more closely. It doesn't look very soft in the photos though. I will go up to town and see if I can find something in person before I go to catalogs.
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Welcome grammaB. I just went braless until I was healed enough to get a bra and foob. Wear a loose button front shirt and it won't be obvious unless the other one is DD or larger. I think the recovery is much quicker with only one side done. You still have the unaffected side to boost yourself out of bed. Do get a bunch of pillows to make yourself comfy in bed. You'll sleep on your back right at first. Yeah I know, I can't sleep on my back either. I wore a belt and pinned the drains to it. For showers, I pinned the drains to a long shoelace tied around my neck. I love Montana. We have good friends who live outside Missoula.
I didn't get a camisole because it would have counted as a bra. Medicare only pays for 2 bras every 6 months. I finally got enough to last a week and my size changed. I'm happy to be thinner, but not so thrilled about being braless again.
I was eligible for 2 more bras in March. I delayed because I was losing weight and wanted to reach goal before getting more. When I went in, they said my referral had expired and they called to get a new one. Then they said I'm not eligible for more till December. No one ever told me I would need a new referral. Do they think the boob will grow back? I'm going to call and complain as soon as I can remember to do it when they're open. In the meantime, I'm wearing a B foob in a C bra and hoping it doesn't get too far off the mark.
Ariom, I will send you my e-mail. DH cannot visualize so photos would be great.
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You sound just like me gramaB. I was out shopping for a prosthesis a week out from my surgery! You're out hunting for camis!
I don't know if you saw the post I sent last night, my time, about the Federal Law in the States of the USA about getting a BMX for symmetry. There are some links there, I have forgotten what they are.
I know you are thinking one surgery at a time would be better, but this might just give you the info you need to make a definite decision.
Just so you know, there are several of us here, and we are called "Uniboobers!" It is a bit more of a challenge to dress as a Uni, one of my pet hates is the "lean forward fall away". You do have to have a prosthesis on for this to be especially gross. That is when you have the wrong neckline on and you lean forward, say to put your groceries up from the cart to the counter. You look down and the weight of the prosthesis has fallen forward in the bra and you are looking straight down through it, to your waist. It is like looking at an optical illusion because the other side is totally normal. I saw Bec's eyebrows shoot straight up the first time she saw it, when I leaned over in front of her! I have learned about what to wear now, and it happens far less.
When you are ready, ndgirl and I will tell you about the "Contact", that's our prosthesis of choice! LOL
take care M x
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You're a cracker Wren!
Do they think the boob grow back? I love that!
You remind me of me! I can't remember to ring and complain about stuff till they are closed either!
F those referrals. That sounds like me trying to get in to see a specialist. I usually have an expired referral too. So much angst, I don't understand what the big deal is anyway, why do we need F'ing referrals, haven't we got enough to think about?
We don't get any help with bras on insurance here, in fact we only get a $400.00 rebate every two years for a prosthesis. Considering that the normal prosthesis cost about $450-$475 here we are out of pocket for the rest. I have private insurance so I get that back.
I have bought lots on Ebay, all new, for incredibly cheap prices, it's just a matter of being there at the right time. I buy most of my bras on Ebay because they are a fraction of the Oz price. Same with the Amoena Cami, my fave!
Send me your email...I am getting the camera out....M x
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Thank you for the welcome Wren!! Not quite medicare age yet, 64, I have really good insurance, so I am hoping maybe I can do the BMX. The recovery does sort of concern me being alone so soon after surgery. But I am not going to worry about that now. I also have to find out from them what I will get prosthetic and bra wise. I actually hadn't considered ins would pay for a cami/bra. I go braless at home all the time, always have, a cami sounds more comfy to me at this point. Nope, not DD, B/C here and gravity has been working on that!!
Ariom, no I didn't see the post with the links, was it in this thread?
Living in the state that was the home of the Unibomber, Uniboober is priceless. I'll have to cruise ebay and amazon for camis.
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The thread is "Will insurance cover a double mastectomy?" A woman there has posted the links for Federal Laws in the different States. It seems that many cover BMX.
If you can't find it, let me know and I will find it and post it here.
It is written by Maureen1, just search her name and scroll down to her posts and you'll see it.
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Thanks Ariom! I'll go look for it now. I know the Breast Care Coordinator told me that by law ins companies have to cover reconstruction after a MX and it can be done any time within 10 yrs of surgery, but no one seems to think they will cover the BMX.
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Maybe that was what I was reading, but I am sure I saw somewhere that in the USA you can get a double for the reason of symmetry. I could be wrong, but if you think you may want a double, check everywhere for info.
Everything will start moving quickly as the time approaches. You're a "ducks in a row" kinda gal, so you'll figure it out. Anything we can do to help, just ask! M x
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I was looking at the link to The Women’s Health and Cancer Rights Act of 1998, and it does say:
- Surgery and reconstruction of the other breast to make the breasts look symmetrical or balanced after mastectomy
So to me that says they should cover the BMX to "look symmetrical" since I don't plan to have reconstruction. I'm comfortable with the MX, now I think I have to go through the process again with the BMX once I verify my ins. covers it.
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Welcome GrammaB. So sorry you had to join this site. The first steps for the BC journey is difficult, then you come to understand had it not been for this DX you might have missed out on some things in life. Finding a new group of loving friends from around the world. The care, fitting, ups and downs of foobs. Just how many different styles of camis exists. : ) The journey is a lot easier with this site.
I'm not a uniboober. I chose to have a BMX, without recon, so I'm Flat and Fabulous. I just started the process of acquiring foobs, hopefully they will arrive in a few weeks and I can see my new physique. Being flat isn't bad, no bra to wear, and I'm toying with the idea of mowing the lawn topless. I do go topless in the backyard, just haven't gone outside the privacy fence.
We are here to listen, guide, laugh, or cry with you. Hugs0 -
Hello Flat Fabulous and Brave! Granwe I'm not brave enough to go topless outside yet. My goal is the beach one day. But I'm sure my DH would have a fit!
You are about 6 weeks ahead of me. I don't think my incisions would bother me but still have some swelling and tightness. Can't imagine wearing a bra. You'll have to let me know how that goes. Just curious. That night be something in my future. Have a cami and footballs but its too hot to wear.
Pond nice and calm this morning. Felt good to stand in the sun and do my stretches. Now laying flat and praying the reflux doesn't start and the nurse calls me back. It's worse in the evening.
Baby up in the night. Discovered 3 molars so I guess that explains the fever last weekend.
Need to do laundry. It's Monday! Hope everyone has a good week.0 -
grammmaB, I am glad you found that, You need to have all the info to be able to make a decision.
Hi, flat and fabulous Gramwe! I feel just like you about the journey, and the benefits of being here! It is a great little group we have here.
I would mow the lawn topless if I could Gramwe, but I am a bit "Victor Victoria" to pull it off:)
Everything OK in your world? You have a big day today, don't you? I hope all goes well. Any improvement on the OG hand yet?
Chat later......Take care....M x
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Hey Zills, I was going to bed, but thought I'd check to see if you'd been here. Glad you were, I would have been wondering if all was well.
No wonder there has been some night time unrest, poor baby, it must be so painful to cut those big teeth. At least you know what it was!
I did laundry yesterday, thought I had brought in the doona cover from the line outside, but it was still there this morning dripping wet from the heavy overnight rain. I had to wash it again. I like to dry things like that in the sun, but it ended up in the dryer.
Just two more sleeps till Bec arrives...ha, I am excited!
I feel for you with that reflux it is such a crappy feeling. I had a look online to see if I could find anywhere in the US with Quick Eze, but no luck. I take the ppi twice a day, but I still need Quick Eze too.
I hope you get some relief...take care M x
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Zills I take Pepcid for acid reflux, the chewable ones. For me they work fast and have no chaulky taste. Gaviscon makes mine worse, I don't know why.
Poor baby cutting those big teeth. It must be so hard to be a baby. Not being able to tell someone what hurts, all the things you have to learn in those first few months. Sitting up, crawling, talking, cutting teeth, walking, poor things so much expected out of them so quickly. I'd cry too. : )
Doctor for me in a couple of hours. Hopefully he can tell me why my heart is acting so oddly, why my blood pressure jumps all over the place, and what's going on with my kidneys. May be a long visit.
I went into a wild cleaning frenzy yesterday. Did laundry, some of which wasn't dirty, swept, mopped, and then vacuumed the whole house. Dusted, cleaned the bathrooms, cleaned all the glass surfaces, and threw out a ton of "stuff " Maybe when the doctors visit is finished I can get the grass mowed, and weed a flower bed and my little garden.
Be back later to give you an update.
Shoot I forgot therapy so that will impede upon my yard work time. Oh. Well the weeds will wait.0 -
Hi gals, back from a nice weekend with bff, had a great time, good visits, great food and lots of laughs! But good to be home again too! Friday before we left I was so sick to stomach, just felt yucky, was so afraid I wouldnt get to go but it worked out. I am not sleeping well again either.. damn! anyway...
GrammaB, welcome to these great boards, sorry you have to be here but if we do these gals are so helpful. I had the amoena cami post surgery and liked it alot, it holds the bulb of drains, I could just throw the drain around my neck when showering as well, but was expecting to use a lanyard but didnt have to. Hope you can find lots of help in your decision.. I am a uniboober, but I still have mixed emotions about it.. I had never had surgery before and didnt know if I could handle a bmx, my mom had just one removed and she always looked good, but I am a D so pretty lopsided. We will all have you in our pockets here, but sure of that. This is a great therapy for me, I am your neighbor living in North Dakota!! at one time we lived in Sidney, MT, loved it!
Wren, hope dh is better. Love that you are a cat lover and saver!! We are animal lovers as well
Zills, molars.. oh how I remember how our boys got sick with fevers, etc and then a molar would appear. Also I use vinegar w/ mother for indigestion and reflux, both dh and I feel it helps alot, we take it before meals and just whenever if needed! I wouldnt think it would hurt anything but I sure am no expert either. Take care of yourself,.. I still believe you are a SUPERWOMAN!
Gramwe.. thinking of you and dr. appts.. praying all goes well. let us know.
idesim.. love the thought of lemon smell, just the best, wish my house smelled like that, also fresh mowed grass! my riding mower is in the shop, needed some work, I know that will be a big bill when finished! As if medical bills arent filling the mail box
.Ariom, bet you are just on top of world with your daughters visit! by the way.. love the phrase "bee's dick" think I will get alot of miles from that one!! Copper is lovely, your house must be beautiful! Enjoy your time with daughter Bec. I told my bff about these boards and how helpful and that I am becoming addicted to my new friends and she was so glad I found this site! Told her about Bobo making "knitted knockers" She had a good laugh on some of our phrases!! how wonderful friends are.. both on this board and all over the world! whoever would have thought I would have a friend in Austrailia!
Well better get busy,, maybe I will even use some lemon scented house products.. ! that would make me feel good.
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GrammaB. You have about a month before surgery. If you're serious about a BMX then get your abs in shape or sleep in a chair. You will need some core strength but mine was compounded by an IV in one arm and the node removal in the other. I think a SNB is less invasive but your stomach looks a lot bigger with no boobs!
Also I suggest a short hair cut, a back scratcher, a gripper or grabber to reach stuff and a puff or sponge on a stick to wash your backside. I haven't found a back scratcher yet. Saw the grabber in the toy section at walmart and the bath thing at the dollar tree. A hand held shower attachment helps with the hair washing but mine adjusts at the shower head so be prepared to use whatever setting its on.
My worst day was taking off the bandages but I chose when to do it. It helps to have a second pair of hands to hold the skin and be there for moral support. It wore me out.
The drains are hot and annoying. So is not being able to shave. I've never had my underarms waxed and it may not be a concern for you. It might be cooler and less humid where you are. I carried my drains around in a dish towel so they could sit in my lap and not touch me. I was hot and went topless the whole time.
There are all kinds of suggestions for drains. The best is hand sanitizer to strip them. Makes it easy and kind of fun. I did wear a hoodie and put the drains in the pockets when I walked if it was chilly.
Also beware of child proof caps. Don't know if you need them. I do but use a rubber jar opener to give me leverage. Know where your hammer is!
It helps to be prepared. Makes you feel in control to take action. Things will move quickly so you're right to be considering options now. You will be amazed how quickly you feel better. Line some neighbors or friends up to drop by and bring you something appropriate to eat every few days. They want to help so let them and be specific. You can always not answer the phone or leave a note on the door if you're not up to company.0 -
Didn't sleep at all last night, my eyes are all red and bloodshot, basically I'm a mess!! I see both the MO and RO this afternoon, a bit nervous about that. Also it is going to be in the high 90°F in town and I melt in the heat!
ndgirl, thanks for the welcome! Yes, this seems to be a really great bunch of people!! I also have diabetes and belong to a wonderful diabetes forum and know just how great it is to get well wishes and help from all over the world. I have some great friends there and hope to make more here!!
I've had several surgeries, including a hysterectomy and cervical spinal fusion so the surgery part doesn't scare me much. It is the recovery and being on my own so soon that is giving me pause between MX and BMX, though I know ultimately I will be glad for the BMX.
Zills, glad you found out what was up with the baby. Teething can be so hard on them! I used to have acid reflux. When I got the diabetes dx last year, I went on a strict very low carb/high fat diet and in time it disappeared. Gone, never to return and many other members on the d board had the same result. Maybe something to look into? It also totally controlled my diabetes.
Wow, thanks for the great list of things to do before!!! I have been wanting to get a recliner, now I can justify it! I have severe back issues too so I can't do a lot of exercises, but will try to get some core ones going again as best I can. I already have really short hair, but just before surgery, I am going to get it almost shaved off!
Got the back scratcher, will get the grabber and puff on a stick, I already get the non kid proof lids on the few meds I take, the only problem that I might have is taking my blood sugar readings as that is a 2 handed job. But I'll figure out something.
I guess I'll just have to set the shower head and go with it, mine also adjust at the head and it is high. I haven't shaved under my arms in 20+ years! Very pale blonde sparse hair, doesn't even show, so no worries there, and I can certainly get by w/out shaving my legs. In fact in winter here I let the hair grow for more insulation!
One of the benefits of living alone!With my low carb/high fat diet, I will have to have a freezer of food ready to go. My daughter makes some great dishes I'm hoping she can make and portion for me while she is here.
It is probably cooler here than there, at least a lot less humid. The heat really kills me!
I'm not quite sure I understand about the drains and putting them around the neck, but I guess I'll find that out. How soon did you take off the bandages? My daughter will only be here for 2 days post surgery and my son won't be here for another 8-10 days after that. Maybe if I can get Home Health they can help?
I am such a nerd, I have been practicing doing everything with my left hand, with my right in my pocket for days in prep for the MX, now I don't know quite how to practice if I can do BMX!!
Hopefully after today's appointments and then of course the pre-op (7/25) when I tell the surgeon I want MX/BMX depending on what ins says, things will calm down for me some.
Yikes! Didn't mean to write a tome!!
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As far as bandages, I spent one nite in hospital and had a wrap-binder on, the stitches dissolve, they took the wrap-binder off the next morning and then gave me a pink stretch binder that closed with velcro. i was supposed to wear that untile drains were out but I had a hard time with it sometimes, so I sometimes took it off, but did try to sleep with it on. I just had tape across the incision that they said just let it fall off, but it would still be on there I think if after awhile I had to remove it myself, it was long after drains were out and I knew it was ok to do so. I had my surgery at Mayo so I trusted them to know their business. Someone suggested hand foam sanitizer to strip the drain tubes and my husband did that for about the 1st 2 days but I could have done it myself, but I only had 1 removed, would imagine a double is much harder to recover. I got out of hospital about noon and walked with hubby to an appt with onocologist which must have been close to 1/2 mile and felt fine. Had to laugh about practicing with left hand! I did the same with right hand, trying to figure out if I could comb hair etc. no you arent a nerd!! I also felt a little nervous about being by myself, even tho hubby is here but he works, but I really could have done ok, you will know how much to do, take it easy, I always tend to overdue so I learned a hard lesson!! well maybe, I still overdue at times. Good luck with appts. and will be checking in on your progress!
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GrammaB, There's a getting ready for surgery thread which has loads of ideas about what you need to do ahead of time. You'll be able to use your hand, it's raising your arm that's difficult and painful (at first).
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Back from a long doctors visit. I have a heart! Test showed that the left side is enlarged, not sure if that explains the fluttering. BP was normal the first time they took it, 5 minutes later it was high, 20 minutes later low. Kidneys showed no infection, but a bit of blood. They took a lot of blood for testing. In the mean time he wants me to see a cardiologist in the next couple of days. Kidneys can wait until we figure out the heart I guess. Then oddly on the way home I began bleeding from my ear canal. Who knows where that came from. I'm beginning to get that something is wrong feeling
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Poor Granwe. I bet you are really worried now. You have a lot on your plate. Try to take it easy. We are here for you.
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Granwe! I don't like the sound of that at all. Now I am officially worried about you! Standing by for an update about your ear canal. Get your Flat and Fabulous self back to the doctor! BTW, F the weasel, I am not happy with him this week.
Welcome Gramma! Ariom did well to warn you. We are an inveterate bunch of potty mouths, so fasten your seatbelt! Agree with all regarding symmetry. That is completely your right. In fact, there's a thread on BCO -- an excellent thread -- called something like... well, I don't remember the name of it right now, but I'm going to look it up. The person who started that thread is rocking flatness, and fought for symmetry, and for a PS to do her 'close.' She is a stalwart, a complete bad*ss. You'll love that thread, I think.
Ariom, your comfy show palace sounds right up my alley! I love that organic look -- unfinished-looking wood with natural wax on it, natural slate and glass. It sounds gorgeous and comfortable. Bec is coming! Bec is coming! We all can't wait. I want to watch her open her presents.
Laughing at your Dex story, since Bobo does the exact same thing: rolls in someone's poop (armadillo? cat?), then wipes his face on couch after a bath. This morning I said to DLLP, 'Give me a kiss,' and Bobo leapt back on to the bed, heading her off, then leaned over to me and gave me an actual kiss on the lips. He didn't lick my face, dog-style -- he bumped his snout against my lips and gave a tiny delicate lick. So, I guess everyone now knows where that relationship is at...
Z, how is your reflux issue? How is the baby? Not sure about this BCO outage, but don't think it will be bad for too long, right?
KNITTED KNOCKERS UPDATE! Wait, let me post. Excellent idea about that vodka room freshener. Someone please squirt some of that directly into my mouth. I've had a ridonculous day.
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I reply to myself. Gramma, just wanted to concur with my close friends here. I had a pretty extensive "partial mx" on the left side, and it was the least painless thing I've done so far. They've got excellent pain control going with that. Z has some great advice for you. And Ariom... Ariom is the go-to person for all things camisole. BTW, M, my stupid cutlet is not yet in! It's been something like three weeks! Still waiting for that, for the bras, etc. And I've got no time to call! I'm sure when I do, they'll be like, Yes, well, we're waiting for X Y and Z, blah blah blah.
Idesim, what's on the coffee table tonight? I like to think of you being swamped at the same time I am swamped. As soon as I come up for air (and finish moving) we will have to talk Wedding. I realize I owe everyone a proposal story; I am good for it.
And I realize I'm a little bit all over the place. Writing in a rare space between classes. Knockers update! Z's are finished; on Granwe's second one. Z and Granwe, I'm just going to stuff them with hypoallergenic cotton -- not with weights. Who wants heavy knitted knockers? These are really meant to be light I think. Let me know if you don't agree, and I will put a rock in there. nd, you are up next!
Wren, please PM me your address again, will you? Your package came back -- I loved your F message! But please be sure I had the right address. Agree -- I think someone did not take in the package... have you ever eaten at Aoki? It's a little Japanese lunch counter. I think it's in your town. Love that place!
Okay. I think that was a pretty good update. I could not tolerate the mushroom soup last night! So that continues. That's just the kind of dog I am. Z, what's going on with your next Tx? Still next week?
Love to everyone. {{{{{ARIOM IDESIM NDGIRL GRANWE WREN AND Z -- AND GRAMMA!}}}}}
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Gramma, here's that thread:
Forum: Living Without Reconstruction After a Mastectomy → Topic: I look for other flat chested women. A rant.
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Oh boy lots of posts.. I don't think I'll catch up today.. but for now I'll say hi.
Took one of my GF's out for birthday lunch yesterday.. she's a little over an hour away, so we drove over there and went to a nice seafood place and had a nice visit.. I haven't seen her since before DX so at least 8 months.
Then we went to look at a house down the street.. The house needs MAJOR work.. but omg the lot is gorgeous. I can't get the place out of my mind.. wish I was in a position to buy it. Not sure if you have to log in, but here is listing.. the pictures don't do it justice.. I don't know what crackpot took them.
It has a boathouse that has a screened in porch on it and just gorgeous views of the Marsh, the Belle island bird reservation and the City of Boston from the Southerly and Westerly side of the house.
Unfortunately it needs flood insurance so between taxes and insurance.. the escrows would be $1k a month and it needs a good $60k of work.
We're in the middle of a heatwave again, so sandwiches on the coffee table. Had a long day today.. and I have another loan package to do, which I'll do from home here. Tomorrow is one more crazy busy day and then hopefully it levels off for the rest of th e week.
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Ariom is 7/23 I think. I moved to 7/25 for earlier appt.
Got my v pillow in the mail. Can't wait to try it out!
Very hot and humid here. Hoping baby's bottom stays nice and pink. Hate diapers in this weather.
I guess Bec is here. Bobo is moving and everyone here trying to stay cool.
I think the outage was this am. Haven't noticed anything.
And yes you will be able to use both hands. Reaching is difficult but you can manage most things especially if you leave stuff on the counter. I had to bend over in the shower to wash my hair. I just came home with giant band aids that I could take off after xxx days.0
