new and future flat sister, with questions
Comments
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In the bag for Idesim also. Where is she? I don't know what time her appointment is.
Celine! I love you. Sending you kisses. XXXXXXXXXX0 -
In the bag for Bobo and Idesim. It is only out of my love for all of you that I will bring out this laptop to post. Whatever is going on with the site or with the user has not been resolved so I can't post from the kindle or my phone. Its like laryngitis of the keyboard. Know I am reading everyday more than once a day. On a good note I can now see pictures. Bless that sweet fur baby. So glad it is with a loving foster mum so it can be adopted to a loving home soon. Ok this laptop is a pain in the butt, without warning a whole paragraph will suddenly disappear. Grrrrrrrr. She tries again...Baby update, she has a tentative name or at least part of one, Emorie or Emory spelling has yet to be determined. Little mommy looks like a dolphin. Have I told ya'll F Femara? I hate this junk..I am walking 5 yes FIVE miles everyday, writing down every bite of food I put in my mouth, got on the scales and low and behold I had gained weight. Still coughing my lungs out, that's not from F Femara, so calling the old GP as soon as the office opens today. We have no surgery date yet, but the OG is having his middle finger amputated. Therapy isn't working, he's been enduring this injury for almost a year, so its time to cut his loss and get on with life. I have so much more to tell you, but this laptop is driving me crazier than normal. Maybe I should just go to the library and post. Know I'm lurking and wish I could talk back. HUGS0 -
I'm in the bag ready for some chocolate chip cookies. Sorry if we're rocking the bag. You know how we get and now there's chocolate involved!
5 miles. You go girl. Sorry about OGs finger but if it makes him pain free, why not? Do you walk fast and then slow? I've heard short bursts make it more productive. I think it's called interval training.
I have been walking more but no where near 5 miles. Last night I was pushing a lime green stroller with a pink polka dotted baby inside with me in a pink/gray hat with ear flaps and braids in teal cords with a grey sweatshirt and 2 black cats, 2 grey cats and a brown tabby following. The boy stayed home to play monster trucks. Lost the tabby on the way home. He found a new friend in the isolation barn. What am I going to do when it gets cold?0 -
Oh no! So sorry to hear about your computer troubles, granwe -- F them -- and F the F'ing Femara, and so sorry about the OG's middle finger! Will it make things better for him? Will it interfere with his work? We have been missing you. I vote for the common spelling of Emory. Fancy spellings can make people mispronounce the name. But I imagine there is no telling your DD what to do! When is our baby due?
Z, you paint a pretty picture of your walk! What are you going to do with all those kitties? Hmm. Kentucky. Do you get snow there? You will bring the kitties inside. Pining for Celine update.
Appt with AF today successful: she's going to do the sx. No lymph involvement on MRI, so no dyeing of the nodes, which is the most excellent news. Sweating bullets as I waited one hour for her to come to the appt (she was nearly one hour late). I thought since nodes were clear she would try to engage in another argument. But, no. Why? Perhaps she has spoken to her mentor at Northwestern?
Psych consult still on the table. But she went out of her way again to tell me she was going to let the psych know I am not crazy. Apparently standard procedure for mx without recon. And she recommended a meeting with plastics anyway! Just to see what great things they are doing!! That's okay -- while I am there, I will ask him to do my 'close,' so it will be nice and straight.
I set the date tomorrow. I'm thinking about the last week of classes, which will be the first week in December. The kids will still be in school for two more weeks. So I'll have that time to build myself back up, then two weeks off with the kids for christmas and New Years, and DLLP will be home for quite a bit of that. Then back to work.
Where is my idesim?0 -
gramwe, we have all been so concerned about you. I hate computers when they don't operate the way they should.
As for the weight gain, doesn't it just destroy you? You're working so hard to keep fit too. I hope this cough gets resolved, but I know from experience that they can hang about for ages. Wishing you all the best.
I say F the steroids every day. If I don't take them, I can't move, if I do, I carry a stomach that jiggles! Oh to feel slim again would be such a bonus.
I am sorry for the loss of the OG's finger, but it may just be the best thing, It isn't like he hasn't done everything possible to rehabilitate. You have both had such a lousy time this year, I feel for you both.
I vote for Emory too! lovely! If she were here it would be shortened to "Em" which is lovely too. Australians shorten, or change every name. I am called Moi, by some, and just M by others. It is a weird thing. Rebecca is never called her full name, always Bec.
I am so glad you finally got through and we know you are sort of OK! Big Big hugs to you and the OG, I sure hope things start to improve for you! M x0 -
Hello Zills, I am picturing you and your troupe like in a movie with fun music playing as you make your way to the pond!
That sounds like such a great colorful sight! I don't know how brutal the weather gets there, but can you continue to walk in the Winter all rugged up?
It was fun in the bag today! M x0 -
Oh Bobo, I am so pleased we have lift off! and no SNB, that's amazing but wonderful because I believe that was the most uncomfortable part of the recovery.
I wonder how you feel now, my lovely, as it is all about to transpire. It has been such an uphill battle for you. I wish I'd been able to give you a hug when you came out. I'm sure it was a relief, but was it a bit scary final too?
I am assuming that what was seen on the MRI hasn't raised any alarms. The psych consult, if it has to be, wouldn't faze me, in fact I think I may actually enjoy letting the psych know that there are women who aren't defined by breasts and can live a very positive life sans boobs. If it meant I was adding numbers to the stats that are favorable for others treading this path, then so be it!
I think your planned timing is absolutely right, and will work very well with both the children DLLP and the holidays. I also, would love to go for the plastics consult and ask for that surgeon to close for me. That would be my final little twist of the knife to AF, pardon the pun! "Yes, I will let you do the surgery that you're so good at, but I want a plastics expert to close!" Clapping my hands with glee! What a lovely little slap to her Highness!
Ooooooh Bobo, I am excited that you are going to get what you have been fighting for, for so long.
You know we'll all be there for you, all the way! ((((HUGS)))))0 -
Oh bobo, I am so glad you got the answer you wanted!! I guess the psych eval is something required at some hospitals and not others as I didn't have to have one for my bmx. Are you doing both or just one, not sure what sx is. Your timing sounds perfect, it will give you more than enough time to be ready for work and enjoy the holidays. I am so happy for you!
gramwe, I so totally know the frustrations when techy stuff doesn't work like it is supposed to!! Sorry to hear about OG's finger, but as you said he has done all he can and it is time to do it and move on. I vote for Emory too! What a sweet name!
Zills, what a fun sight you must have been on your walk! So colorful!0 -
I've been reading, but haven't really sat down to post!
I am so thrilled Bobogirl that finally there is resolution and the timing sounds great to me. Nice call making the plastics appt productive
I am laughing because it took me like 2 pages of posts to figure out what AF was.
Granwe, I am so sorry to hear bout the OG just another thing to add to the list of shit you've had to endure. 5 miles? How do you keep yourself entertained.. I get bored so easily!
Moira, I am NOT going to look at the air fryers... what do you mean it does brownies???
Wren, that poor baby, I can't way to follow her progress...
Zills, I am laughing over the colorful pied piper image I am getting!
GrammaB, I am glad you are feeling better, I too turn my head during the animal commercials, it makes me sick to my stomach.0 -
Celine is showing a bit of her basement cat side. She nips when I type instead of petting her and tonight she drew blood. Poor thing is starving, but if I give her more than a tablespoon every few hours she barfs. I don't think she's made the connection, but I have.0 -
poor baby, it will come, but slowly.0 -
So happy for you Bobo, I could hardly wait for my turn at my son's computer to check this site and see how your appt. went. I still cant believe the psych exam, not a word was every mentioned to me, even when they questioned me about removing both and that is at Mayo Clinic, which is supposed to be one of the finest, but who knows what is the best anymore? your timing sounds great, hope this all works out for you and family.
wren, poor baby kitty, nurse her back to good health, how lucky she has you! I too would love to see progress pics.. heartwarming story.
5 miles?? whew good for you, i need to get more motivated, this is such a lovely time of year but know it is waning quickly, snowballs will soon be here, unlike Ariom, I love to walk in the snow and smell the crisp air, and love the crunch of snow... sorry M!
Good nite to all, busy days ahead for me so better get some sleep.0 -
Ahhh, Celine update! Celine! Naughty girl! Do not nip out Birdie too hard! She is a love junkie.
Is she getting crunchies? Or wet? Poor baby, she does not understand she is eating until she barfs. She is so lucky to have a cat doctor like you, Wren. I think... wait for it... this one's a keeper!!! Ooooh. It is bringing back memories of nursing my Miguel. He lived in my office. I held him for seven hours a day while I was working in there. I lectured in there, from home -- taught online. He loved the lectures! Oh, he was a pitiful looking thing. Only a mother could love him. And now, you wouldn't believe it! That will be our Celine.
M -- you understand my plan perfectly! I wanted to consult with PS anyway. Go ahead: put me through the ringer! Try to amp up PS sales! I will turn the tide in my favor! I hope.
I ate with real appetite last night for the first time in yonks! I can only think it was relief. I think I am not aware of how much stress this all has caused. I am still cautious -- I cannot believe it's true! M, I am not scared, strangely. I have been living under the threat of this for so long, now it doesn't have much effect on me!
You are just right regarding psych. I am looking at it as an opportunity to pave the way for other women who want to rock flatness. ND, you are so lucky about the Mayo Clinic. They sound like a bunch of bad asses over there!
Idesim, I must scold, I felt so worried about you when you didn't post. How was your appt. You always underplay! I am on a need-to-know basis. Did your appt make you feel loopy? Are you feeling better? It was so good to be in your bag while I was actually at an appt. Parallel lives.
Okay. I want to plan. Will you indulge me? I know there is that stupid surgery thread. I have read it dozens of times when prepping for various threatened mxs. But I want the list from our bad a$s gang. What should I get ready? Almost sad about the fact that I already have most of it from April.
Worried about what I will eat in the first two weeks, since I don't eat dairy, I believe I won't be able to make my own protein shake, and I'm not sure I can heat things up on the stove. Can I?
And idesim, will you detail your couch-against-the-wall procedure?
And Ariom, I know you've done it a million times, but will you tell me exact scar strips and exact oil blend for massage?
I'm having a bit of a plan for Christmas too -- I always handmake presents for the children, and I've got to step it up since I don't know if I will be able to knit or sew much the week or two after surgery. Do you think I will be able to wrap presents three weeks after?
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ldesim, so glad your back! Yes brownies, cookies and cake. I know you don't really want to hear this, but this is the best cooking appliance I have ever had! I haven't had a single thing fail. I did chicken filet in cornflake crumbs tonight, steak with black pepper and garlic crust last night. They were absolutely perfect . no fat whatsoever. Fries are brilliant, and pre cooked Samosas were lovely too. I don't know how it does it. I can see me giving the BarBQue a big miss this year when I can get these results in this. Easy peasy to clean too, everything inside is teflon/non stick. gB, it isn't one of the ones you sent the link to, but I don't know how to do the link thing. Just google Air Fryer, there are a lot of versions, this is a Rank Arena.
Wren you're amazing! Poor kitty will get there with you looking after her well being.
ndgirl! Enjoy your walking in the snow, I wish I could do it, but it is just an aversion I have. Also, I am a klutz, so slipping is something I do without snow or slush. One year I spent 18 weeks, so 3 different times at 6 weeks each in a "moon boot" for a broken ankle and then two separate broken bones, in one foot! I kid you not!0 -
Bobo, I am so thrilled you got your appetite back and are feeling positive about the whole deal!
I think you'll find that most of the stuff you think you'll need will never be used.
Button front or zip front shirt/jacket, anything you don't need to lift your arms up for. In saying that, I think having nodes removed is what makes that really uncomfortable. I didn't have the cami that fit the drain, I just used a lanyard type ribbon for in the shower and a cloth shoulder bag. They did the job for a UMX, but you may need the real deal for a BMX.
THROAT LOZENGES, sorry for the shouting, but OMG, I wish I had known about those. My throat was so sore and dry, and they couldn't find any without the awful anesthetic in them and I hate that feeling.
You have the V pillow?
I think you'll be amazed at how much you can actually do. I don't mean to "overdo" but so long as you listen to your body and nap when you need to and don't overuse your arms, you'll just cruise it in.
I know I only had one off, but I was making afternoon tea for the visiting nurse and my neighbor on my second day at home. I made my own protein shakes, and could heat up things on the stove or in the microwave without any problems. Just no reaching up.
You will need plenty of protein for healing...lets start thinking about that now, so it's not a problem when you need it. I'll look up some vegetarian recipes and post.
I had no problem wrapping Christmas gifts a couple of days after my surgery, I stood up to do it at the table.
I think the others will be better able to advise about doing the sewing or knitting. I don't do either, so can't advise.
The oils that I use are called "Balanced Essentials", Be Relieved which is an analgesic blend of essential oils Wheatgerm, Macadamia and Sweet Almond Oil. I am sure there will be something close to that, that you will be able to source over there. The silicone strips are called ScarFx and I bought the 22'" x 1" long strips, which I cut in two, so I had two to alternate. I think there are drug store brands in the US which may be less expensive and do the same job.
That's all I can think of right now. Just ask about anything else!
Take it easy..M x0 -
Bobo. So glad you're eating! Shouldn't have any problems since no node involvement. May need to leave stuff on counter or move the vitamix to table but you're tall. Probably not an issue. Remember to take painkillers on time the first few days, always eat with them and drink lots. Walk some every day. Be sure you can open your meds. You will be amazed how quickly you feel like doing stuff., especially by week three. It may take you all day to fold laundry but it's good PT the first week. DH said a handheld shower for the tub was the best to give me a shower. They are about $30 at Lowes and a handy person can install it. Ask about AFs protocol for showering and bandages. Everyone is different. I could by day three but GrammaB was longer.0 -
Taking a poll. Do you think a solid black or white shirt would wash me out? Have family pix next week for church and going to get Christmas cards done too. Baby wearing a red sweater and boy wearing a navy vest. I was a blonde. Now just white fuzz. Any suggestions? Have to go find shirts for me and DH.0 -
also hand sanitizer to strip the drains. Ask AF how many to expect. No nodes so less.0 -
Black is not good against anyone's face, in my opinion, no matter what the coloring of the person. That said, I wear a lot of black. How about white shirt, and then with some kind of enlivening scarf? And then DH could have white shirt with or without a necktie.
Love all my good advice. Jealous of the airfryer!0 -
Z, you are a blonde, and you will be again! You are our blonde that has more fun! Wait! I now realize why I don't have more fun.0 -
A medium blue usually photographs well. White and black both wash me out. Goes with white hair also LOL. A blouse with some sort of neck interest would work too.0 -
Stop torturing me with the air fryer! I agree with Bobogirl on shirt.. white shirt only if it has a scarf or else it might be too much with the white hair.. perhaps a navy patterned scarf to match the boy and DH in a white shirt with maybe a red patterned tie to match the baby... all I know is I better get one !
Bobogirl, what do you have thus far? Something tells me you are probably good to go, we just need to get your punk on for the surgery and we have plenty of time. I didn't think I'd be comfy in the recliner, so Joe thought it would be best if we push the sofa up against the wall and we put a bed rest.. I'm not sure the exact name of it.. but you use it to read in bed and it has arms.. we put that up against the wall and put a bunch of pillows and that worked great for me... in fact I kept it like as its comfy watching tv lol. I don't know if that would be the best option for you, keep in mind, I only had one side. I am a stomach sleeper so this made it comfy for me because I slept kind of up against the sofa lol.
Poor Celine, how about some of that kitten milk? I' bought some for the stray to give him some extra calories.. he adores it, I mix all his food in it and he wipes the bowl clean, but maybe this will give her some nourishment while being easy on her tummy? I think its KMR or something like that0 -
bobo, I slept in my own bed (with a wedge pillow) the first night home from the hospital. This is where the slippery pj bottoms come in. Very easy to slid in and out. I was alone at day 2 after surgery and was cooking all my own food and functioning pretty much normally. I did have several meals in the freezer so all I had to do was nuke them. Take lots of breaks/rests though. I found the Amoena cami with drain pouches very helpful for managing the drains (I had 4). I did put all my dishes/pots/pans out on the counter so I didn't have to reach up for them.
I was allowed to shower at 3 days, Zills must be thinking of someone else. I had to be bound continuously for 2 weeks, that may be what Zills was thinking of. I just tied a strip of gauze around my neck and had the visiting nurse pin the drains to the back. Having them in the front made it hard to wash the incisions. I didn't have to do any protection to the drain sites, just shower every day after day 3. I have read on threads here that some people can shower the day they come home and some have gone a couple of weeks. I think this is all up to the BS's preferences.
Gotta go PT guy here!0 -
Morning all!
Zills, are you makeup girl? If you are, just a smidge more than usual. The lights will wash you out. I am a black/white wearer with white hair, but for pics a colorful scarf is the go, with a white, or blue shirt as the others suggested.
ldesim, I am sorry, I don't mean to torture you!
Like you, I think Bobo has everything she'll need. I am a stomach sleeper too, and found I could actually roll half over and sleep well like that. The only annoyance was the rotten drain. In fact that was the only down side for me, I used my recliner during the day, with a V pillow, but found it a bit hard to get out of, and slept every night in my own bed. Also, I had no pain, just strange sensations, so no meds at all. For me, that was a bonus, because I was a bit loopy from the general anesthetic, so I didn't need pain meds making me worse.
It's funny how the different Doctors and Hospitals have different rules about showering. I was in the shower first thing next morning, and did my PT exercises under the hot water every day.
gB's experience recently shows how able you will be. I think we will have as much trouble keeping you down as we did with gB:)
Take care...M x0 -
I just finished radiation two weeks ago. I am wondering what PT some of you had and what you had it for. I am noticing tight skin after open wounds started healing after radiation and wonder whether to be stretching or limiting, as the stretching cracks things open again but I don't want skin to heal and NOT stretch out so that I can't raise my arm over my head, for heaven's sake.
HollyBoo0 -
Okay. Answering idesim's 'What do you have?' question:
hand sanitizer
latex gloves (for drains)
stool softener
dried fruit
wipes
spray nozzle in kitchen sink (for hair washing)
V pillow (no wedge pillow)
extra pillows (I bought six -- I did all this when I thought the sx was in April)
button down pjs (three pairs) -- silky, for sliding out of bed
I do have one or two zip-up hoodies
things to get:
scar fx
special oil for scar (I realize this will be later, but I've bookmarked the items so I won't forget them)
throat lozenges
maybe a microwave? I don't have one. Maybe it would be easier to heat stuff up that way, instead of worrying about pots and pans?
Many thanks for helping with my list, you guys! XXX0 -
I am absolutely gobsmacked by you girls!
I just went to my mailbox and there's an envelope from Kentucky, I think to myself as I am opening the envelope walking to the house, I only know one person who lives in KY. I open that envelope and out spills photos and a hand drawn picture, another card, by the time I reach the front door, I know what this is, and I am already in tears! What a beautiful gesture, so wonderful from all of you, and Zills, who must have sent this off around the country, had it returned and then sent it to me. I love you all so much! and to share your beautiful children with me, just makes me so happy.
You wouldn't have known, but the timing is perfect, this is the anniversary of losing my boy Vi, so to be receiving such a lovely heartfelt gift from all of you, is just magic! Thank you so much! M xoxoxo0 -
Hello hollyboo, and welcome!
I didn't have rads, but others here will be able to advise because they had them.
I am a huge believer in massage to keep the skin supple and to prevent adhesions. You need a good nourishing oil with lots of slip so you can do circular massage with your whole hand.
I also did the PT exercises set by my surgeon 4x a day, at least once under the hot water in the shower.
I am not sure if this is a good regime for radiated skin, but I am sure others will let you know soon.
Take care!0 -
Thanks, Ariom.
Sounds like you just got a major appreciation treat at just the right time. I cannot imagine losing one of my children, adults though they are.
What oils have you all found useful for massage, for healing radiated skin. I do have a knot underneath one of the burns that thankfully is not cancer, although I, of course, thought it was an instant tumor. I bet it can be rubbed out once my skin has healed enough to massage.
I will be a uni-boober for at least a year due to needing to lose weight if I want reconstruction. But the other issue is that I have ILC, not IDC, per post mastectomy pathology. So, I might want to remove my other breast and not go through this---having cancer remaining post surgery in the chest muscle. So I may be a half-flat sister, or a flat sister or a flat-for-awhile-sister. Right now I am concave along with a 42F. Pretty funny combo, really. So, I am not even really a "flat" sister! Gotta laugh along with the tears.
HollyBoo0 -
Hi again hollyboo!
I am feeling very spoilt by our group! They were acknowledging my 60th birthday.
You're right about losing a child, it is devastating. It has been 3 years and I still don't really believe it.
I use an aromatherapy blend of oils in a base of Wheatgerm, Sweet Almond and Macadamia Oils. The essential oils are a good antiviral, and antibacterial, but the base oils are just for nourishing the skin. You can use olive oil, or coconut oil, in fact any good oil will do. It is all about getting the skin hydrated and mobile over the incisions.
You've still got a ways to go. I am sorry to hear of your path report.
I am a Uni, no desire to recon. I have a 38D to contend with on the other side, but I am so used to it now, it isn't a drama. I have so many boobs, foobs and prosthesis that I can usually find the right boob for any outfit! I occasionally do go half flat too and I don't have an issue with that either.
I wish you all the best, the others will be here later, and I am sure they will have more information on the radiated skin. M x0
