new and future flat sister, with questions
Comments
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Meant to add this observation to last post. Didn't remember till I was posting it on another thread.
I have been trying out my foobs and bras around the house the past few days and am finding I'm not really thrilled with them. It is possible the bras still aren't the proper fit, but more so I just like being flat. In fact yesterday when I went to the dr I went flat. Didn't even wear a scarf, just my sweater and a vest. I felt less conspicuous and uncomfortable flat than I would have had I worn the foobs...
Maybe I am just not used to them yet, I don't know, at least I have them if I ever feel the "need" for boobs!!
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gB, so sorry to hear of your hand pain, and that you're still feeling wiped out after your trips to town.
I have cortisone shots all over me, shoulders elbows, hips and wrists, for my Rheumatoid. I find them to be fantastic at relieving pain, and I get a long time pain free from a shot too.
I had my right hand operated on some years ago. Had all the synovial pockets removed and the tendons split and redirected to give a functioning hand again. I was in a contraption with pulleys for all my fingers for 5 long months, and lots of PT, but my hand is now much like it used to be. Not quite as strong, but 100% better than what I had. I need the other one, and both thumbs done, but since I am not working like I was for the Airline and having to manage 32kg bags, for passengers, I can deal with it not being 100% stable.
That surgery was the one I really put the effort into the Silicone Strips. The surgeon gave me the first one fairly soon after the stitches were out, and I followed his directions to the letter. It could have been a really nasty scar. It goes straight across my knuckles, and curves around my hand at both ends. These days it is barely visible. That's why I have been so into the strips, this time around.0 -
gB, just noticed your post about the foobs.
I wonder, is it because you went straight from flat to silicone with a structured mx bra?
I am only speaking from my own UMX experience, but I started off in knitted Ahh bras with soft foobs, and then graduated to the heavier silicone. I have a couple of Mx bras that will never be right for me because they seem to sit on the area where my drain was and has never stopped being tender.
I guess it is possible that your bras are the wrong fit for you, do you have a lingerie department in a store near you? I would probably check out the sizing in normal, not Mx bras, just to see if it's right.
If you are comfortable going flat all the time, then all power to you! I think I'd go flat, a lot, if I had both off. I actually like going half flat now and again myself. I just wear a shape wear tank to contain the other side.
I wondered why I could buy, new with receipts prosthesis so cheap on Ebay. I guess it is from women who have the insurance to pay for the prosthesis, but find they don't really like them. We only get reimbursed once, every two years for them here.0 -
Ariom, I am having problems using the strips. I have ScarAway strips. I was putting them on at bedtime and wearing them at night about 12 hrs total. In the morning when I take them off, my skin is red and inflamed. Maybe I need to try a different brand? During the day I put Mederma scar gel on 3X. I just bought some Vit E oil, but I think I will wait until the Mederma is gone before I start to use it
I have osteoarthritis in my thumbs and not sure what flavor in my lower spine. I've had shots in my low back too. As long as they control the pain, I'll be sticking with them!
You could be right about the silicon being too heavy to begin with. I wore a 38 or 40 inch bra before surgery and the mx ones I have are both 38 and 40 so the weight of the foobs may be the issue. I haven't worn the contact ones yet, I am going to wait until at least 6 months out before I start trying them. I think I might have gone too big with the foob too. I got size 6's, maybe should have gone 5 or even 4. The 6's feel like the size I was before and I look normal to myself, but the weight may be the issue.
Looks like I may need to make a trip to Spokane and see a real fitter before the end of the year.0 -
gB, I am wondering if the bras may not be quite right either. You lost a lot of weight didn't you? Are the bras riding up in the back at all? What cup size were you before?
Just as a reference, I was a 38 C/D before, and after losing about 10kg before surgery, then putting back 5kg, I am a now 38C bra with a size 8 prosthesis. I have one size 7, but it really is too small.
I don't have any redness after using the scar strips, but I did start off slowly, and built up, to an all night with it on. I always massage with oils during the day.
You're very wise to leave the contacts for a good while. I think they could be a real problem if used too early.
I think a visit to another fitter may be the way to go, but unless you can do it soon you won't be able to return or exchange the forms you already have. I have found that the stores everywhere are very good about exchanging. I think ndgirl actually exchanged hers too.0 -
Wren! That wind sounds terrible! I too prefer if DLLP would just buy me the presents that I want. What is it with that? She does not know how to buy good presents.
Many thanks for your concern regarding the ramp-up to sx. Just thinking -- should I be cooking like a maniac and freezing things? Or should DLLP just make things from Trader Joe's that are easy to make for the kids? That won't kill them. I hate for them not to have home cooking.
I think DLLP has NO idea how busy she's going to be. She's pretty busy right now with me working full-blast. I'm trying to tell her about it, but she doesn't seem to understand. I just hope I am on enough drugs not to be bothered by what a mess everything is going to be.
I am not sleeping. Ariom, you will be very unhappy to know that I have been working since about 7:30 this morning! Happy Sunday everybody! XXX0 -
Bobo. You should make a schedule and cook extra for YOUR lunches and dinners for about a week to ten days. If you want and have time and freezer space to make a couple of family dinners, ok.
That first week or so they can survive on takeout, cereal or breakfast. Let DLLP worry about it. My kids lived on sausage biscuits and applesauce for a day or two every round of chemo. Whatever it takes.
Can they do lunchables? Mcdonalds? Taco Bell? KFC? Pizza? Those are nut free and have non dairy options. Don't remember what's on your allergy list. I know it's not ideal but they aren't totally unhealthy. It's only for a week. I hear IKEA is offering vegan dishes. Is there one near you? I love their food.
Just trying to think of what's quick and easy and fun! Will take the pressure off you and make it easy for DLLP.0 -
Bah Humbug! One radio station has already switched over to all Christmas music. I'm not ready!0 -
Zills, know what you mean. Between our local elections and endless talk shows about health care on my favorite 2 stations I have had it. Switched my car radio to rap which I don't even like. Obviously the critics have never experienced a computer upgrade--probably leave it to their staff.0 -
Hi all, beautiful sunny crisp day here. Yesterday the lovely foreshore market was packed up and gone by 9am. The wind and the rain was terrible, so I spent most of the day on the couch watching movies with Colin and Dex.
Grrr, Bobo, you need to get some rest! Good grief, but I worry about you!
Bobo, if you have the time, it would be a good idea to freeze some of your meals, but don't give yourself more stress. Do you not have good options of fresh prepared frozen meals at the supermarket over there? We have some great options here. Great food, no nasties and snap frozen. So can you stock up beforehand and know they are eating good wholesome food without any preparation or stress for you. Now, I think I am remembering you don't have a microwave? Is that right? You have to get one, if I am remembering right!
Zills is right, Ikea does great food, I miss Ikea food!
I think you'll probably be surprised how DLLP will step up to the plate when the time comes. Those drains and a new surgery have a way of shocking people into positive action!
hahahah!0 -
Hi Zills, did you enjoy the time away with your Sister? Have you had a good sleep now that you are home? The children, are they sleeping now that they are back in their familiar surroundings?
I have to ask, were there any little surprises when you got home? maybe a shelf? I know so many people who have tradesmen for husbands, and they go nuts because they never get the work done at home, so end up paying someone else to come in and do it.
Good grief Zills, a radio station dedicated to Christmas music, that would drive me to the brink, don't listen to it, you'll go mad!
The Christmas stuff is in the stores now, but I am a Bah Humbug type. I don't do a tree any more. I am going to make a wreath for my front door this year from native Aussie trees, and I think that will be the sum of it. Oh, I also have some ornaments that go on the two big Feng Shui plants at the front door. That's it for us.
Wren, that would drive me to distraction too. I just use the mp3 with fave music on it in the car. The radio here leaves an awful lot to be desired. I am used to the good FM radio stations in the city that play everything that I like, not the country stuff that is the favorite out here. You can take the girl out of the city, but you can't take the city out of the girl!!!! That's what Colin says, anyway!
Quiet Monday here...chat later M x0 -
let's see if this goes right?
Introducing.
Spookie!0 -
here's my baby girl, Spookie0 -
Oh, how absolutely gorgeous!0 -
Um, I am peeing myself with happiness. Spookie! Especially love the framed pictures of Spookie in the background as Spookie poses in the foreground...
Birdie! Rap! That is excellent. But listen. I can't wait for the Christmas music! Especially this year. I'm going to have to get a lot done early. So I won't mind launching in now! I like to make it really nice for the kids...
Love Ikea. But not one near here. A, you are right about natural frozen foods. But no, don't have microwave! I really don't want one! Do I have to? (whining tone) Or can I just heat in the oven?
Z, nope, none of those foods for the baby. She is too allergy sensitive. We do Chipotle, though, and bento. And DLLP can do natural hot dogs, baked beans, fish fingers, etc. Applesauce. So I'm thinking maybe I should let her do that. And she'll eat what the kids eat (yuck). Can't imagine I will be very hungry. In fact forgot to eat lunch today.
Have appt for GYN on Thurs but I'm canceling it for now. Have I told you? I can't handle it right now. I'll do it after. I don't think waiting five weeks is going to be a matter of life or death. Good chance the biopsy is negative and they can find that out in five weeks. I don't have enough time to organise and educate a new GYN. I feel I am coming to the bottom of educating doctors for the moment.
Spookiesmom. Must I send Bobo to the dog hotel? For three or four days during hospital time? Or can DLLP just come home and feed him and walk him? He does not love it. He does not eat there. It's a very nice place -- five acres -- but he hates it. I just can't figure out what to do. Don't want to leave him for long stretches in the house in case something goes wrong. X0 -
Hi! Sorry for not stopping in been busy with this and that.. I think tomorrow will be a slowish day at work.. I will catch up reading then I think... just wanted to say everything is ok.. I know I worry about you guys when I don't hear from you!!!
*hugs*
Chicken on the coffee table.... This hour early darkness has made me so sleepy! Hate it!0 -
Bobo, I honestly don't know if you can heat those meals in an ordinary oven. I think it would take for....ever. These things are frozen solid. It takes 12 minutes in a Microwave for most of them.
This time I agree with you Bobo, I would probably wait the 5 or so weeks too. I doubt there would be any real difference in that short time. I believe in one major thing at a time! But you must follow up later.
How exuberant is your Bobo,...... Bobo? Just wondering about how you'll manage perhaps 4 drains and a very tender chest if you have a big loving, huggy type dog? If Bobo is a quieter nature, and well behaved it will be a different story.
I had no choice but to put Dex in the kennel because he loves to lie across my chest in bed, and can launch at me from across the coffee table in a display of love that can knock me backwards! I actually had to keep Dex at the kennel for a couple of weeks, just to be sure. In saying that, Dex loves the kennel, so it is no hardship for him to go there. The owners spoil him so much he can't wait to get out of the car when we drop him there. If they pick him up from here, he can't wait to go with them!
Just think about what is going to be the best for you! Bobo will be fine, either way.
M x0 -
Bobo, think positive. You should only be in hospital over night. Could somebody check in on him, give dinner and potty breaks?0 -
Hi ldesim, so glad you popped in. I too worry when others don't stop by.
I love daylight saving time. I look forward to it every year. I just love having the daylight stretch into the night. I don't mind the return to normal in the Winter too because I like to be inside and cozy when it gets dark.
We have a couple of states that don't do it. I remember when it was first brought in, there was a furor in Queensland, over whether it would make your drapes fade, having an extra hour of sunlight. DUH
M x0 -
ok then you have almost a weeks worth of ideas there for the kids. But yes you have to eat. Microwave not necessary. Just takes longer in oven. Look at eating the same as meds. A must do. Don't want to be in the hospital for Christmas and ruin all your hard work.
You know best about bobo and gyn. Don't blame you for not wanting another appt.
No surprises for me when I got home. Kinda forgot about it. Too tired.0 -
Oooh, that's a good threat Z! No, don't want to be in hospital for Christmas. DLLP just plunked something on the coffee table in front of me -- 1/2 a giant slab of roast squash, a whole avocado (uncut), and a bowl of grains that have not been cooked properly, and said, Arrange it yourself. I am sick of arranging things for you. So, as you can see, I am in for a real treat when I can't do things as well on my own. Everything she makes looks chopped up and disgusting like a dog's dinner. So I guess that was her pre-emptive response. Needless to say, looking at this, I am more hungry than ever, right?
Z, no surprise? That makes me sad!0 -
Poor bobo. Sounds like tensions are running high at your house.
It was just the opposite here. He made dinner. Was excited about making something new. Both boy and I made faces. Didn't turn out as expected.0 -
Oh F that Bobo! That makes me mad, and sad! That meal sounded, well, pretty ordinary!
Spookiesmom is right. You'll only be in Hospital overnight or maybe an extra day. If someone can call in and feed and toilet, it should be fine. It is you, taking a big doggie hit to the chest, that concerns me more than Bobo's toilet breaks!
Zills, I was hoping there would be a shelf when you got home, but a dinner being cooked for you is good too! Hugs for everyone..M x0 -
F that indeed! Z, so happy for your experimental dinner, but sorry it did not turn out okay...
M, I hate to hear of you having pain, and hand pain. F that. Oh! Your poor hand with the scars. Is it really better?
My Bobo is exuberant. He is a jumping guy. He likes to "wrestle." All the bad things. But -- when I had my other two surgeries, he morphed into a gentle giant. I remember he put his big head near the sx site -- not on it, but he was guarding it -- and curled himself up around me. I was never scared at all. He never stepped on me -- and he steps on people all the time! He has been a pretty good guy with the surgeries. And just think! He was pretty young with the first one. I love that guy.
Spookie, you really think 24 hours? To be honest, I am hoping longer. I know everyone is wanting out of hospital, but I am worried about being kicked out, still on drugs, and managing drains by myself. I want a little more time to get used to things.
Off to get the kids organized! XXX0 -
Bobo I was scheduled for 7:30 surgery. Didn't happen till about 11:30 thanks to somebody's screw up. Over, done, slept off the versed? Next morning had breakfast, called DH. Nurse came in to explain drain care, etc. home by noon. Wasn't hung over, but still tired. And hungry!!! As surgeries go, it wasn't real awful. I've had worse. Think 4 level cervical fusion.0 -
Bobo, mine was a UMX, but surgery didn't happen till about 4pm due to complications in an earlier surgery. About 7:30pm they transferred me to an observation ward. I sent DD and DH home about 8:30 because I was afraid they would go to sleep and fall out of their chairs. DD came in before breakfast with a latte and I went home about 10:30am. I took vicodin about 2 days.
Given DLLP's level of cooking, I would make food for you ahead of time and freeze it. Sounds like she eats kid-type food anyway, so she can feed them. You need protein to heal, so lay in a supply of high protein foods you can eat.0 -
Oh my, bobo, that attitude also makes me mad and sad. It sounds like bobo will be the least of your problems, what a love he is! Is there a Rent a Center near you that you could rent a microwave from for a few weeks? Having meals in the freezer really made it easier on me the first week or so. I was on my own at day 2 post sx so I really depended on that. My DD made a huge eggplant/zucchini lasagna and we cut it into meal portions and froze them. (That you could reheat in the oven.) I had made a big pot of chili and froze meal sized portions, that could be reheated in a pan. I did use more frozen veggies than I normally would because they were all prepped and ready to steam. I don't remember if you eat eggs, but hardboiled eggs in the fridge and regular ones to quickly cook made fast meals too.
You will be surprised at how fast you will be able to do things, just try, like so many of us did (and failed!)
to not do too much!! And sit down and rest a lot. I'm holding out hope that DLLP will quickly realize this sx is a lot more than previous ones and will be more helpful.
My experience w/sx was the same as Spookiesmom. SNB scheduled for 8AM Surgery for 9AM, ran late, partly because the radiation guy couldn't find the dye. I think it was almost 10AM maybe a bit later when I finally went in. I don't remember anything about recovery except a nurse that kept telling me to breathe!! The bs visited but I don't remember that at all. To my room, don't even remember a dinner. Had some nightmares from the pain meds.
The next morning, DD brought me bacon and coffee with heavy whipping cream and coconut oil for breakfast, ate some watermelon and a hard boiled egg from the hospital cafeteria. The nurses had done the drains in the night and in the morning talked me through how to do them. I was tired, but not drugged. We were home around 1PM after a stop at the Drug Store for antibiotics and pain meds.
I was tired yes, but not in a fog at all. What had worried me most about the whole thing was managing the drains and it turned out they weren't all that bad to flush. My Amoena cami with the pockets was the best thing for controlling them. The other thing I did for around the house was cut the sleeves off an old hoodie then turn it inside out so the pockets were inside. That worked like a charm too!!
Another thing to remember is that you well may be covered to have a visiting nurse come to your home to help you shower, change dressings and even deal with the drains. (Since my rx was shower every day after day 3, she came 5 days a week and a friend that is a nurse came on the weekends.) Mine would only watch me do the drains, but that was OK. That could help DLLP not feel so totally responsible for you.
Hugs!0 -
Spookiesmom, she is just adorable! Excuse me I think I might have called her a he in the other thread. I liked her Halloween hair pin in that photo.
ldesim, glad to see you and that all is OK.
Ariom, I wish they would just do away with Daylight Savings time altogether!! It used to always mess with the kids internal time clocks when they were little and still messes with mine!! I think the drape fading argument is the most hysterical thing I have heard!! LOL
bobo, is there a chance if you need a uterine biopsy, that they could do it the same time you are on the table for BMX? Before I moved to MT from CA, I needed several surgeries and a breast biopsy. I talked to the drs involved and they agreed to do everything at once. I had a carpal tunnel surgery, a bone spur removed from my left shoulder and a biopsy on the right breast done all at once. Only one time under and only one time using the operating room. My ins didn't bat an eye, I think because it saved them money big time!! Just a thought.0 -
I wish DST would just GO AWAY. Leave the time alone, one way or the other. It's hard enough on humans, my fur kids don't understand it at all.0 -
Hi Bobo, yes, my hand is Ok, not perfect but Ok. I had a thing called CPRS, after the surgery, Chronic Pain Response Syndrome, that set me back a bit, but it is much better now.
I know you are going to have more surgery than we did, but I hope it makes you feel a bit better to know that it probably isn't going to be anywhere as bad as you may expect. I was a bit taken aback, when my surgeon told me that I would "breeze through it!" and that it "Isn't a painful surgery!" I thought, "Yeah, like you'd know about that!" but I couldn't have been more wrong. It was a great surprise to me that I was SNB'd at 8am then surgery at 11.30, fully awake and ravenous by 6pm. Up and walking the halls, chatting to nurses, talking on the phone and having cups of tea through the night. I saw my surgeon at about 8am who said, "You look great, go home!" I was on the phone to Colin to get me out of there and I was in a shopping mall at about 1pm. I was out 16 hours after I got back from surgey, I didn't have any pain meds through the whole experience, other than the equivalent of two Tylenol for my poor broken toe that I had at the same time. It was seriously much more painful than the surgery.
I tell anyone that asks about the pain, that it is a surgery of "Weird sensations!" not pain, but very strange sensations, that can be bothersome, but the reality for me is, I had much more uncomfortable sensations from the node removal than any of the Mx surgery. If you dodge the node removal in your surgery, that will make such a difference. If it were me, now, I would beg for the node to be marked, if necessary, but not removed if at all possible. I think this newish procedure would make such a huge difference to the way this all feels when it is healed. I am pretty well used to the way it all feels now, but the numbness and the pins and needles of the node removal far exceeds any of the other chest sensations, for me, anyway.
I have to say Bobo, that it was the abject tiredness that surprised me the most. I felt great, but the tiredness would hit me, when I really didn't expect it. That is the payback for overdoing it. Please take it from all of us, who did overdo it, that rest is mandatory, no matter how good you think you feel. Some of the others here had to go through the awful treatments too, which would have added a totally different layer to this experience, which I didn't have.
Preparation for surgery is important too. I ate the best I could, when I could force something down. I was so terrified of what may have been found in my pathology that I literally just lost weight every day. I did try to eat as much protein as possible, and garlic, don't forget the natural antibiotic. I had it every day to help with keeping any bad bacteria at bay. Probiotics to add good bacteria, and Olive Leaf extract. My anesthetist allowed all of these but no other supplements.
I know you've likely done this already, but follow up everything that you are entitled to, in the way of help and care. I know it is different over there, but I had everything laid on after the surgery. I hadn't bothered to look into anything myself, because I have the luxury of Colin's girls being here every day, and they had taken up all the heavy work, that I do daily with Colin. The Hospital arranged everything, and my surgery was right on Christmas too. I really appreciated the nurses doing the drain and checking the incision every day. Meals on Wheels came for Colin's food too!
I know you'll do fine, Miss Bobo, but I want it to be as "easy" as possible for you too! Take care..M x0
