new and future flat sister, with questions
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We tried that but it didn't work as far as his room goes. Are pretty good about the toys in the living room.
Have baby's cold. Both are up early which will be good for next week when I need to leave the house about 7ish. Having a giant cup of tea.
May skip pedi this week if too tired. D@mn cold. But will stop at bread store for some cranberry white bread.0 -
Sorry about the cold Zills, are you ok?
Can you get some rest? Stay warm and cozy in your smooshy pillows!
I've never heard of cranberry white bread, but it sounds really yum. I love warm from the oven French white bread with crispy crust, laden in apricot jelly, with a big cup of tea.
I meant to ask, did you end up having a massage?
I hope everyone is doing ok, keeping warm.....take care all! M x0 -
Wren, laughing at those shoes! I not only throw things away when the children leave them out, I make w boy throw them in the garbage himself! In the outside garbage! While I am watching! I am also a bad parent, as you can see. Please note: it has not yet worked. M, so glad you understand regarding everything being in order if I am to sit on couch. For example, could I sit on couch if throw rug was bunched up with runner showing? Could I sit on couch if w boy had taken his shoes off in living room and there were clumps of mud on floor? Stack of newspapers? No, I could not.
Z, have pedicure all the time here in FL, but make them stretch. Every 3 - 4 weeks or so. Have to do it here. I am so F hot, and I wear sandals all the time, and I work in the office of the President. Right now my polish color is... black. That's right. F this convention of pedicures! Idesim, what flavor was the pudding pie? And I'm with M -- what did you do when it was put in front of you?
I'd like some of that action on the betting. Here's the thing. I do like to relax on couch, in bed, etc. It's just that I don't get much time to do so. I predict that if I'm left alone, I will do some watching of movies, some reading, etc. But there will also be frenetic bursts of activity: trying to get kids' dinner ready, doing whatever DLLP said she would do, but didn't, letting Bobo in and out, wrapping presents, etc. So you will have to make your bet specific. Will it be about no frenetic bursts? Or length of time on couch? I guess I cannot be in on the action. However, I promise to be honest as I report in.
School run! XXX0 -
I love white French bread with just butter. Cranberry white is a holiday favorite. Also do blueberry white on UK ball game days (school colors) and then red, white, blue for July. Most store bread doesn't taste good now:(
It's mainly my nose and I'm tired. Will come home and nap. Would like a good soup but chemo turned me off of chicken broth and my stomach doesn't like chili. May try potato soup with crusty bread.
I wasn't successful getting the sharpie marks off with alcohol. Don't want to rub if they don't want you washing it. Just let the soap run over it. So will see how long it takes.
I have to straighten up the house after everyone leaves and wipe down the coffee and kitchen table. I remember dust bothered me. Dusting isn't a high priority but it bugged me after surgery. It gave me something productive to do. Also took all day to do a load of clothes in the beginning. Didn't really watch tv or read. I had high hopes of getting stuff done but it didn't happen. I was strong enough for port surgery and chemo by week three.0 -
I had my surgery on the 29th. Came home on the 30th. Overdid it on the 2nd. So yes bobo it will be hours before you overdo it.0 -
Z, I still cannot believe they turn people out of the hospital so quickly after major surgery! How is your poor nose? Did you make potato soup? Or do you get it in a cafe? XX0 -
Hi all, It is 2.30am and I can't sleep. Very unusual for me! Had to check if there had been any action here!
Bobo, I don't think you can participate in the wager about how long it will take for you to overdo it:) I think the frenetic bursts are what I did to overdo it too. I so get the wanting things straight and tidy.
I think it will be the frenetic bursts that I want to wager on. I have no doubt that you'll have some quiet moments, reading and watching movies, but they won't be long enough:)
Laughing about your statement toe polish, I love that you wear it to work. My signature is Dark Pewter, have worn it for years on my toes.
Zills, I hope you aren't feeling too bad with your cold and that it doesn't hang around too long.
Potato soup sounds great, I hope it tastes good and makes you feel a bit better.
You never cease to amaze me with what you've had to go through Zills, port and chemo at week 3 must have been so exhausting.
You're right, I think it will just be hours, for Bobo to overdo it.
Take care...I am going back to bed now, and listen to the rain on the roof...M x0 -
Wren, I am cracking up over your coworker having to beg for her shoes... I would have made her pay dearly too
When we first got married, Joe used to always leave clothes by his side of the bed.. it drove me crazy. Finally one day I just got so pissed off I left them, even though it annoyed the crap out of me. When he had no socks he wasn't a happy camper... probably wore dirty ones. That was probably 20 years ago and he has never left a stitch of clothing laying around.
A kind of gross story.. before we were married, I think I was 19 or so... we rented a house and there were about 8 of us living there. One summer day I go downstairs and there was always a problem with dishes being left in the sink, well this particular morning there were dishes on the counter and let me just suffice it to say there was stuff in the dishes that grossed me out beyond belief. I got so pissed off.. I put an oven mitt on and filled up a trashbag with the dirty dishes. Still pissed off.. I decided to add whatever dishes were in the cabinets. Luckily we were all young and poor and there weren't many dishes. I made so much noise that I woke the entire house up and I was in such a state that not one person said anything about it.. not even to this day.
Hmm... I don't know about the terms for the bet... I'm afraid Zills is probably right and it will be a matter of hours.
Sorry to hear you have a cold Zills.. are we 2 down now on the rads??
I too haven't heard of white cranberry bread, but it sounds delicious..I love cranberries!0 -
bobogirl, you're a great mom.. but I am feeling for poor W who has to throw his own things out! I can see him having this long face hitting the ground as he has to do it0 -
Hi everyone, boy is it ever quiet here. I can hear a lone cricket:)
Just watched the evening news and there was a story about a Mother of two who had a dance party in the OR because she wanted to feel "Pure Joy" right before her BMX!
It turns out she is an OBGYN, and her name is Deborah Cohen. She has a blog on Caring bridge.
I just loved it, and she's a great dancer too! The joy was really infectious. Take a look. M x0 -
Another long day. Trip up to town for eye exam by Ophthalmologist. No diabetes damage to my eyes so far. He says they are just fine, in fact not much change in my vision in 2 years. I take tight control and totally adhere to low carb high fat ketogenic way of eating. My late DH went blind because he refused to alter his way of eating and take care of himself (also had a leg amputated) and I will not go down that road!
bobo, you are the best mom, don't ever doubt it! I was amazed at the hospital turn around way back in '99 when I had cervical fusion I was floored that it was just an overnight stay! I had even called my ins and they approved me for an additional day, but I was out of there the next day. i know that you will do well what ever time you have to stay in hospital. Sending love and lots of healing energy as long as you need it.0 -
I will be a flat sister on one side. I am a little nervous to see myself at first, but I will be glad that it will be gone. I wonder about the emotional side and what the future holds for recovery, bras, prosthesis.....??? I am rather small, so I was thinking I might be able to just where a push up bra at some point? Just a thought?0 -
Good morning gtgirl. I was small and very happy to be rid of the cancer. I had both sides done so I wouldn't need any more surgery down the road. I've finished chemo and started rads. I have no bra or prosthetic advice.
My scars are healing nicely and it doesn't bother me to see them. I will probably go flat most of the time but will want foobs for special occasions. Ariom has lots of foob advice. A lot depends in your treatment. The surgery and results are more about weird sensations than pain, in our experiences. You will be amazed how good you feel by week three.
When is your surgery? Do you know if you need chemo or rads? This site is great for suppport and there's always someone on 24/7.0 -
Hi gtgirl! I am a Uni too!
We all understand how scary all this is. It's a huge transition.
I too, just wanted it gone!
Try not to worry about the bras and prosthesis, there is so much out there that you'll find things that will suit your personal needs. You need to wait at least 6 weeks before getting fitted for a prosthesis, but if you want to, and it is comfortable, a Genie bra, with some fiber fill, is what a lot of us have used, in the interim.
We all wonder how we will cope emotionally, and how we will react to the difference in the way we look. It's just a matter of taking it a day at a time, and keep moving forward.
This is a good place to come for advice and support, let us know how you are getting on!0 -
Good morning..Zills you are awake early. Glad you are one step closer to being finished with rads. I've been in the bag with you, just being very quiet Maybe one day all the glitches will be worked out of the site and I can post more often, and without incidents.
See that a pool has been started, I say Bobo will be overdoing before the anesthesia wears off. Bobo you know we love you and we know your tendency to attempt to take on the world single handedly, should I plan a trip to help keep you on the sofa, and fed? You know I'm a mean cleaning machine, I'll keep the dust bunnies at bay, but I don't think I could make W dispose of his own toys, I do have a tender heart. Too tender it seems. Against my better judgment I allowed DS1 to move back home, temporarily. PLEASE?
Posting before it goes away.0 -
Hi Zills, posting at the same time! How are you feeling? Is the cold still hanging around?
I meant to mention in the previous post to gt girl, that it doesn't bother me to see my scar either and I agree totally about the strange sensations rather than pain.
I'm about ready for bed, I had a full on day today. I mowed all the lawns and raked the very last of the leaves and swept the whole driveway and the walkway to the house. I hit the wall by 4pm and had to have a nana nap!
I'll catch you tomorrow..take care M x
Bobo, tried to Pm you for Vitamix advice, but not sure if it went through?0 -
Oh gramwe, so lovely to see you. We've been worried about the two of you. How is the OG? Has he had the surgery yet? Ive lost the plot, time wise.
Take care..M x0 -
Gtgirl, so sorry you had to join us. We all know how scary this whole thing can be but once you get past the initial shock, it does get easier. I have come to terms with my new flat chest, I have prosthetics but they mostly stay in their boxes. I find mine heavy and big, but they are much smaller than my real boobs. For me they seem cumbersome and in the way. lol. I was going to tell you that Ariom could give you better advice, then I saw that she had already chimed in.
Good morning Ariom. Right now I'm envying your spring, baby it's cold outside. This will be my first winter without boobs, and I'm finding that the cold seems to go straight to my ribs, and heart. I've been wearing the knitted foobs that sweet Bobo sent, and they are really comfortable and helping to keep the cold at bay. I'm so impressed with Colins showing in the race, that is some man you have there. We are still awaiting insurance approval for my OG to have his next surgery, or should I say hopefully his last surgery. It will be a tough surgery, they will go almost to his wrist to remove the offending finger, the end result should be that unless you count his finger you will not be able to see he is missing one. I never realized that you too had had to endure all those torturous appliances when you had hand surgery.0 -
BabyQ plans are in full swing. Right now I'm questioning why we are even having a shower. Family, friends and co-workers have been so very generous. My guest bedroom looks like a baby Op shop. She has been given clothes from newborn to toddler, little bouncy chairs,bathtubs, most everything a baby would need except diapers. It is interesting combining traditions of 2 cultures into one party. The weasels mom will be here Sunday to firm up their part of the plans and for us to finalize everything. Hopefully she will agree to drive the get away car so I can rob a bank to pay for this little soiree.0
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Okay I am by no means finished with my thoughts but this crazy computer with its jumping curser is becoming frustrating. So for now I will send EVERYONE a big HUG..Know I'm still reading if not posting. I love you all...0
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Good morning Granwe. Glad you were able to post. Thanks for the updates. People love to share baby stuff. So that will make it easy. Have everyone bring diapers and wipes. When is the shower? Still having an armadillo cake?
I haven't found my chest cold but didn't have much before. Do wear a fleece and vest and hat. Scarves help with neck and chest.
Have four tattoos. Had the option of tape and marker but afraid that would be worse on my skin. Scheduled to finish up the week before Christmas.
Smell has returned so getting better. Got a whiff of the shunk I couldn't smell last night. Not as tired this morning. Baby still getting up at 5:30!
Bought broccoli soup. Can't taste it. It's very frustrating to cook and it not taste good.
Forgot to take meds yesterday morning but hopefully that's not why I feel better.
GrammaB and Ariom take it easy!0 -
gtgirl, I too am a uni-boober, left side mx. Sorry you had to join this club, but boy this has been a god-send for me, such great gals and advice here. I fully understand being scared and how to handle the first look, etc. It is indeed an emotional roller-coaster but I think you will find it isnt as bad as you think it will be.. or at least that was how I found it. I am a 38 d on the other side so I usually wear my prosthesis except sometimes around the house. I still wear the Genie bra quite often and used it after surgery with the fiber puffs from the post/surgery cami. The cami is a must for after surgery I think, pockets to hold the drain tubes and some compression and support for other side, I remember the shop telling me that ladies feel that is their security. Ariom is correct about not getting fitted until at least 6 weeks out (I was 7 weeks) but I visited the shop before surgery and to pick up the post surgery cami, and they showed me many options of bras, foobs, etc. and that really helped me, felt much better about my decision to not reconstruct. The products are so improved since my mother had this dreaded bc and wore the foobs. Ariom has the best advice, she helped me alot as she was about 6 months before me. My surgery was much easier that I expected, I had not had any surgery before and never had to take any meds either but things change in a hurry! You will do fine, and come here often, these gals are simply the best
Everyone is so supportive, this is the only good thing about having bc, I have found so many new friends and we share a concern. Take care, try to eat well and get rest if you can.
Linda0 -
Zills, my surgery is Nov. 20th. No chemo or rads. I am interested in learning more about "foobs" and also the genie bra? I am trying to figure out what to be able to wear with my drain? How big was the incision?
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Granwe! So happy to hear from you!!! Will you keep us posted on OG? I sure hope his sx will not be too painful or hard on you two.
Yes, come here RIGHT NOW for a visit!!!! You do not have to cook -- I will cook for YOU! Keep us posted on all things BBQ. I am loving hearing those preparations right now. So glad your coworkers are making a baby op shop in your house -- it takes some of the pressure off of you. Do you make your own sauce?
Well, you guys are going to have to make your wager more specific. I will definitely stay down while the kids are out of the house (for the weekend). But I'm going to have a tendency to pop up when they get back. The princess won't like to see me down. I wonder who will win? My money is on Z.
Ariom, I am NOT getting your PMs with Vitamix Qs! Our wires are crossed! I did get your email this am, however. Send me an email! I love to talk about Vitamix recipes.
Okay, who wants to do Secret Santa? Ariom and I have decided we want to do Secret Santa. Who will deny us? It will be great for those of us who live far away and must spend a lot on postage. We will set a limit for spending, or you can make your presents. Ariom will draw names from a hat. And then, for those who don't know how it works, you can send your Secret Santa little presents through the holidays, or just a Christmas present, whatever you like. I confess I am making presents for our whole little group. But I want a Secret Santa as well. If you want in, send me a PM. Hopefully I am still getting PMs. And then we will PM you all with your Secret Santa assignments post haste!
Have kids on my own today. Single mommin' it! Must put away groceries. Z, how are your tattoos? So sorry about broccoli soup. Welcome gt girl. We have some real uni experts here. My advice would be... don't worry about the foobs right now! We will get it sorted out. As A says, you can't wear them right away anyhow. Just try to give yourself little treats and get things ready for sx. Your job is you right now: your fave lotion, drinks, lip gloss, etc. Magazines. We have a resident expert on all things foob and cami.
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The drain is a little hole on the side. The incision is 3-4 inches but will shrink and be barely noticeable in a year. The drain averages a week or two. Don't be scared of it. Ariom slung hers over her shoulder.
I wore my husband's shirts and hoodies if I went out. Had button up Capri pjs for the house. I had 4 drains and carried them in a dish towel. I didn't want them touching me as I was hot. It was summer when I had my surgery.
Check out your local cancer fitting shop or American Cancer Society may have some free stuff. I don't see why you couldn't use regular bras but they need to have a pocket or else your foob might escape. It will be trial and error to find what you like.0 -
Granwe, if you're using a mouse, try changing it's batteries. If it's a trac pad, I have no idea.
Gtgirl, I'm a uni also. My incision was about 6" long, from mid chest to under my arm. It's a tiny white line now. I pinned my drains to a fabric belt worn around my waist. My daughter bought me 2 pr fleece pj's with button top, which I'm still wearing. You can wear anything loose that buttons or zips up the front. I had to psych myself up for the first look, but after that it didn't bother me. You can sew a pocket into any bra. Go to mastectomysolutions.com for directions.
Bobo, Please count me out on the secret Santa. Not my religion and I do my best to ignore it.0 -
Hi gtgirl, welcome, so sorry you had to join us. I am 3 months out from BMX and just went a few weeks ago to be fitted for bras and prostheses. I got them about a week ago and frankly I am like gramwe, I find them cumbersome and heavy. I actually am much preferring going everywhere flat, but as Zills said, I did want them for fancy occasions.
We all know the anxious feelings you are having right now, but it really won't be nearly as bad as you are imagining. You'll be surprised at how fast you bounce back.
Since I had both removed, I didn't have to worry about controlling one side while the other healed so I have no advice re bras for right after sx. I wore the surgical camis while my drains were in because they held the drains most comfortably. Sometimes I wore an old hoodie, that I cut the sleeves off, inside out and used the pockets to hold the drains when it was just too hot for the camis (my surgery was in August). I was bound with an ace bandage for a couple of weeks that only came off when I had my daily shower. After that came off, all I wear most of the time are tank tops and camis.
There are a lot of good ideas in this thread on how to prepare, go back a few pages to read our most recent discussion on this. Ask any questions you may have, someone will be along with an answer for you. Once again, welcome!!0 -
Oh Wow, what a good read this morning!
Gramwe, that soiree souds like it's going to be a big one. I hope the weazel's Mom kicks in to pay for it!
It is so nice to have you posting, we miss you!
I hope you get all the red tape sorted and the OG can get the surgery overwith, and just move on from all this. It has been going on so long for him.
I have had a few hand a wrist surgery experiences gramwe. This rheumatoid is a bugger of a thing. I also had a couple of surgeries, smaller than that really big one, that I opted to stay awake for, with an arm block. Not for everyone, but I found it incredibly interesting to watch, and totally pain free.
Oh Zills, what a PIA that the first thing you could smell was a skunk! I wish it had been something lovely!
I have to say that I don't find there is much taste to broccoli soup at the best of times. How about a really hearty, tasty soup with say, lentils and smoked ham bones? Would that appeal? Or would that not be a good flavor for you?
I am just realizing how tiny you must be Zills. My incision is 11 inches long
I am taking it easy, Zills, had the "Claw" last night after my gardening extravaganza, haven't had that in a while.0 -
gtgirl, the Ahh, or Genie bra is the ones you see advertized on the TV. They are knitted with no clasps and they have pockets for little modesty pad things. A lot of us wore these because they are so soft and don't irritate the incision like a really structured bra, in the beginning.
ndgirl and I are the Uni's who play around more with foobs and prosthesis. The BMX girls can go flat and have no issue with another breast to contend with. I have been known to call mine a "rogue puppy" because I am a lot larger than you! I have a "D" to contend with, but I do go half flat on occasion too, with a firm shape wear cami to hold everything together.
Lots of great advice here. I think we all had the button up pj's, anything to avoid having to lift the arm too high. Are you having the Sentinel Node Biopsy too? I didn't go for the cami for the drains because I had my surgery in the height of a hot Aussie summer. I only had one big drain, and yes, I would either just drag it, or throw it around my neck, but mostly it was tucked into a soft cotton shoulder bag that came as part of a set that we are all given in Australia. The set also contains a pillow to put between you and the seat belt in the car. It is a "non negotiable" item that you should source to keep from any rubbing from the seat belt. Also, I couldn't have done without my "V" pillow, and still use it to get comfy on the couch. We'll keep letting you know of other things, as we think of them.
Just ask away, we are all at varying times with our surgeries, and diagnosis. Bobo is having a BMX soon too, but she's already had lots of other surgeries of the breast before. We should be able to help out with most queries between us.
The surgery is a scary thing to think about, but you'll be amazed at how you get through it and it is nothing like you might have expected. We kid you not!!!!0 -
Bobo, where do those messages go, I wonder?
Have fun single mommin'. I will resend the questions. I am a bit scared of the turbo power of this machine!
Take care... I am of to do the Rites, and head off to some yard sales and my saturday Morning Opp shop.
Just took pictures of a big adult Kookaburra drinking from my fish pond, but didn't turn out well enough to post. I thought ldesim might get a kick out of that. She loves the Aussie birds. Catch you all later...M x0
