Illinois ladies facing bc
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mdg.. are you having 3D tattoos? My next appt with my PS is pretty much to discuss nipple stuff. I says that now that I have done the lat flap that I should consider the nipple reconstruction, but frankly, I have had enough and would be happy with 3D.
My PS has someone in office who does the tattooing, but I might look into Vinnie.What happened to that sunshine we were supposed to get today? Gloomy day here. Oh well, I am back to work full-time and over-time, so guess it doesn't matter. But after helping myself to leftover pizza for early dinner tonight while my DH is golfing.... I better get out and do some fast walking!
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I have an appt scheduled with Vinnie for late May. He sees patients at NOLA now, but I am traveling to Fredericksburg, MD where his shop is located to see him. His prices for BC sisters are very reasonable. He was all concerned that my insurance may not take his charge, but I have a large deductible healthcare plan, so it isn't going to matter. NOLA bills his services through their medical offices, so if you need a trip to the Big Easy and some 3D tattoos, he is your guy there. I'll let you all know how my experience goes. I am a little nervous about it. I've never had a tattoo. Never thought I'd have one either.
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I'll be signing up to get a 3D tattoo sometime in the future too. I want the new foob to be totally settled in before I do it. A trip to NOLA in the fall/winter sounds appealing. I love that city.
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Westie.. What did Dr K think of you going with the 3D nips. I remember mentioning it to him once a while back and I think I saw a look of disappointment on his face.
Rene... Maybe we can arrange a group discount!0 -
Joan ~ I know that look of disappointment! It really is too bad. I had wanted the full deal with nipple recon, but the risk is not worth losing all. I've had too much surgery as it is.
Group discounts would be good though. Maybe a survivor conference in NO and I could just get another companion tattoo? Can you get tattoo addiction? Guess I better get through my first ones to find out! LOL
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I think we should all go down to NOLA for tattoos and hurricanes.
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Jenn....I missed it too...I sent you a pm.
Hugs, Jackie
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We must be all talking about the same person, Jeff Paetzold. It is good to know that all feedback about him is so positive, since he is also the tattoo artist in my PS's office. Thanks!
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I had my appointments yesterday. I got rid of one drain so one down and one to go. I also had my first appointment with the med onc. First time I have ever been in a room talking to professionals for over 1.5 hours. First the nurse took my history and then the onc came in and talked and then the genetic testing person. Turns out I'm unusual, lol. My family could have told everyone that! The spot in the left breast that was supposed to be atypical cells turned out to be DCIS meaning that I had bilateral BC of different types at the same time (IDC in right breast removed with mastectomy). They suspect genetic predisposition which would drastically change their plans to do a simple re-excision next friday followed by rad and tamoxifen. My father's maternal side had horrible heart disease and most of the women died before 65 when breast cancer used to be detected before mammograms and self breast exams. We have a very small family. My only female cousin on that side had "unusually dense breast tissue" with areas they were going to keep an eye on before her breast reduction at 40. They took out most of the dense breast tissue during her reduction and she now gets screened every year on the remaining tissue. My aunt died at 39 and my grandmother at 64 (both of heart disease) and they were the only other female relatives in that line. So now we are waiting for insurance to approvve genetic testing and then may postpone my second surgery on May 11 to broaden margins until the results come back. I'm OK with this but my DH is flipping out. Now he is facing me without both breasts and a hysterectomy. I think it is a little much for him to process.
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The less I take the difficulties of my life as personal affront,
and the more I use them as an opportunity to learn and grow...
the easier I sleep at night.
- Mary Anne Radmacher0 -
Good morning ladies. Hope you enjoy this beautiful day.
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Hi everyone. Had a slight meltdown last night about the job situation but I'm OK now. (Found something to apply to that looks like a good fit and I know someone who knows the hiring manager is that guy is still there). Anyway I'm finished with strength training and off to the gym for aerobic. I skipped the aerobic for 3 days. Mentally I don't think I should do that anymore
Hi Adey good luck today.
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(((((((Lago)))))))))) And thanks! (c:
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valerie I know you have to process so much right now. It must be overwhelming for both of you! I showed my husband pictures of a mastectomy and recon before my surgery so he would know what in REALITY to expect. I think our minds can go to the dark side of how it will all look very easily at times. While you are never the same and it can be like a true breast they can get some pretty darn good results I think. There is also a really good book out there by Judy Kneece called Breast Cancer Support Partner Handbook. It is a great overview of all you will be going through with comments by other support people who helped their mom or wife or girlfriend through this.
Thinking of you
Lago I hope you find something soon and don't you think so often these days it is all about the networking and knowing someone at this company is great.
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{{{{Hugs to Lago}}}} - Also you should know you have inspired me to get back into the gym. I began my aerobic routine again last week and my 'mental health' thanks you for the kick in the butt.
I have one more day until all my pre-op scans are done. I know that surgery can't be scheduled until they finish the entire work-up but I am so ready to get this done. I should have the results by Friday...but none of this process has been on schedule so I have learned to expect delays.
Valerie - I waited several weeks for my genetic testing. I too had limited history so it was difficult for them to get a good grip on exactly what my risk factors were. As it turned out I was BRCA negative.
Tattoos....do they hurt? My only exposure to tattoos is LA Ink
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Thanks everyone. I don't need the "perfect job" Just one with nice people, no outlandish commute, reasonable hours, a salary and benefits…Well maybe that is the perfect job. I don't know anyone there but my former instructor that I have kept in contact does. I think it might even be a former student from decades ago of his. I will admit my networks have not been working for me. So many have moved away, decided to get out of the business or are solo designers.
Invisable Tattoos don't hurt really. At least mine didn't because my PS numbed me and I'm pretty numb there anyway. Glad you are doing the work out. Even it's walking it makes you feel so much better.
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Joan - I don't even know what kind of tattoo's Jeff does. Isn't that sad? I am just done with all of this. I have the areola grafts already and nips so I will see what he thinks is best and go with it. I will let you know next week how it goes.
Invisible: Where do you workout? I teach aerobics at Norris....maybe we can meet up sometime. I am in St Charles daily as my son goes to school there.
Lago..I wish I had some good connections for jobs...I can't imagine how frustrated you are. Sending prayers for the right job your way sister!!!
Valerie - hang in there. I know this is a lot.....a year from now you will be moving on and over this crap. Hugs dear sister!!!
The whole NOLA for tattoos and hurricanes sounds like more fun than me going to NW to get a tattoo alone:)
Is anyone doing a half marathon anytime soon? I am looking to do one but would love to go with someone....anyone a runner interested???
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mdg - when are you thinking about doing a half marathon?
Lago - prayers for a job very very soon.
Have been so busy which has been a blessing for me. In the last 3 days, my kids have had 3 softball games, 6 soccer games, and 2 baseball games!!
Hugs to everyone.
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Hawk...it's flexible. Hoping this summer. On long run days I am doing 8 miles now. I usually run 6 miles a few days a week too. PM if you are interested. It would be more fun to do with someone than by myself. I don't have any running buddies here!
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Thanks everyone for your thoughts and prayers. It is a bit much to process but we don't have any choice in the matter do we? The plans need to be put in place and decisions need to be made. Invisible, the genetics person did tell me it is hard to pin down caucasians of non-Jewish background with genetics. If we turn out to be BCRA negative, and there is still some doubt, he said they would take extra special care to monitor my condition and at the first sign of re-occurence they would operate. That is the best we can do. I'm more worried for my daughter and the other female descendents of my line. I would like an answer for them. I am feeling positive. We caught these two really early and I will be extra diligent myself in screening for repeats. The Onc said he would not let me die of breast cancer. We now know my condition and will stay on top of it.
My prayers go out for you Lagos as you look for new employment. It is tough out there but you have the right attitude and there has to be someone out there that will recognize that.
HopefulHealing....it is so hard on him because there is nothing that he can do except BE THERE! I told him that is more than enough but he feels so helpless. He doesn't have a great deal of trust with the medical profession. I am just happy to be here and be looking to the future. Thanks for your recommendation on the book. He isn't a big reader but maybe he will leaf through it if I get it here for him.
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Hi gals! Another gloomy, rainy day here. It's amazing how much I can get accomplished when I stay home instead of frequenting the golf course! :-) Still, I handle sunshine much better! I hope everyone is having a good day despite the dreary weather.
Valerie, this is so hard for the men in our lives. Most men are "fixers" and they like to fix things for their women. When situations arise where this isn't possible, they have a hard time coping.
mdg..........wow! Your running schedule amazes me. If I ran that far (or even half that far) I'd never make it home without calling for a ride! :-) Truly amazing. I admire you so much.
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valorie they do feel helpless. My hero husband said I taught him the art of listening through this. You are so right knowing they are there through thick and thin is what we need. For those of us who have had mastectomies there is the whole am I still beautiful to you issue and intimacy issues as you have lost sensation. It truly takes teamwork and commitment to get through the journey. And as you do you find out at least I did how truly wonderful your husband is. How they are there no matter what. To hold you when you cry to agree when you feel angry and laugh with you at some of the most absurd things that you deal with like drains etc. I am glad you are feeling good about your plan.
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Lago, you may have told us already, but what would be the title of the job you are seeking. One never knows. Maybe one of us will hear of an opening.Good health and happiness to all!Susan0
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Senior Designer, Graphic designer, Art Director, Design Specialist (even production artist) are just some. The titles are all over the place depending on the type of business and the skills listed.
My good friend that has been in the business for years feels I should be a Creative Director but because I don't have any "experience" managing (teaching an 18 student college class, setting up and creating assignments yadda, yadda doesn't seem to count) it's been a tougher sell than it should be.
But the problem is those are very general titles that cover a broad range of skills. No one has all of them. I can find jobs with those titles but I don't design web aps, or for the ipad. It's a moving target and no one can do it all.
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I am putting both of these quotes in because.....they just tear straight into the heart of it all.
"Anyone who imagines that bliss is normal is going to waste
a lot of time running around shouting that he has been robbed.
The fact is, most putts don't drop. Most beef is tough. Most
children grow up to be just people. Most successful marriages
require a high degree of mutual toleration. Most jobs are more
often dull than otherwise. Life is like an old-time rail
journey-delays, sidetracks, smoke, dust, cinders and jolts,
interspersed only occasionally by beautiful vistas and
thrilling bursts of speed. The trick is to thank the Lord for
letting you have the ride." -Jenkins Lloyd Jones."For a long time it had seemed to me that life was about to
begin - real life. But there was always some obstacle in the
way. Something to be got through first, some unfinished business,
time still to be served, a debt to be paid. Then life would
begin. At last it dawned on me that these obstacles were my
life." -Alfred D. Souza0 -
Going to be a beauty of a day here and up to about 90 degrees. Hello summer all at once. Seems like some of the past yrs. are showing themselves again with the feast or famine thing. I'll just try my best to enjoy........don't know if we will turn the air on or just hold out with the fans.
I think I have had both these quotes in at one time or other.....they turned up today right together.....and they rather go together. I do try and be grateful for each day and each new experience whether it is positive or negative......it is the negative ones that go on too long that I find wearing....but when I reach a certain point, if I just let go.....resolve to just live my life with "this imperfection" it often just clears right up. I think the trick is in being able to know/hear/sense when you have reached the point of totally letting go. When you do that any energy towards negative things dissipates....at least for me. It happens so easily when the right time comes but wish I was a bit more patient because sometimes I struggle hard getting there.
Weather map didn't look great for Chicago. I hope it it wrong.....saying hi to Char, Mich 101, Laura, Jan Clare, Mak, and Lemon, Invisible......both Wendy's too. Well, just all of you. I hope you all have a stunning day.
Hugs, Jackie
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hot humid muggy rainy in chicago.
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Mornin'
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Good morning everyone! Wow - what happened to Spring?
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Hawk this is spring. It's just we had May in March and now April in May… are you following that? 0
