January Mastectomy

KatRNagain92

Debbie how adorable!  Thanks for sharing! 

binga

Debbie- The twins are absolutely adorable and big bro is handsome too!

Kat-I totally agree with you.  Love to come here and reconnect with all my Jan girls but pretty much have given up on the rest of the forums.  I like to minimize the bc connection! LOL.

Donna- So sorry you are having such a rough time.  Hope things get better soon!

Marianne- Happy Belated Birthday!  Mine was on the 5th so we are pretty close.  Sorry yours wasn't that great.  I had a pretty good one.  We went out to eat at Bonefish Grill.  I love that place.

Thanks again to everyone for the condolences for my grandmother.  I really miss her but am thankful for all the special times we had together!

I will check in again in a couple of days.  Work is keeping me pretty busy because we got a new computer system and I had two of my techs in the hospital (one with a kidney stone btw) and one who turned in her two week notice.  So needless to say it has been CRAZY!  

Becky 

neversurrender

I have cut down on my BCO usage also.  The only forum I visit is Team January also.  I can't give you ladies up

I have an appt with PS today for pre-op work.  I will be having lipo/fat grafting next week, cross your fingers. 

Kat, I know what you mean about your sister 'putting it out there' in the universe.  My friend and I used to whine to each other about our saggy boobs and fat tummies, saying we would do anything to be able to get rid of them....Yeesh..be careful what you wish for !

I will be starting back to week on August 30.  I am excited and a little anxious.  I have not worked, other than the few weeks of helping at my friend's, since January 20.  It will be good to have all the noise and chaos from my 'kids' in the house again.  I do have an odd feeling of nervousness going on.  I can't really explain it, almost as if I have lost my confidence..I don't know, it's weird.

Marianne,  it is good to see you back.  I am sorry you are still dealing with the stress of DH.  Happy belated birthday !

Lola,  chemo is done?  How are you doing?

Hugs Team January !

I am so glad I have you, that we have each other. 

Debbie, the grandkids are gorgeous !

Off to the doc, see y'all later.

  

jizogarden

Hi my January friends

Funny so many of us have decided to stick with this group and forego the others.  I enjoy the company and the pace here

Debbie what cutie-pa-tooties!  Looking forward to hearing more about your yoga.

Marianne Happy Belated Birthday! {{{{{{{Big hug to you for all your troubles}}}}}}}}. 

Kat I love the carts, balloons, and your tiger shirts...also so nice to see the man in his very pink shirt!   Hope your husband finds an easy way to get his kidneys in order =\  Glad your nips have turned out just like you were hoping.

Sally I hope you heart is ok ♥ and there is no damage to worry about. I am feeling better on my heart meds.....not as breathless....my cardiologist is going to do an echocardiogram in a week to see how I'm doing.

Kat I had a dicky ticker for several years...I got a left bundle branch block 7 years ago, my doc thinks that maybe my heart just wasn't up to the trauma and stress of the surgeries =\  I'll be interested to hear what your doc says  I know chemo can sometimes be hard on the heart but I didn't have chemo.

Ok are you ready.......I have ehrilichosis (sort of like lymes!!!!!!)  I came down with 103-104 fevers this Monday.....sick as a dawg!!!! Chills, sweating, achy, dizzy...just lovely. I am just now feeling ok...having to take doxycylin for two weeks. My gp asked for a chest exray and ........... are you ready.......saw a spot on my lung in my upper lob!!!!  He says not to worry it's probably just some scar tissue.  And it probably is...but I am so sick of being sick...I am so tired of doctors......sick of it all!   So when I'm well enough I need a cat scan............very very frustrated.

So thanks for letting me blow off steam.......I know you understand the exhaustion of all of this.

Andrew is being caretaker AGAIN! Poor guy....he is so good about it....but I'm sure he wishes we could get to the other side of all of this.

Smudge has being lying next to me for 3 days....my buddy.....my comfort.......

I just want to work on my watercolors, paint the deck, enjoy the last bit of summer......geez!

All the best to you all,

Laura  

KatRNagain92

Oh my goodness gracious Laura!  I had an audible gasp covering my mouth on this end.  Please, please, please make it be scar tissue! 

Truthfully, it that was me, I think I would say **** it and run away to my new neighbor Kim in AZ!  When I see the Onc on Friday, I'm not sure I'm going to agree to a PET scan even if she orders one.  My BS seems to think she may but I don't know what indicators I would have to do that.  Kind of like closing the barn door after the horse is out.  They should have done the PET scan to begin with before I went through all of this mutilation. 

I knew you didn't have the chemo and either did Lynbob but it still is frightening about the cardiac issues.  Having the BBB earlier in your life probably is why you didn't tolerate the surgery.  Correct me Lyn if I'm wrong, but you're CHF might be more related to the lymphedema?  Especially since it's not responding to lasix.  I'll be curious to see what the Onc says. 

Prayers, prayers, prayers!

Becky and Marianne!  Birthday wishes you Leo girls!  (right Leo?)  Marianne, sorry about the H (no d) Maybe you can run away to AZ with me

Kevin is doing better...I guess it's not big surprise all the kidney stones out there with the heat and humidity and dehyrdation everyone is going through these days.  We also had to put our dear friend Drake down a week ago today.   I'm convinced he had esophogeal cancer but we'll never know.  I guess it's time for the house Radon check and then if it's positive, I'm running away to my new neighbor Kim in AZ.  HA!  (can you tell I still want to run away in the worst way?:)

This weekend is my 30th class reuion.  Hopefully will be a lot of fun.  At least I'm not on call...and I most importantly, I have a designated driver!  Whoohoo!

Good luck Sally and Robin both going back to work...you'll do great!  Just like a bike.

Paula, where the hell are you? 

And how are you doing Paula2 

Love yas...see you next time:)
Kat

bcincolorado

Marianne, you are in my thoughts and prayers.

I know we need to get back to "life" again as we start to move past this awful time of our lives.  There are some threads I can't stop reading though and this is one of them.  You are all in my thoughts and prayers each day.  My hope for all of you is improving health and may you all be NED for the rest of your lives!

jizogarden

quick update...my antibiotic is kicking butt and I'm feeling much better  not 100% yet but much better

In my last post I forgot to say how great you look Robin!!!!  I also love the cast...hope you heal quickly now

Arizona hmmmmm.....you sure want to go there Kat

bc hope your physical therapy exercises help you range of motion and you can reach the stars soon

Strength and healing to all.....

Laura 

TNgolfer

Thank you my January Friends for the hugs and b'day wishes and simply the validation of my feelings! 

Kat - just give me the address in AZ.  I am ready to run away!!  Trying to sort out if the depression is a PTS thing from the BC or just everything else that has been going on.  Being an action person, I have a list of calls to make today....the psychologist that I originally saw in the clincial study to see if I can see someone for a few weeks; the oncologists office to get written copies of all my lab work (so I will know my own numbers); the breast surgeon's office to see if I can get a recommendation for a new PCP; a great contact at an employment agency to check into full-time employment.  I think I need a set routine again--I always function better that way.

I have been out socializing...and honestly feel much better when I am out golfing, lunch with friends, etc. 

Is Team January planning a reunion or gathering (or group therapy)?  Is it doable.  I would love to give (and get) those "Team January Hugs" in person.

Marianne

neversurrender

I'm with you Marianne.  A Team January meeting is a must.  I think we decided Indy would be a good spot.  Just name the time, and I'm there

faithandfifty

Marianne & Becky: Happiest of un-birthdays to each of you.

Laura, so glad to hear that your anti-biotic is kicking in. You've had way to much to deal with.

Of course, everyone here has had way to much to deal with.....................

Marianne. Much love to you dearest. You are so pro-active & I just gotta believe that in the end you will sort this all out. Maybe something full time is just what the doctor ordered -- as you suspect. Too much time on my hands is always a recipe for a downward spiral.

Tomorrow is the yoga class again. I'm looking forward to that.

Today we were able to 'participate' in a parade of Tall Ships:

We got pretty close to the real action:

Beauty is such a lovely way to focus.

xx00xx00xx00xx

Strength and courage.

Strength and COURAGE.

STREGTH & COURAGE!!

Hugs to all of Team January & anyone reading along.

Cathy, I sure hope that you fly thru with a quick wave at some point.

grdnslve

debbie--LOVE the pics of the tall ships.

so sorry the continued struggles some of you are having with infections, heart issues--and you (some) didn't even have chemo..so not fair. 

sally--i am doing better day by day.  feeling stronger-feeling impatient about the hair, eyelashes, etc.  still haven't completely healed from the radiation burn, but almost.  bone scan came back normal.  onc wants me to start avista....so far just looking at the box....but i will comply, - really.  just so sick of taking pills, and feeling something because of something i'm taking.  are you on tamoxifen, or anything??

take care ladies--ta ta

jizogarden

Ok....the lymes has decided to pick on my already beat up heart muscle.  I am having lots of shortness of breath  I'm going back to my cardiologist this afternoon to make sure my current heart meds are ok to get me through this additional crap!  Scuz my french  I'm holding off on my cat scan until I see my heart doc and make sure that my heart is taken care of first.  I feel like too many cooks are jumping into the kitchen...and I want to make sure nobody does anything to spoil the soup (the soup being me).....

Lola I'm sending you lots of good hair growing wishes

Debbie the pictures of the tall ships are spectacular....what a day that must of been!

Best wishes to all......the weather in NY is suppose to be lovely this weekend

xox

Laura 

burley

Kat!  Do not come here!  The heat and humidity are horrible right now...it's really doing a number on me with the hot flashes and all.  I never realized how much a person's head sweats, and for the first time in my life, I have boob sweat!  So not fun!  Lol

Laura-wow, you really can't seem to catch a break right now, can ya?  I'm sorry to hear of your ongoing issues-I hope the meds work to end the infections, and don't mess with your heart meds at the same time.  Geez, what a lot to deal with.  Glad you have your DH and Smudge : )

I'm driving myself crazy looking for some eyebrow stubble or new eyelashes every day.  No luck.  I have some stubble on my hair that is 1/4 inch long, then some spots where there's nothing at all.  Geeeeez.  I read stories from my chemo group and they seem to be having luck with their hair.  Humpf.  Guess I need to have a little more patience-or a magic potion!

Yes, where the hell is Paula?  I hope everything is ok!

KatRNagain92

Paula has not been on the message board in any forum since July 9th...she is on facebook though so I know she's alright.

Maybe we can find Cathy the same way?  Anyone know her last name?  Debbie?  Can you facebook her?  (Love the boat pics....how awesome!)

Kim, I think our heat has you beat.  Today it was 106 degrees with a heat index of 145...99 percent humidity.  Positively oppressive.  We should be getting some relief this weekend.  

Lola and Kim, I'm sorry about your hair and brows.  You know, these false eyelashes they put on in the salons are all the rage....That and an eyebrow pencil and maybe you can be back in business in no time!  I bet the delay of growth is a good sign that all the cancer is absolutely gone from your body! 

Lola, why do they want to start you on something new? 

Laura...I'm glad you're being a good advocate for how your soup is turning out.  Don't let them add too much seasoning!  My Onc appt today was just okay.  I don't have to see her again for another 6 months so yippee for that.  She's about as dry as toast and the whole office is just depressing.  If I needed more treatment, I think I might switch centers....but I don't so I guess I'll just trundle along.  I wish I had more info on the CHF but she didn't even have time for my own questions (and she didn't know about Melatonin!) so I didn't ask about the CHF.  Hang in there friend! 

Well, off to get some rest.  Tomorrow's a big day.  the big 30 year class reunion.  I hope it's not depressing!  gads.

Have a good evening everyone!
Kat

CinD

Laura, I hope your appointment with the cardiologist went well yesterday. I'm sorry you're being put thru the wringer like this. Both of my brothers had lyme, and antibiotics and rest did the trick. I'm sending you positive healing thoughts.

Kim and Lola, the two of you had longer chemo regimens than many of us, so I'd guess it's taking awhile for your hair follicles to feel like it's safe to come out again. I bet once it starts it will fill in quickly. I'm four months past chemo and have over an inch on the head. One day I woke up and looked like a chia pet, and it just kept growing longer and thicker every day.  Now it looks like Halle Berry's style at her shortest, but I don't have the face to pull off that look.

I ended up with a yeast infection on my chest after my recent exchange surgery and lift on other side. The doctor said it's like a diaper rash. Really strange and uncomfortable having to wear a bra. One pill and daily cream seems to be clearing it up nicely. Plus, daily Greek yogurt from now on.

Like many of you, I've gone back to yoga.  I used to practice years ago, so I pulled out some of my old Lilias! tapes. Anyone else ever practice with Lilias on PBS? Anyway, she does the relaxing hatha yoga rather than some of the newer power yoga tapes where it seems like every other pose is downward facing dog.  I just picked up a meditation yoga tape by Lilias from the library, so I can't wait to try that out. The physical part of yoga is great, but I know I also need the mental part it offers.

Is anyone doing anything special just for yourself? Something like a once-in-a-lifetime vacation (maybe going to St. Andrews) or buying something you've always wanted?   I've decided once it gets cooler to get another yearly pass to DisneyWorld.  I live about 25 miles from Disney and haven't been there much the past few years. I worked there awhile back but found it more fun to be a visitor than a cast member. I also loved walking the parks because the landscaping is so beautiful. So, I think as part of my fitness regime, I'm going to buy a pass and head over there a few times a month mostly to walk. And, I could use a little fantasy now.

Take care everyone and have a good weekend.

Cindy

Lynbob

Mornin' glories

We may have done this already but those of you who are on facebook and would like to be friends there as well my profile name is Lynbob Grossman.  I don't usually post a lot about bc on facebook, that is what I have my safe haven here with you ladies for but I would love to be friends outside of bc. {{hugs}} 

robinlbe

HI everyone...Like the rest of you, I mostly just  check in on this thread to keep up with up with J-Team friends    I'm so concerned about some of you...I just wished we lived closer so we could give physical comfort....hugs, or meeting together, or something.  Even though some of us didn't experience chemo, or some of the other physical side effects you are going through, just knowing we all went through BC at the same time gave us an extra special bonding that no one else is able to share in just the same way.

You all are always in my thoughts and prayers...and by sharing your concerns, it helps me to know how to pray more specifically for each of you.

I don't understand why some have a harder road than others, or why any of us had to go down this road to begin with....all I know is that God trusted us with this job for a reason...picked us out special for a special job, a special purpose...I pray that each of you will have the strength to face each day, comfort for the times that look and feel discouraging, peace when things feel overwhelming, and healing to flow through your bodies....

In the meantime, I continue to be Robin-no-breast and one-legged, too   It's amazing how much how body needs every single part....My mom came down and brought two walkers, so now I have walking aides on every floor - a walker, or crutchers, or my knee scooter..ha!  I really don't know how I'm going to teach music to all those little kids next week from the scooter - I'm so used to being active and moving, but at least it's *only* for three more weeks....

Much love to all of you.....and like Lynbob, I'm on FB, too....just look for Robin Blake Eldridge....

blessings...robin

ariesrottie

OMG January Sisters !!! There is too much other stuff going on in each of our lives ... It's so hard to keep up. I wish everyone well. Well today is my 53rd birthday!!!! I know I have a lot to be thankful for... But it is always lingering in the back of my mind... How did this happen to me to US? I did have a great date night with my husband last night... Tonight it will be a nice BBQ with the family..

It seems that all I d\o besides work is go to the doctors. This week, trans vaginal and oncologist.. Last week was the BS. I don't have to see her for 6 months....They removed a little stitch that surfaced from my exchange , but every thing is ok. I have a surgery date for the 28th of Sept. for the hysterectomy... But I am putting it off a week or 2. Have a NIckleback concert..... That is what I want to do......I am worried about them finding something on my ovaries.... but that is why I am having the TV....My hair is thicker but not longer.....One of my cousin snapped a picture of me and put it on face book... I'm not happy about that. But it is what it is... DD is going back to college on the 27th... I will miss her. Trying to get her ready. Oldest son is going too but commuting. and Little son is working with my husband, putting off college for awhile.

I really mean it when I say you girls are in my daily prayer. I wish us all the best....

Courage and strength,

Donna

KatRNagain92

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DONNA! 

neversurrender

Happy Birthday Donna !!!!!

faithandfifty

HAPPY, HAPPY day, DONNA!!!!!!

Go ahead and claim the whole week -- you deserve it!!

This looks light-hearted & like summer-time-fun!!

neversurrender

Robin, I just finished reading "Why I Wore Lipstick to my mastectomy".  It was a really good book.  I was surprised at how emotional it made me. A few places I had to stop and take deep breaths in order to keep control.  I was reading it while sitting at the soccer fields, and was very glad I had on dark sunglasses ! 

Hugs Team January !!

bcincolorado

Robin no breast....great  you can have a sense of humor like that!  I htink it helps keep us going!

Happy birthday Donna!

pbebow

Hello Ladies!  I am back!!!!  Sorry!  Didn't mean to neglect you, I have just been so busy!  This has been our best summer in along time weather wise and I have been enjoying every single minute of it!  If it's nice out we're out there!  I have tried to get all caught up on you all and I have to say I feel a little guilty, you all are going through so much and I haven't been here... I am so sorry, and I hope that everyone is feeling better and healing and smiling!

Oh I have so much to say and so many pictures that I want to post!  But it's lunch time and my kids and hubby are coming in and we're going to a concert tonight so I might not be able to make it back on today, but I promise SOON!!!!

The picture above is from the Relay for Life after all of us survivors let go of our baloons and they had an arch of balloons that they released at the same time and it formed a giant S in the sky, it was amazing and very emotional... I so wanted to grab my baloon back after I released it.

Life is good!

Miss you all!

Paula

pbebow

Okay, here is a start....

This is our group from our big camping trip.  This was the last day just before we started tearing down, but this was the whole gang!  We had a really great time.  Had fabulous weather, good friends and good times!  Went boating, tubing, played in the sun and sand and water.  Everything was wonderful!!!!

After we got home from camping we were full on into wedding mode!  Here are just a couple pics from the wedding...  being the mother of the groom, I didn't take as many pics as I normally would've, I seemed to be very busy... I think I was also the mother of the bride because her mom seemed to think the day was all about her, she kept saying, "This is my wedding and I'll do what I want"  WHAT?   Anyway, the first picture is of me and my daughter Gracelyn who was a cross between a junior bridesmade and a flowergirl.  She looked absolutely gorgeous and way too old!

 This one is obviously the bride and groom, Kevin and Lynsey and their kids (my beautiful grandbabies) Mara and Eli, this I took with my camera while the photographer was taking pics.

This next one is the only pic that we have from the photographer so far, she was kind enough to send it to Lynsey to put up on her facebook page and it is just beautiful!  Everything turned out perfectly beautiful that day.  Not sure if I mentioned it before, but they had one of thier friends get ordained online to perform the ceremony and we were a little nervous, but it was wonderful.  Lynsey basically wrote the whole ceremony herself and she did a wonderful job.  I was very proud.  It was a very stressful 2 days (day before and day of) and needless to say by the time I made it to the reception I was ready for a cocktail!  And I had quite a few!  The dress that my wonderful husband picked out was a hit, I received sooo many compliments on it... I even had a few people tell me that I looked like a Cougar, I wasn't so sure that was a compliment but DH assured me it was.  So, we'll just go with that!  I can't wait to get the rest of the pictures!  I know that they'll be beautiful!

pbebow

The Monday after the wedding, Kevin and Lynsey went their honeymoon and we had the kids for the week, that obviously kept me very very busy!  They were very good and I felt that Mara and I bonded even more, but it was a handful having 4 young kids in the house for the whole week.  I was definitely ready for the pool party that we went to that weekend after they came home... no kids!  whoohooo!!!

Next up came Gracelyn's 8th birthday... she decided that she wanted an all pink "Relay for Life" birthday party for her friends party.  She even wanted to go so far as to have all of her guests make a Relay for Life donation rather then give her a gift.  We planned it as a pool party at my mom and dad's house.  Of course, the first hour of the pool party, it rained, so all of our decorations that we set up outside got a little soggy.  But while we were trapped inside, the girls made decorated luminaries for the Relay and then I gave them all some past Relay shirts that we had extra and they decorated those to wear as bathing suit cover ups.  Then the rain let up and they got to go outside and do some swimming.  Only 3 of the 5 girls showed up, but they had a wonderful time and she was able to raise $60 for the Relay.  Here a couple pictures from her party...

These are the shirts that they decorated...

These are some blow up pink ribbons that I got and they played with in the pool...

The above one is them before the pinata with their goodie bags....  They really had a great time and I've never been more proud of my little girl!

pbebow

Right on the heels of Gracelyn's birthday was the Relay for Life, this past Friday and Saturday.  My family  and I have had a team in the Relay for Life for the past 7 years...  When I was pregnant with Gracely, my grandma passed away from color cancer and the night that I had Gracelyn at 1:00 am in the morning, my mom took my son over to the local Relay for Life and they walked for a few hours in honor of my Grandma, the next year we started our own team and have been doing it ever since.  Last year after the Relay we all decided that it was just too much and we couldn't do it anymore, we thought we'd just join one of the bigger teams and put our efforts with thiers... Our team is called "Our Family Tree" and started out with all family members.  Well obviosly after my diagnosis in November we decided that we'd go for it another year... only this year, all but my immediate family still quit, so we adopted a few people, my friend that was diagnosed with BC just before me, another friend that also was diagnosed last year with pre-BC (still counts) and another friend that has a lot in her family, all joined forces with us.  So, we had a new team and new determination!  We were small but mighty!  This year was especially emotional for us all as I'm sure you can all understand.  I remember in the years past during the Survivor Lap standing on side lines clapping and cheering for all of those that had fought this horrible disease and I'd always cry... I can't even describe the feelings of walking that track and having people applaud for me.  It was just so very emotional that I am crying again just typing about it... Our small team was able to raise over $5000 which is pretty darn good for how small we are.  They made 2 special announcements during the Relay about Gracelyn's b-day party and showed the pictures on the big screen during the Luminary Ceremony.  Here are just a couple pictures...

Here are my DH and I walking the Survivor Lap (before the cheers and tears!).  Never thought I'd be wearing one of those purple survivor shirts, but I wore it proud!

Here we are releasing our balloons, if you look close you can see my hand up there trying to grab it back, it just felt so surreal....

The next is a shot of all of the balloons going up

I already posted the one of the big S balloon forming, that was truly amazing!

 

pbebow

Amongst all of this, I have been having a wonderful time with my family and friends.

We also received some disturbing news, our wonderful, loved family doctor has been accused of possessing child pornography and has been indicted in Federal Court and has left his practice.  He is also a family friend to my DH's cousin and they have told us that there is more to the story and not to judge him but they won't give us details.  But is breaks my heart for him and his family but mostly for us... I trusted this doctor more then any other doctor I have ever had.  And with my BC and everything that my DS has wrong (allergies and asthma) to try to find a new doctor is just something that I cannot bring myself to do, even though I know that I have to.

My uncle is still fighting his cancer, has finished radiation and chemo and is going to have another operation next week to try to remove it again (the tumor is attached to his aorta).  He was heartbroken (as well as we were) that he couldn't attend Kevin's wedding.  He is his godson and they have always been close.

I got a job!  Didn't mean to, Brad told me that I could take another year off (even though Grant is going to be in school full time) because I still have a couple more surgeries coming up (fat grafting), but my friend called and asked if I wanted a part time job in her accounting firm.  2-3 days a week after school starts during school hours.  I will be a receptionist, filing clerk, gopher...  whatever needs to be done kind of person.  How can you turn that down, $10 an hour.... perfect to get my feet back in the water.  I haven't had a real job working for someone else since Kevin (who is 22) was in 2nd grade!  So I guess I could use something to put on my resume.

So, that's it in a large nutshell!  That's what I've been doing....  along with a whole lot of swimming, way too much beer and too many margaritas (but who cares!) and a lot of family and friends and fun!  Tonight my DH and I, Kevin and Lynsey and my sister and her fiance are off to the Jason Aldean concert at the county fair.  We're all going to put on our shit kickers (cowboy boots) and hats and go do a little boot scootin boogey!!!!  Can't wait, need to go and start getting ready!!!  

Miss and love you all!!!!  Thanks for remembering me!  I'll try not to be gone for so long again!

Paula

pbebow

Oh, one more thing....  I remember reading about people and their boob comments and how Kat said that she doesn't care if people mention them and she'll show them to anyone that wnats to see and all that...

While I was at the Relay someone that my mom knows that was diagnosed shortly before me was there... she ended up being BRCA positive and had to have chemo so she has just started her recon, she is in the coconut stage and is hating how hard and high they are and all of that.  Well I walked up to our lot and my mom was there with her and she asked if she could talk to me about my new girls.  I of course said yes, because I am always willing to talk about it.  I happened to be wearing my brand new pink tank top that said "Save the TaTa's" and showed off the girls quite well.  So we talked about everything, coconuts, fills, drop and fluff, massage, pain, drugs, nipples, tats... you know the works... and then she asked "Do they really get soft again after the exchange?" and she looked so wistful... mind you we were standing in the middle of the track with people walking all around us, my DH was there, my mom, my friend Bobbie that is in the middle of her recon, and I said, "See for yourself" and she touched (just kind of poked it a little) and she about starting crying she was so happy and relieved.  I am so happy that I could put her mind at rest and she saw me raise my arms and jiggle around and she was like "You have normal underarms!"  I told her that was immediate after exchange surgery that I had the same issues before.  She just kept saying "OMG!  I am so happy, I am so relieved!  You look so amazing!  Your boobs are so beautiful!"  Made me feel so good to be able to help her!  Just had to share that!

Lynbob

"See for yourself" and she touched (just kind of poked it a little) and she about starting crying she was so happy and relieved. "

This made be burst into tears. I loved all the pictures. Paula, thank you for sharing your summer and family {hugs}  You are beautiful inside and out!