NW GA

donsuzbee

Any chance of getting together those of us who live outside the Atlanta perimeter? Area: Marietta X Carpentersville X Canton X Roswell/Alpharetta. I would be glad to make the arrangements.

Hogwarts

Hi,

How about Acworth? Had DBX a little over 2.5 years ago and no reconstruction, no chemo or rads. Health is excellent but looking to share stories of living flat and navigating that issue of clothing, or finding comfy forms and bras that don't irritate.

Thanks,

Hogwarts

mustlovepoodles

Dang! I just moved from Marietta to Blairsville. I would have totally been up for a get-together before I moved!

I'm 2 years post-BMX, no recon. I had intended to have DIEP flap recon on NOLA last year, but my mother got really sick, so I opted to take care of her instead. I don't know when or if i will have recon now. I'm not happy with how I look, but right now its not about me. DH has had a series of orthopedic issues since Dec, plus a small stroke. This would not be the time for me to be laid up for several weeks or months. I recently just threw in the towel and bought new forms and bras. I've held off on buying a mastectomy bathing suit, thinking I'd have recon and wouldn't need it. But it's been 2 years of no beach or pool, so I guess I'm going to just have to break down and buy one. That makes it seem so...permanent...

Hogwarts

Hi dog lover!

Aren't you and angel for looking after your mom! And it would have been great to connect locally. Hope you're loving the mountains.

I decided not to have any recon or anything. Just seemed simpler to remove both girls but it's an up and down thing being flat and finding the silicone forms holding in the heat and then the nerve pain sets in after several hours. And not being able to hide my flat chest in the summer like I can now. Know what you mean about the permanent thing. Lands' End has masectomy suits but if you get one with a ruffled top, no one will know, if that style appeals to you. Maybe you can fool yourself that way?

How are you feeling, doing otherwise?

Hogwarts

mustlovepoodles

I'm doing great! I retired unexpectedly last summer. We sold the house in about 14 days and moved to FL for the winter in our RV. Just moved the RV up to Blairsville and working at a campground. Very low stress, in spite of my DHs ongoing health concerns.

Hogwarts

Hi dog lover, So glad your doing great!!! Isn't retirement the best! I love it and especially being able to sleep in now. Judy

mustlovepoodles

Indeed! I am so much happier in retirement. And the thing is, I never felt UNhappy at work. But things changed for me after BC--I just lost my drive. My DH, who had been sick for years with heart/lung disease, got diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer shortly after my disastrous BMX. And then my mom went into end stage kidney failure and was ultimately diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer last year. I nursed her until she passed last summer.

At that point I just threw in the towel. Forty years as an RN was enough. I will always BE a nurse, but I no longer want to earn my living that way. Instead, I get to live in the mountains and help people enjoy their relaxing campout. I sell firewood, marshmellows, ice, and hay ride tickets. I point visitors to the nearest waterfalls, BBQ joint, stables, and Wal-Mart. I make their reservations for July 4th and Spring Break. And occasionally I reunite a lost dog with its owner.

Yes. Retirement is awesome.

Hogwarts

Dear dog lover, I am so very sorry for all of your losses; how horrible for you to have them all come so close together!!! You have earned your time in our lovely mountains! You are still helping people but in a more relaxed setting and with folks who are enjoying themselves. What a gift to yourself and to others! Now your spirit has a time to collect itself and heal from all the emotional 'stuff' you went thru. Enjoy our mountains for me. ;-) Hugs, Judy