January Mastectomy

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    Oh Debbie, I am sooo sorry, how heartbreaking for you.  I know how frustrating that must be.  I hope you are able to locate them or at least move on.  So sorry!

    Gina,  cannot believe that your insurance is making you wait one full year after having been diagnosed with BC!  WTS!!!!  You should be having them like every three months or something shoudln't you?  That is crazy!  I hate insurance comanies!  I can't believe that they can get away with this stuff!  I am glad that you were able to walk in the walk, that must've been so amazing!  So jealous!  LOL!  And good luck on your upcoming appt with your new PS, hopefully you can get started on your recon soon!

    Donna,  so glad your surgery went well and you are recovering!  hang in there!  Each day gets better!  That's what I have to remind myself after each surgery.

    I had my 2 week appt with PS...  all restrictions lifted, so that's good.  My appt was Wednesday and my bowling night is Wednesday so I decided I'd give it a shot, and I bowled all 3 games with no problems.  I was also able to hold my darling grandson Eli last night, haven't been able to since surgery, was killing me!  My PS said everything is looking good, I go back in 6 weeks and we'll start planning the next round of fat grafting then.  There is a line/indent on the bottom of my left boob that he thinks might be scar tissue or something sticking to the implant or something, so he said when he is doing the fat grafting he'll open that one back up and see what the problem is and he'll have another implant handy just in case there is a problem.  I'm hoping to maybe have that surgery the beginning of December then I'll be all healed up before I go to Cancun in January and maybe my tummy will be a little bit flatter too so I can rock a bikini in Cancun!  whoot woot!  I thought he had said that we have to wait like 4 months in between but he sounded like he'd be able to do another in 6-8 weeks, so we'll see.  Maybe he'll still make me wait the 4 months, either I'll be okay with it.  Still have to wear the compression garment for another couple weeks, so biggie.

    My dear uncle lost his battle with C night before last.  I am just heartbroken, but I know that he isn't in pain anymore.  I guess Monday he was wide awake and barking orders and making everyone laugh and then Tuesday he was in a lot of pain and that night at 1:30 he passed away in his sleep.  Just makes me want to hold my family tighter and closer!  So, now I have to watch another loved be buryed because of the big C.  Not looking forward to that day... think instead of one of those little travel tissue packets I'll just bring a whole box!  I've already went through one.

    Anyway, have a good weekend ladies, this is our homecoming weekend.  Going to the parade and foot ball game.  My daughters class is singing the national anthem, so should be a good night.  Take the day off from grieving and enjoy life!

    Hugs chickas!

    Paula

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2010

    Dear Team January Sisters,

    First let me address what's going on with all of you...

    Paula, thanks for listening and being willing to rally all our sisters to beat up the H.  I so don't feel alone in the battle anymore!!  You are the best.  Actually, I think there has been a lot going on and I recommended that we see a marriage counselor.  I think he's ok with that.  Keeps telling me he loves me and I told him that isn't enough.  (Am I bad?)  He told me that I have changed.  I said, you are damn right I have.  I live with a sense of urgency now...like I want to get everything I ever wanted to do done (NOW).  I am frustrated with living "in the meantime".  You know just being here and doing whatever, until we can move, until we can get settled back in NY, until we can sell the house, until we can.....  I agree that I have changed and I actually think a marriage counselor is a great idea.  We have had way too much on our plate in one year.  I believe a marriage counselor certainly couldn't hurt a good marriage.  He does love me, but going through what we have all gone through requires a lot more than love.

    Robin, I know you said that you "admire all of us" who have chosen reconstruction.  I think I can speak for "all of us" and say that we all admire all of us.  We all made decisions for personal reasons and those that didn't have to have chemo admire those that went through it.  Those of us who didn't have to have radiation admire those who did.  Those of us who had reconstruction admire those who chose not to.  So right back at ya!

    Kim, It is your right to be happy.  This BC trip took us down many different roads and ultimately we should be happy with the end result.  You have to advocate for yourself!!!!  You go girl!!

    Donna,  my prayers for you for a smooth and swift recovery from the hysterectomy.

    Gina and Robin - Great picture!  Admire you for doing the walk!

    Debbie,  Catholics who lose something pray to St. Anthony -- the prayer is very simple.  "Dear St. Anthony please come around; something is lost that must be found"  I will be praying that this quilt is found and returned.  Re your swiss cheese brain comment, I have a theory about that -- I beliieve the culprit is all the treatments (chemo, radiation, and most of all the anesthesia and amnesia causing meds-- see below)

    Paula, you are my hero....a bikini in Cancun!!!!  (see below about my Halloween costume).  Also sorry to hear about your uncle.  You and your family will be in my prayers.

    Now for what's going on here:

    Had nipple reconstruction surgery this morning.  Very successful!  I met with the anesthesiologist and had copies of all my anesthesia reports and surgical records from the previous 5 surgeries.  Told him only one of those surgeries (the hematoma evacuation after the bilat Mx) was a quick wake from the anesthesia.  Also did some research on my own and told him I didn't want any Versed!  He looked at me and said, I sure wish everyone would bring me documentation like you did!!!  He went through the records and told me for my size I was clearly given way too much Versed for the previous surgeries (and no Versed on the succcessful one mentioned above).  So, he said, "my dear -- no Versed for you!!!  This surgery was a walk in the park.  I was wide awake and alert and brought into the OR.  The nurse anesthetist asked if I wanted to be really sleepy or lightly sleepy....I said just sleepy enough....They administered propofol and a mild pain med.  I drifted off and then woke up talking to the nurses and doctor in the OR as they were completing the procedure.  Taken back to my room and was ready to go home!!!  It is too bad that it took 6 surgeries to figure it out.  I can't stress enough how we have to advocate for ourselves.  We are not a "one size fits all".  The anesthesiologist and the nurse anesthetist both admitted that there are too many people in the field who will over-sedate.  DH (today only) and I went out to Cracker Barrel for a huge breakfast and I bought a couple of Christmas outfits for 2 of the grandkids!  Have to leave the bandage and small shield in place until Thursday.  Feel fine.  Thanks for all your good wishes!  (I think I was more anxious about this surgery than the bilat Mx!!)

    Re the swiss cheese brain, it just makes sense to me that when we are given medication that will cause amnesia, it is pretty naive to think it will only cause amnesia for that event....I have seen documentation that states that there is memory loss associated with it.  It's no wonder we can't sort everything out...given all the meds during and after treatment. 

    Are we cranky because of the hormones, the anesthesia/amnesia medication, the chemo drugs, the aromatase inhibitors, the emotions of the entire BC journey; pick one or a combination!!

    Now re Halloween....at my last visit with the BS, she brought her staff in to see the new boobs as she is very proud of her and the PS' work.  I am scheduled for my first mammogram on Oct 29th (which brings up a question as I know some doc's do them after Mx and some don't -- wondering what protocol you all have been given).  Anyway the 29th is the Friday before Halloween and the staff at the BS' ofc (by the way they are all female as is the BS) dress up in costumes, so I asked if I could -- they thought it was a great idea.  Well, I already have the HOOTERS shirt, so I went and bought the shorts, the tights, and the socks.  I have the first appointment in the morning and the girls promised to bring their cameras -- they are so excited.  I will also bake them Halloween cookies (they really loved the decorated cookies for Christmas).  So Halloween should be a real HOOT!!!

    Love and prayers to my January sisters who are always there!

    Marianne

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  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited October 2010

    Marianne.......All I can say is.....YOU ROCK!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    MARIANNE!!!!  I LOVE IT!!!!    That is so funny, because I am going to a Halloween party and I told DH that I was going to be a Hooters Girl!   I haven't gotten all of the stuff yet because I'm still not sure.  The group that I am going with (all couples, I'll be the only solo one, DH will be working so can't go) want to do a group thing, guys being cheerleaders and girls being football players (I know, so original, right?) so I'm waiting to see what they decide, some are saying they want to do their own, but if the do the football thing I'm going to be a very sexy referee!  But if everyone is on their own I just might go with the Hooters girl thing!  You soooo have to show us pics!!!  So excited to see that!  I am also proud of you and DH(?) for talking about the marriage counseling... what a great idea, do it now, sooner rather than later!  And I totally agree with you about the cottage cheese brain.  I read somewhere (and I cannot remember where, no brain) that for every hour that you under anesthesia that you will be fuzzy for a month or something like that.  And there are so many on these threads that complain about not remembering things and like me sometimes, having problems finding my words, and they haven't all had chemo so I totally believe that it is from being put under and the drugs that go along with it.  You are right on sister! And I love the little prayer, can non-catholics use that too, I lose a lot of things!

    Hugs Chickas!

    Paula

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2010

    Paula,

    Oh s---!!!  For every hour under under anesthesia....well I have just added the total # of hours I was actally "out" for the past six surgeries and the number is......29 hours!!!  So if what you heard is true, and this all started last November, I will continue to be a bit spaced out and confused until February 2012!!!!  Seriously???!!!  I can't tell you how many times I have had to return home because I forgot the coupon for the store; forgot the item I am returning to the store; forgot the package I was going to the post office to mail, etc etc.  The good news is at least we have a reason for our behavior.

    Paula, I will definitely have pic's and can't wait for Halloween...you do the same!

    The nipple shield is a little annoying today, but keeping everything in perspective.  There was some bleeding or drainage I can see on the dressing, but was informed not to touch it.  Took a stuffed animal to bed last night and put it next to that side so I wouldn't inadvertently roll over.

    Got distressing news from one of my best friends in FL that her sister was just diagnosed with IDC.  Told her I was available if she wanted to talk and also gave my friend some ideas for what to get her sister for her upcoming lumpectomy (you know, the silk pj's [to slide out of bed], hard candy [to soothe that throat after being intubated], pj's that button in the front and have pockets [for drains]...also recommended some reading for both of them.

    Prayers for my team.  Love you all,

    Marianne

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited October 2010

    Marianne:

    I was told NO mamo on my mx side by my PS.  I have gummy implants and am in the study.  I think I might have been dx earlier than most of you (in Aug) and when I was scheduled for my mamo by my onco, the person doing the mamo basically forced me to have it done on both sides!  I was very upset afterwards, that's for sure.  Afterwards I couldn't believe I was so compliant and just did it and didn't force her to call the PS office for permission first.  I have been assured all is ok since then though and she didn't damage the reconstruction, but it is definitely a decision each doc seems to have a preference.

    (the other Paula)

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  • Claire82
    Claire82 Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2010

    Is there anyway not to get a mammo ever again.

    I'd opt for an ultra sound or MRI

    The mammo never found my cancer - I found it

    even when I showed them where the lump was - the mammo couldn't pick it up

    why go through all that pain for nothing????

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    I was wondering about the mamo's too... I was under the impression that I will never have a mamo again, just MRI's every 3 years to check the implants.  I guess this is something that I need to find out for sure.  It is really hard for me right now because I have lost my family doctor so I am kind of in between family doctor's right now, my BS said she doesn't ever need to see me again, I didn't have an onc, I just have my PS and all he is concerned with is looks, not really on the cancer end of things.  I  trusted my family dr. soooo much, I am just devestated, I feel deserted, and the doctor that they brought in to replace him I am not overly impressed with, I took my son to him once and I just didn't feel the caring that our old dr. always showed.  He knew us all so well, he delivered both of my children and he's been through everything with us, and now we have to start all over and right in the middle of my BC journey, I just will feel funny going into the stranger and saying "Oh yeah, by the way, I had Breast Cancer and these things aren't real, what do you think we should do now?"  I don't even know if I trust this guy and I have to put my life into his hands now.  It just doesn't feel right.  There are 2 other dr.s in the practice, the one I haven't had much contact with but he is an older dr. and very old school and I have no faith in him what-so-ever, the other one assisted in my c-section and did my youngest DS circumcision, and I have been to him a few times with the kids, but I have some issues with him also.  One time, before my DS was officially diagnosed with Asthma, I had to take him in because he was sick and wheezing and was pretty bad and we were in the exam room and this dr. walked in and asked what the problem was and I told him and he looked at my son (who is alllll boy and unless he is totally burning up with fever is usually still very active and goofy) and said "This kid isn't sick, you might as well take him home, there is nothing wrong with him" and I was like, "Um, no, he is sick, you need to examine him" so he finally starts checking him out and then he was considering admitting him to the hospital he was so bad.  So, I have problems with that attitude, if I bring my child into the doctor, my old dr. knew that there was something wrong, I have pretty good motherly instincts when it comes to that and I don't like a dr. to question that before they even check him out.  Also, this other dr. happens to be a good friend of mine's dr. and she has to fight him every year to get a mamo, her sister had BC and she feels the need to have a yearly mamo and he always poo-poos it.  This year she didn't even talk to him about just told the check out lady that she needed to be scheduled.  But I don't want someone like that for a dr., I want a dr. that will be willing to look out for me and mine and think of the things that I wouldn't think of because I don't have a degree.  Anyway, wow, didn't mean to go on and on, just as always, a little confused on the differing opinions from dr.s, mamo after BMX or no mamo after BMX!  Who knows!

    Hugs chickas!

    Paula

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2010

    Paula and Claire,

    I think the doc's fall into two categories...my breast surgeon says "yes" to mammo's and my plastic surgeon and onc both say "no".  My cancer was also not discovered by a mammo.  My breast surgeon's theory is this:  Even after a mastectomy, there is still breast tissue left.  They can never get it all.  I was concerned about having a mammo after the Mx and she assured me that they do mammo's for women with implants all the time.  You have to make sure, of course, that the mammographer knows you have implants. 

    I have a list of questions for the breast surgeon (e.g., will even the smallest radiation from mammo cause any weakening in the implants).

    I know my oncologist was surprised when I told him that the bs recommended mammo's.  But I have to remember his field of medicine is clearly much different than hers.  His is not about detection, nor is the ps. 

    I am going with my gut on this one, at least this time.

    Marianne

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  • Claire82
    Claire82 Member Posts: 684
    edited October 2010

    I, too, am changing my PCP during my cancer journey. Truthfully, and I don't mean this to start anything, but the male doctors I have had are nothing compared to the women doctors. So I am changing to all female. I spent some time looking at top doctor lists and questioning others in the medical field, and I found one who seems great. She is so popular that it has taken me 4 months to get an appt with her. She wasn't taking new patients, but i begged and was put on a waiting list. I see her in December. My male PS is the one who screwed up my reconstruction, so I choose a female PS to fix it. My last male doctor is my dentist - I've yet to find a female that accepts my insurance. Do I seem chauvanist? I dont care lol . I want to feel like someone is at least listening to me. I'm tired of being treated like less than I am.

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    Well that makes sense I guess, but I would think an ultra sound or MRI would detect anything that might be there.  And my understand was that any breast tissue that is left would be right on the surface and any lumps would be very easy to detect... but again, I don't know where I heard that or from whom... I could be all wet, I hate not haveing my very trusted dr.! 

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  • jizogarden
    jizogarden Member Posts: 375
    edited August 2013

    Hi January Friends,

    Kat, I hope your biopsy results come back free and clear of any cancer...you are in my thoughts..all good thoughts to you.

    Kim, I'm so glad your ps is being so helpful and is happy to give you new implants...I hope that your new boobies look spectacular.

    Robin, congratulations on your walk even with a hurt ankle =\  I think your journey without reconstruction is full of courage!  Sometimes I wish I had gone that way...my boobs still feel so foreign to me =(

    Debbie I my heart breaks about your art work :(  I pray someone finds it an returns it to you..what a heartbreak.... 

    Marianne so glad to hear you have your nips!  I too feel a sense of urgency that I finally spoke to Andrew about. With bc and my heart damage I feel like the future is more uncertain and I don't want to put everything off until we are retired.  I don't want to update my kitchen just to sell our house...I want to update the kitchen for myself.  I want to travel to The Lake District in England and walk the hills myself....I don't want much but I feel a bit shaken by the this last year...I just want to enjoy life in the moment and not assume that we have years and years to do things we love.......  *Andrew is a cabinetmaker and the kitchen is the worst room in our house ;)  We live in a small lovely cottage that I love very much...I don't want a big fancy kitchen....just one where the drawers don't jam and the counters match ;)

    Paula I hope you find a family doctor you feel comfortable with....  I'm also sorry to hear about your uncle......very sorry.......

    I've been watching the new show on HBO, "Boardwalk Empire".  So what am I looking at during the show....ALL THE NATURAL BOOBIES =(  I joked to Andrew that they must have had an interesting call for actresses only to audition that had NO IMPLANTS :)  But kidding aside....it makes me very sad to watch and see so many lovely soft natural boobies....it really makes me miss my breasts.  They weren't much but they were comfortable, they had feeling, they were part of me.  I'm still having a hard time accepting these newcomers.....I still hate it :(  I feel guilty about not being happy with my outcome because I had such an easier time of it than so many.  I see what so many have had to go through with chemo and radiation and feel like I should just keep my mouth shut.......but I'm sad.....and I can't help it....... 

    On the mamo question...I had a DMX and my bs said I will no longer have mamo's.  She said I will have an MRI every 3 years and she will preform a manual exam once a year. 

    xox

    Laura ♥ 

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  • bcincolorado
    bcincolorado Member Posts: 5,758
    edited October 2010

    My goodness...to have to change doctors would send me into a panic I think at this point!  After being so doctor "involved" for the past 10 years with DH and his pre-and post-transplant issues and now with my stupid bc diagnosis and all those surgeries, we have definitely built up a great medical team.  I just can't handle rude docs at this point. 

    Now I am a uni, so I have a "real one" that needs a regular mamo.  My bc was found on mamo and I was told it would have been 3 years or more before I would have been able to find it myself on regular exam.  At that point who knows how far it would have spread!

    I want to pass on a site in case any is interested to get a free magazine sent to you.  My hospital signed me up for it I guess.  They had a card in there and it said patients can get it free.  It has cancer, nutrition, health info in there.  It is:  http://awomanshealth.com/

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    Oh Laura, I'm sorry that you are feeling so low and sad.  I wish there were something that I could do to make you feel better about your newcomers...  I know that there isn't so I won't even try.  Just know that we are all here for you.  I agree that they do feel a little foreign at times, but mine really don't bother me.  I am so much happier with the size and perkiness of them then my originals, but I do miss the feeling/sensitivity, but it something that I am just going to get used to and I have accepted.  I agree that you should not put things off, if they are important to you, do them and enjoy them!  You deserve it!  And you definitely deserve that new kitchen!!!

    Claire, I totally missed your last post, I must've been posting at the same time and didn't even notice it.  I totally don't blame you if you don't have faith in your doctors get rid of them.  I have to say that my family doctor was a man and I trust him completely.  He was awesome, I am not leaving his service because of choice, he made a choice to retire and I have abide by it I guess.  I would give anything to have him back, having him leave me in the middle of all of this has been very hard, but I understand his reasoning and respect his decision.  My BS was a female and although I feel that she did a great job and I have no real issues with her I can't say she was my favorite doctor, I feel like she dismissed me in the end and I wasn't thrilled with her office staff.  My PS has been great and I love the staff, I've only had that one little problem with him and looking back I'm not sure that he could've said anything that day to make me feel better, so I'm sure he has learned that in cases like that to just give the patient time and then work things out.  Anyway, it's all a personal preference and I do not think you are a chauvinist at all.  I think we should all do what we need to do!

    Anyway, just checking in to say hi! 

    Later!

    Hugs Chickas!

    Paula

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  • ariesrottie
    ariesrottie Member Posts: 260
    edited October 2010

    Hi Girls! I hope that everyone is doing okay and hanging in there.  The breast walk for  Avon was this past weekend... My friends walked for me... I am feeling better friom my surgery, but there was noway that I would of made it the 39 miles....Next year is a new year,,,,,,

    So much talk about mammo and MRI.... I think that my breast surgeonsaid only MRI for me because of the implants....We will see as time come near,,,, Made my appointments for my bone densit, PS for nipples and tatoo ( I am scared) and oncology,,,, Does it ever stop.

    I wish you all happy days, and you are in my thoughts and prayers....

    Donna

    PS----Kat where are you?????

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited October 2010

    Isn't it about time for Kat's "test" (biopsy??). It seemed like a long time back that she told us the date. In any case, prayers going up for Kat-- while awating the outcome. Stand strong!

    Thanks to all for your care & concern for my missing quilts/artwork..... no good news there and yet the earth continued to rotate, just the same.

    Hugs going out to each & everyone of the team, as we adjust to nte 'new' normal which is filled with adjustments on a daily basis.

    Happy Wednesday.

    We're in the car, having closed down our summer place for the season of winter ahead. Headed to Ohio for home base thru the holidays. Big couple of trips on the horizon: CA for the national convention of early childhood, then KY, then NY/NYC. It's thrilling to think of these opportunities. Hope that I can aspire to 'be all that I can be.'

    Ever onward, team J!!

    xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010
    WEll, I finally did a work out! Nothing much compared to what some have done or are doing, but I got off my butt and did something so makes me feel good! I ordered a Wii work out video... Gold's Gym Dance Workout. It was pretty fun and kept it entertaining and I broke a sweat. I'm sure that it would be probably boring to some that have been working out and are in good shape, but for me it's a good place to start. I ordered Just Dance and Just Dance 2, but I can't open them until Christmas... They're for my DD for xmas, although, I might end up cheating and giving her the Just Dance early and keeping the other one for Christmas, just so I can play it! I watched a bunch of kids playing right after my rivision and I wanted to get up and dance with them so bad but my DH wouldn't let me! Which is probably a good thing, but now I am just itching to try it out! Anyway, just thought I'd share!

    Hugs Chickas!

    Paula

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  • neversurrender
    neversurrender Member Posts: 508
    edited October 2010

    Kat - how long will you have to wait to get the biopsy results?  Did everything go ok yesterday?  Let us know how you are doing.

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2010

    Hello Team,

    Saw the PS today; first appt after the nip surgery last Friday.  I actually kept the bandage and nipple shield on (as instructed).  I did cut off a little of the bandage as there was a lot of dried blood and it was itchy.  He took the bandage off today and I was absolutely amazed.  Lo and behold, there is what looks like a real nipple.  There was still a big clump of dried blood when he took the bandage off, so he cleaned it up, added some antibiotic ointment and put a gauze bandage on it.  It is a little larger than the other nipple, but he said it would shrink.  He decided to leave the stitches in...and said "I don't know why you bleed so much after surgery [y'all remember that hematoma?].  Anyway, he said "take it easy" and he would take the stitches out in a week.  Then tatoo somewhere around 5 or 6 weeks.....almost done!

    I received a call from my BS' office today.  One of the nurses said they had a newly diagnosed bc patient....she was scheduled for a lumpectomy, but it turns out she will need a Mastectomy.  Dr. said she was having a hard time and remembered that I told her I would be willing to talk to any of her patients.  They gave the patient my name and she agreed to have me call her.  Just left a message for her.  Hope she calls.  I am ready to give this new sister HOPE.  The hope that someone gave to me, when I actually met a survivor in person; saw a reconstructed breast after a Mx, and realized that maybe, just maybe, I would come through this.  Hope I can just listen, be understanding, and give her what we all needed.

    Donna - don't be scared about the nip surgery.  It was the easiest one.  I didn't know what to expect when he took the bandage off today, but I was amazed!!! 

     As for the remark about being chauvanistic.....I think where breast cancer and girls parts are concerned, it is ok to be discriminating.  It's ok to prefer a woman (who has those same parts).  We all know there are some great women doc's and some great men doc's.  Bottom line;  See who you are comfortable with and trust.  It's your body.  It's your decision.  You get to make that choice!!!!

    Praying for Kat....anxious to hear.

    Love to all,

    Marianne

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited August 2013

    Hello ladies!  I'm a schmuck for not touching base...my sincerest apologies! 

    I put off my biopsy for one more week and here's why...

    I entered a contest for the line of clothing I wear...CAbi (Carol Anderson by Initiation...remember the pink tiger tanks with my foursome at the Rally?  Those were CAbi)  Anyway, CAbi was conducting a real live model search for the Spring 2011 look book and would you believe I've been selected?  I got the golden ticket!  Whoohoo! 

    Anyway, the photo shoot is tomorrow and it's in get this...LA!  They're going to fly me to LA, have a car pick me up at the airport, take me to hair and makeup (squeal) and then to my photo session.  I'm going to be featured in the "On Every Body" section of the catalog.  You can see the website now for the Fall 2010 it's at http://www.cabionline.com/  click on the collection and then the look book. After the photo shoot the car takes us to the Avalon Hotel in Beverly Hills!  Can you just really believe this?  I'm not sure how many women entered but there are 16,000 likes on facebook so I'm thinking a few...I asked the gal how many of us and she said 10 so that's cool.  I'll get to meet some other women who like CAbi too!  The hotel is really close to Rodeo drive so that will be fun to do a little shopping :) The weather is the same as it is here...high 60's. (beautiful!) 

    I just am so overjoyed!  I needed something like this so badly.  I was getting an inkling that I might be considered when they wrote back to me after I submitted my story and my photos.  I told my husband that it was a probably a form letter...he's like: Kat, that is too personal of a response to be a form letter...I think you're in the running.  Then a few days later another question about what was my city and state...and then they asked me if I were selected would I be available to travel to LA on Friday the 22nd?  Well that date couldn't be worse.  We are having our 3rd quarter owners meeting tomorrow and these meetings are a big deal...but it didn't take long to snap out of it!  Life was handing me this wonderful gift and I was going for it!  The bosses have been wonderful and thrilled and excited for me so that makes it even better. (plus I've been working very hard for the owner's meeting even though I'm not going to be there)

    So...can you blame me for putting off breast cancer for one more week?  I've had this nodule since the end of July and I don't think another week will change things one or another.  I didn't want to risk having any bruising or something horrible like a punctured implant or something that would impede this trip tomorrow!  I've even been driving the speed limit so I don't get a ticket...no license no California!

    Well...lots to do to pack and get ready.  Thank you so much for worrying about me...I love you all!  So glad you have the nips Marianne...aren't they the best?  Sweet Laura...if you can just talk the doc into nips...it would make a world of difference with your two foreigners...you might even begin to call them home.  :)

    Sweet dreams everyone!
    Kat

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    OMG!  Kat!  That is amazing!  You rock girl!  I am soooo freaking happy for you (and, okay, a little jealous)!  Do you need someone to go with you?  I can be like your body guard or drinking buddy or something!  LOL!  How amazing is that!  Can't wait to see your photo-shoot!  You have a great time and most definitely, this is a time to put BC on the back burner!  It is a time to live!  And you are living the dream life!  Wooot wooot!!!!

    Love ya!

    Paula

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited October 2010

    WOWZER WOWZER WOWZER KAT!!!!

    It's about time that Team January hit some gold!!!!

    We'll all be living vicariously thru your amazing adventure.

    You go girlllllllllllllllllllllllllllll!!!!!!

    ***Note to self: there are times when we don't hear from one of our sisters & it's because something brilliantly wonderful has happened!!!!

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  • TNgolfer
    TNgolfer Member Posts: 253
    edited October 2010

    Wow Kat.....you sure have your priorities in the right order....Life first; you know the rest can wait!!!  I, too, am extremely happy for you (and jealous), but so proud to be a part of Team January with its newest celebrity.....what a story from Mastectomy to photo shoot and model!!!  Have a great time in LA and know that we are all there with you.

    Yes, I do love the nip!!!  It is absolutely amazing what plastic surgeon's can do!!

    Marianne

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  • burley
    burley Member Posts: 631
    edited October 2010

    Hello ladies-I've been busy, and haven't had the time to even check in.

    Way to go, Kat!  That's awesome!  Have a terrific time in CA, and do some shopping for me!

    Laura-I am also sad about losing my boobies.  I just can't get used to my new ones...then of course, I'm getting bigger new ones on November 16.  I'm hoping by the time I'm all done with new implants, nipples and tattoos, I will feel better about them.  I still hide them from the husband as much as possible.  They're seriously ugly.  I really liked my tiny boobies before.

    I also hit gold last week...my husband surprised me with a new car!  And a sports car, at that.  A 2011 Camaro-heh, heh.  It's frickin' awesome.  He said with everything I've been through, I deserved a new car.  It is by far the nicest car I've ever had.  He is actually jealous, which is funny since he bought it for me-but he did trade in his car to get it.  And we switched-he now drives my truck.  First thing I did was buy a bedazzled breast cancer ribbon to go on it-then he bought me this teeny, tiny pink flashlight to go on it that also has a breast cancer ribbon on it.  I love my pink keys!

    I caught myself in the mirror when washing my hands the other day, and my muscle was obviously flexed and it was gross to see the line between the implant and the muscle.  Anyone else experience this?  When I flex, it looks horrible.  Maybe it looks worse for me because my boobs are small, and I don't really have any top boob?  So I start wondering how many people have noticed this when I'm bent over at work.  ugh

    Well I hope everyone has a great weekend, and enjoys the fall weather.  It's finally cooled down here to the 70's during the day-whew!  The heat was killing me.  Take care all!

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited August 2013

    Kim, wow!  Another one to be jealous of!  A new car, how cool!  And a Camaro to boot!  We have a Camaro sitting in our garage...  a '69 red convertible, too bad DH never has time to change the tire and put in a new battery so I can drive it!  LOL!  He keeps threatening to sell it and buy a newer model but I don't think he ever will, not sure I want him to but I do want to be able to drive it occasionally!  I so feel your pain about the washing hands thing... I hated that, and I also wondered how often it did that without me knowing it.  My new bigger implants have helped that tremendously, so there is hope!  I have to say I look every time I'm washing my hands and so far don't notice it.  I was telling someone about what it used to do once and my mom and sister were there and they started describing it too, which led me to believe that yes it did do it at other times.  Don't ya just hate it when you have a little something that bothers and you convince yourself that it isn't that noticeable, your just being too hard on yourself and then bam, someone lets you know that yes they do notice it... That seems to be happening to me a LOT lately, and it seems that its usually my sister that is letting me know that she noticed it.  It's weird.  And I also want to know when I got to be so freaking fat and lumpy bumpy!  I can't find a freaking Devil's costume for Halloween that doens't make me look fat... I walk around every day thinking of myself as this fairly thin person who now has great boobs (well, bigger and perkier anyway) and then BAM!  I look in the mirror and wonder who the hell that fat cow is!  It is killing me here and then I go and eat something that clearly will not help that.... I just can't seem to stop eating and I can't stay motivated to keep exercising (or find the time or some such excuse).  In the meantime, I'm thinking the bikini for Cancun is definitely out of the question...  I'll be lucky if I can fit into a bathing suit at all....  hmmmmm, where did all of that come from.... I was just planning on replying back and saying hi... oops, sorry!  I guess I'll go to bed now, DH is still working and DD is spending the night at a friends and DS is sound asleep upstairs and he has an early soccer game tomorrow.  So I guess I'd better get some rest.  Tomorrow should be a good day, after soccer we pick up DD and then later she is going to be in a concert so get to watch that.  Then drop both kids off with my parents to spend the night and I am going to a friends house where some other friends are meeting and we're going to make dinner and have a few cocktails (Hop, Skip and Go Naked anyone?) and then we're all going to play Wii Just Dance and dance our butts off and then go and sit in the hot tub!  Sounds like a fabulous evening, doesn't it?  A bunch of old overweight people dancing and laughing!  Perfect!

    Have a good one!

    Hugs Chicka!

    Paula

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  • robinlbe
    robinlbe Member Posts: 585
    edited October 2010

    Kat.....KOOL :)    Can't wait to see YOU in the catalog!!!  Congratulations, girlie!!!

    Kim....a KAR!!!! awesomedoodles.....lucky you!!!!!

    All I got was a dumb cast....and a second MRI on the stupid ankle that refuses to get better - sigh.  I *did* actually have three days of NO pain last week, and thought i was seriously on my way to healing- for once!!!  But, it came to a screeching halt, and now we're back where we starting from :(

    Glad everyone is so excited about all the changes/additions/etc to your bodies.  I'm still good, although my PT for my ankle and I were talking about my tightness and she thought it sounded like fascia (sp?), and she got in contact with another PT, and I'm getting an appt to see her!

    Oh, Gina's husband is in the hospital....having surgery sometime tomorrow - gall bladder.  Took everyone by surprise.  Some lessions on his liver, too, but nothing conclusive there.

    This week, last year, is when I found out that my 2nd mammogram wasn't good, and I was sent for my biopsy.  On oct. 22 last year, I laid on a table for 1.5 hours with them trying to do a stereotatic biopsy, but they finally concluded they couldn't do it because the area was too shallow....so I had to call the doctor's office and get a surgeon's name.  Guess I'm doing a little "re-living".

    Great weekend blessing to all....and can't wait to hear about Kat's celebrity treatment :)

    robin

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited October 2010

    Wow. Team J, I see that this is my 8,999th post...... feels like I need to say something profound.

    BCO means a lot to me.

    You mean a lot to me.

    I am so grateful for all of your caring, whether it be about the impending surgery of 10 months ago, or the hand-holding thru the drains (remember when?) or the encouragement thru PT/ROM/LE issues thru the months, or the congratulatory support when my book came out, or more recently thru the loss of all of the artwork from the book.

    What a trip it has been.

    I think back over all that we have shared: the ups. the downs. the spouses/partners. the side effects. the unknowns. the tests. the progress. the set-backs. the waiting. the wondering. the treatments. the depression. the pick-yourselves-back-ups. the pink walks. the meet-ups. the sadness. the triumphs. the adjustments. the families. the milestones.

    wow.

    No wonder I treasure this thread.

    Thanks for being there in the beginning. Thanks for remaining here all these months later -- as the reality continues. Thanks for sharing. Thanks for supporting. Thanks for contributing. Thanks.

    xx00xx00xx00xx

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    Strength and courage.

    (((((((((((((((((((((Gina)))))))))))))))))))

    and all who need an extra hug this weekend................................

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  • faithandfifty
    faithandfifty Member Posts: 10,007
    edited October 2010

    7 hours later, my whole world has changed!!!!!

    I JUST GOT MY PORTFOLIO BACKKKKKKKKKKKK!!!

    No kidding. Two weeks to the hour!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    Dear Husband just walked into the kitchen with it behind his back, looking like he'd eaten a cow.

    I have been down on my kneeeeeeeeees in THANKSGIVING!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    For a while I just had to lay on the ground, I was seriously overwhelmed.

    xx00xx00xx00xx00xx00xx

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  • pbebow
    pbebow Member Posts: 575
    edited October 2010

    That is so amazing!  I am soooo happy for you!  And it shows that there are good people out there... so what's the story... how'd they get it to you and where did they find it and all that?

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  • KatRNagain92
    KatRNagain92 Member Posts: 522
    edited October 2010

    Well I'm back and it was amazing!  It was a whirlwind with a lot of flying in planes.  The Limo driver who picked me up at the airport says "I love when I work for CAbi...all the girls just smile and smile!"  We were doing a lot of smiling!  But it just went by to fast.  I've got the memories forever though so that's the cool part. (and some pictures on facebook)  I had hair and makeup (the makeup was fun...they really cake it on but you don't see that in the photos.) and 2 outfit changes.  The new spring line is gorgeous but I'm on a gag order of what we wore...I will say that one of the tops I couldn't wear a bra underneath so I went without and the girls were just doing fine up there all by themselves!  HA! 

    There were 16 women but I only got to know 2 of them...we were the last 3 that straggled in on later flights (I left at 8 and got to the studio at 2:30) but we got to stay in the Beverly Hills hotel too...the others had to go home.  Oh my goodness, I couldn't imagine turning around and flying home.  I don't know how the flight attendants do that.  We went shopping on Rodeo Drive and then out to a pricey dinner and back to the hotel for more cocktails.  That was probably better than the actual photo shoot anyway (less stressful!)   It was such a fun adventure...it makes coming back to the real world an adventure too.  :)

    WoW Debbie...I cut and pasted and saved your words with many others that you have written....how you can just say it exactly how it is without mincing words is quite amazing...That whole paragraph of describing the roller coaster is just so cool.  I am so happy you got your quilts back...when you see yourself surrounded by the events want, it's amazing how it seems to happen that way!  

    And Kim...A Brand New Car!  (you got to say it like the Price is Right guy:)  Enjoy your new ride!

    I've got the same distortion stuff that goes on with the implants too.  I wondered if going bigger wouldn't solve that too like Paula says.  I just don't want to go bigger so I am living with the ripples and the distortion with the flexing.  I see my PS again the first week of November...he thinks I need super cohesive gummys to make it go away but they're not approved here and I don't want that either (I don't think) I would like to get longer nipples though..or at the very minimum getting another inking to darken them up.  I can't believe how much they've faded.  I'm bummed about that.   

    Robin, I hope your MRI turns out ok...are they going to do a PET scan too?  Please let Gina know we are praying for her! 

    Well girls...have a great rest of your weekend! 

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