I say yes, you say no, OR People are Strange

Blue, I think chopping them both off is an option if the beast rears its ugly head again but I am trying to ensure it stays gone.

Hi,

Happened upon this thread--fun to read--and if you don't mind--I'd like to suggest a couple of mystery writers I enjoy reading: Robert Parker is great--easy read but great characters; and for the Brit mystery readers, suggest Dorothy Sayer. Wonderful characters and great Brit humor.



Sorry if my post doesn't fit the discussion, but really, really wanted to share authors I have enjoyed reading.



Thanks,

Pomegranate

I love Robert Parker!!!

I love Robert Parker, too.



Thanks for the recipe, Rosemary. Will try it out on DH tomorrow.

(((Happy Libby)))

((((HL)))))

Susieq:

The experiences of women having BMX and reconstruction vary so widely. IMO, a lot of it depends on whether you are a person who tends to do well with surgery and pain. I am lucky to be one such being. I had 6 surgeries overall for cancer and recon because I wanted to take my time. In addition, settle for nothing other than a top notch surgeon whom you have rapport with. Lots and lots of dialogue is needed.

No one can tell you whether recon is right for you, but if you DO decide to go ahead, my advice is to go s-l-o-w-l-y and get it right.

I was greatly helped by going on a picture forum run by a BC sister - Timtam. If you PM her (search for "Timtam") she will look at your post history and send you a password to let you in. Women post very candid pictures and stories. It gave me a great sense of what to expect. My situation was a bit anomalous because I wanted small - I went from C to B - so I didn't have the lengthy salines fills that some did (if you do implants). Whippetmom, on this forum, is another great resource.

Your doctor will tell you whether you are a good candidate for DIEP, like HL is having. Much also depends on your preferences. The type of reconstruction you have also determines what your surgery experience will be, obviously. The flap procedures involve fewer steps but the surgery entails a longer recovery because it is more involved. Some women  prefer to use their own bodies for reconstruction. Others are not candidates for such procedures because they are too small/thin, and they may prefer simpler surgeries and choose implants.

I am very happy with my result. The nipple is another area where there a re lots of choices. I opted for a graft from my tummy - they took skin and made a sort of origami display to create a nipple. Modern medicine is incredible. You can also get tattoos if you prefer, or use "fipples" - nipples that you take on and off!

I had a lot of fun. In all of the choas of my life at the time and the uncertainty and the feeling of powerlessness that having cancer gives you, reconstruction was a welcome diversion. I felt free, in control of my destiny for that tiny part of my treatment and enjoying the creative process. As much as we all talk about the uncertainties of adjuvant treatment and what will happen five and ten years out, it is nice to have something where the results are fairly immediate and there is no guessing game.

The best part is not having to worry about what is inside my breasts, of course.

I opted for wine instead of G&T. I feel guilty because in some instances I had fun today. Too surreal to take all that seriously!  As for apologies, I was born at night, but not last night!

Hillck - what a bummer about the herceptin.

I was gone all day too and now am playing catch up.  Figured out the thread that is creating all of the drama all over again but am only on page 9 - still have quite a bit more to read.  Some people never fail to amuse me.  I see we have another "new/not new" member here again who can't stop herself from coming here to shout out insults.

Cindy

VERY good to hear you have such wonderful supervision.  I still think it is a very good thing to be reminded to be GENTLE with yourself.

Sounds llike Blue and jancie need to have (((((gentle thoughts))) sent their way too.

 I know so deeply what you mean about the frustration.  I'm sort of ok now, but during my chemotherapy, I passed gallstones.  The mind boggles cuz I thought I was just having ba gas pains. That's when I flunked the blood test, and after a Cat Scan instead of infusion, followed by ultra sound, learned I had a gall bladder full of stones, and acute pancreatitis.  My onc cracked up, cuz after he told me I said " OH, BOTHER!" ( which as everyone knows is what Winnie - the-Pooh says in most troubled times.)  So, I welcome sharing with you my favorite expression courtesy of Winnie -the-Pooh  "OH, BOTHER!"  Seriously, I weirdly find it comforting at times.  Your last infusion will happen soon - this will give you more time to plan a celebration!!!!

Blue is adding more macadamia nuts to the BCOB&G.