In shock
Comments
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Morwenna - beautiful, well expressed
I think you should send this to the moderators for their fund raiser - it sums it all up -
Morwenna, Fantastic !! so true. X
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Isn't this beautiful ? cloud formation over Florida recently.
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Beautiful, Edi!
I sent in my thoughts on the BRA -day yesterday and here is a portion of the response I received back -
'I was forwarded your thoughtful and constructive comments about BRAday by the Willow Foundation. I sincerely thank you for taking the time to formulate and write your critiques. You have very valid points in a number of areas, but most especially, at least to my mind, are your criticisms of the show and tell area. I absolutely agree with you that we need to do a better job next year of having a more diverse representation of reconstructive options. Unfortunately we got no TRAM volunteers when we put the call out. I have full intentions of actively seeking out some TRAM women for next year's event. This year we were still at the bottom of the learning curve and we are much wiser now thanks to our experience at the event and to thoughtful people like you who have pointed out weaknesses. Who knows, you might have been through your surgery by next year and could be one of our show and tell hosts!'
Nihahi - I responded and told her that I could provide contact information on a local 'DIEP woman' if she would like for next year's presentation. -
morwenna...loved the poem, agree with others....send it to the mods.
re: Dr. Lin consult. Just an FYI... there are various levels of knowlede, experience and skill in regards to a surgeon's opinion on flap "possibilities" and outcomes. I'm not saying that Dr. Lin doesn't have what is needed, because I don't know him or anything about him. I'm just saying, IF he should say "not possible" to a flap, and that is the route you would most prefer....personally, I think Robert Lindsay's view of "possible" to be a more informed decision. As you likely know, Robert is not a surgeon prone to speaking "lightly" of things. Your BS is a short-term relationship.....your recon (or not) is a lifelong relationship. You also need to be cared for, immediately post flap surgery, (again, if that is the route you go) at a facility with nurses WELL VERSED in microsurgery/flap post op care. Not sure if that is a reality at PLC....again, don't have that info, but it is worth asking about.
by the way....if he said he remembered you...I'd believe him...he is a small, quiet Scot, who misses NOTHING!!!!!! -
Hi ladies.....just had a chat with Benny...she is on her way shortly to an appt and promised to get in touch with me later on.
websister....sorry, I missed your post earlier. I wonder how they "put the call out" to local diep/tram ladies???? They certainly didn't go through my PS, because his office knows I am happy to share my experiences with any woman who asks to talk to another patient. In Calgary and area, most women who have diep or tram, are at least a good year or longer out of treatment, before they even have their initial consult, and surgery itself is often a good year after that...I don't think there would be many in "active followup" who have been able to have that type of recon yet. As I mentioned earlier, I am so far out of "those days" I'm not on anyone's followup list. I will certainly let you know, if they ever contact me.
edited to add: My massage therapist told me last time I saw her, that she had gotten a letter about participating....but had gotten it at rather short notice, especially for someone who works. She would have totally done it, and would have been a very compassionate and "balanced" person to present the implant side. Not what sounds like a very biased view instead. -
Morwenna,
Thanks for sharing your poetry. It says all that I feel. -
Benny, just want you to know I will be holding your hand in spirit today........I believe that we are ALL deep in your pockets.......I can tell you that I had years of calcification s b/4 my DX......if this is the big C, they caught it early......you are NOT doing this alone, you have friends that will hold your hand and have your back during the whole "fandango", as Sbe calls it. XO
Morwenna, LOVE your poem.....it's beautiful!
Will write more AFTER I see Liefie today!
Love you all! -
Morwenna, thanks for the poem! I think that says it all, and please, do send it to the Mods.
Nihahi, I'm so happy Benny has contacted you. I'm having all my fingers crossed for her today.
Websister, between you and Nihahi you will change the face of that presentation next year - good for you. I find it sad that there seems to be this 'competition' almost between those who have implants, and those who go the DIEP route. Everybody's case is different, and nobody should be judged for her choice re: reconstruction.
Just came home from another gruelling boot camp, this one after an energy-sapping hot yoga class. Survived by hook or by crook - some of my moves were really lame - lol, and now recovering on the couch talking to you guys. Will be meeting Movie and DH in about 5 hours - so excited to see them. Better get moving, and start preparing some dinner. -
Hi X
Just back from dancing, all going well and having a ball. DH loving every minute. Also did an hour of Tai chi earlier and didn't realise HOW strenuous it is. Really enjoyed it so will try and do on the days not doing any other form of excercise.DH had good report from hospital the injection in his eye seems to have worked. They used something from the treatment of cancer which seals off blood vessels.
Benny, with you in spirit, as are all the sisters. X
Nihahi, Blighty is a word used by soldiers inthe first and second world wars to mean England. It is a corruption of an Indian word from when we had an Empire. ( those were the days ) X
Websister, Well done on the BRA day, hopefully your thoughts will make it much more enjoyable next time.X
Liefie, looking forward to skype tomorrow with you and Movie X
Big comfy bed calling my poor aching muscles, need a lie down in a darkened room.Love to everyone X
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Morwenna- lovely words, I wish I could express my thoughts as well as you do.
Today I traveled to Atlanta to visit my girlfriend who has the bipolar/narcissistic cockroach, hope to be soon ex. We had a great time...like we always did 13 years ago before all the trauma came into her life. But I want Benny to know that I had YOU in my thoughts all the way to Atlanta and back this afternoon in the awful traffic. I do hope that the distraught feelings yesterday have been replaced with some deep breaths and a more hopeful feeling. If I was closer, I would be at your door to give comfort. But I am not, so please allow those who are closer help you through.
Okay, so it is the final countdown week...I am such a procrastinator. I know that the night before surgery I will be trying to complete all the projects that I "said" I would do, but haven't. Last time, I reupholstered the dining room chairs and repainted the ceramic bulldog (UGA) outside. Still need to make those overlays for DD's wedding. Yep, I shall get right to that...LOL
I had Starbuck's coffee late this afternoon, so I am wired. Have a good evening ladies.
Jenifer -
Momof2, it sounds so familiar . . . overlays for DD's wedding - lol! I planned the same last year during rads which continued right up to the wedding, then was too tired after chemo and rads to do it. So I had DH cut them under my supervision, and then we paid somebody to hem them. That was easy!
Benny, if you feel like it, please let us know how you are doing. If not, we will understand. You've got a huge cheering squad here, who've been through so many ups and downs together. We will get through this one too. Wishing you the best!
Movie and her DH will arrive any moment now - so excited to see them! -
Hey, Benny, sending love and prayers your way. -
Liefie...Oh, no say it is not so!!!....I'm getting on those overlays first thing tomorrow. Ha! I cannot imagine my DH cutting fabric. This is going to be one heck of a weekend. We shall see if I get through this...I mean the overlays, not a BMX......LOL
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OK, what's an overlay? -
I was wondering that very same thing sbelizabeth!
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So glad that I am not the only one who doesn't know what an overlay is in relation to a wedding! Can't wait to hear!! -
Hi X,
Speaking as a person from another land, ha ha. overlay's here in Blighty are lengths of voile or other fabric about 2 foot wide, which go across the plain white tablecloths edge to edge of the cloth similar to a table runner. They usually match the decor as chosen by the bride. Last wedding I did these for the colour scheme incorporated Burgundy and as it was a winter wedding looked rather lovely.If translation is wrong then oops.!!
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Yes, overlays are layers of fabric that go on top of the reception tables over the table cloths. My DD's wedding in May is lavender and some mint green as accent. So I will be making the overlays out of lavender satin and mint green organza. I have yards of fabric but have not decided as to how I am actually going to design them. The tables are 60" wide, so I need to do some measurements. Oh course I could buy them online or rent them, but I wanted to do a personal touch to the affair. Weddings used to be much more simple. You had a ceremony and then served cake and punch. But times have changed, and it has become quite an expense....ceremony, pictures, dinner, dancing, and alcohol
Glad I only have one daughter LOL
Movie and Liefie...hope you are having a lovely time.
Benny...my continued thoughts are with you.
So one cup of coffee...and to the sewing room I go. I might not appear again till I finish these overlays!!!
Jenifer -
oooohh sbe.....after 2 boys....Aubrey is going to introduce you to an entirely new world! I blame the reality tv shows about uber expensive wedding dresses and wedding planners gone wild for turning weddings into break the bank events.
Hey Edi....we're talking the same language today!!!!
Going hiking today, hope Benny checks in with you all. Have good days, ladies! -
Hi everyone! Thank you all so so very much for the love and support! I love you guys! I'm on the raft, Sbe! I met with the surgeon yesterday and he put a more positive spin on things so will update asap. I am rushing out the door this morning as the farrier is coming today and I have to move 13 horses in and out by myself!!! Usually two other people are there to help me, but one's got an exam and the other is in Morrocco for her 2nd wedding anniversary. So I have to fly right now! be back later!!!
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Benny, so happy to hear you so upbeat, and that things don't seem to be as bad as you expected - YAYYYYYY! Staying busy is a good thing, so enjoy the horses. They are a healing force in themselves.
Movie and her hubs are here, and the 4 of us have been talking and visiting nonstop till bedtime last night, and just took it up again this morning. Went for a walk, then had breakfast, and Movie skyped with Edi although skype was acting up. It did not deter them at all - lol. I am thoroughly enjoying this! Movie is such a sweetheart, and so is her DH. Missing you, Nihahi! She brought me a beautiful wool blanket in the colours/markings of Glacier Park, so you are here in a way.
Sbe, about that wonderful raft image of yours: I love it, was thinking about it a lot yesterday, and here's my take on it. All of us on this thread are on this raft, which is floating in a tranquil turquoise lagoon somewhere in the Caribbean. Only sound is the water lapping on the sides of the raft. We are sitting in a tight circle in the glorious sunshine with eyes closed, and Benny is sitting in the middle. We all have one hand touching her, sending our prayers, healing vibes, and positive energy over to her. That is what I'm imagining for her - I think it's working . . . -
liefie - what beautiful imagery for Benny in the tight circle of people who care for her! Love it. -
Thinking of you Benny, on our raft.
Here in the mountains, this is the view from our hotel window

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liefie love your vision.
Morwenna nice pic -
liefie....SPECTACULAR description of our raft.....I'm sure at some time or another, each of us will be "the one" in the center of the circle. We are all connected in unbreakable bonds.
morwenna....nice view! Enjoy the weekend in Canmore. Ade and I hiked Powderface today...beautiful day, but we had to hike through a fair bit of snow....the hiking season is coming to an end, for sure! -


Evening stroll in Canmore
Peace! -
Beautiful description, Liefie - Nihahi is right
Morwenna - gorgeous pictures, I recognize the Three Sisters! I am going to Canmore next weekend for a girlfriend's weekend with 5 friends. I hope the weather holds for us, looks wonderful.
Momof2 - hope you made good progress on those overlays - I learned something new today also
Benny - glad to hear from you, looking forward to hearing more about that positive spin. Hope all went well with the farrier and those 13 horses. You will be tired. -
Hi X
Liefie, read about the raft, Nihahi is right it will be a place that others will need in the future and a place of healing. Sending Reiki to Benny from that beautiful place today.
Wasn't Skype a pain ? It was lovely to HEAR Movie though. Have a lovely last day with them today.Safe journey home Movie. X
Morwenna, those pics are soooo beautiful. What a glorious place to spend a break. X
Nihahi, Snow ?? that is a pain ! Here we have been forecast the WORST winter for years, as usual country will grind to a halt. X
DH just stomped past on way to kettle, better fly until later. X
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