DIEP 2014

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  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited August 2014

    Feeling kind of, I don't know, upset? Not exactly. Maybe a little hurt. Someone at work told me I shouldn't keep putting myself through this and I should just go flat. I don't want to be flat and it bothered me that she would even suggest it. The woman next to her stated she'd love to be able to go braless. Do the thoughtless comments ever end?

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited August 2014

    Sarah, I don't talk about it anymore to anybody but my best friend because it's the same old same old over and over, and nobody would even believe it anymore.  I will give you a for instance...I went for my cleaning at the dentist today, and they said things like, "you look so good.  so glad it's all over, etc."  What do you say to that?  I said, "thanks, yes..it's almost over." And, didn't give much more explanation than that.  It's old news.  I chatted up the hygienist about her kids, and what did she think about Oil Pulling for gum health, blah blah blah.  But, inside I am screaming "it's not over!!!!! You should see what I look like under these clothes.  You would die!!!!"  But, you can't do that all the time, and hence the isolated feeling.  I called my DIL when I got out of there, and took her to lunch.  It felt good to be out, and the waiter liked my outfit.  So, I guess I am on a bit of an "up swing" today.  Thanks for pointing that out, Janet.

    Trish, sounds like you are doing great!!! Sounds like you lucked out and have a great surgeon. Keep us posted on what your stage 2 will be.  I would never hike up a mountain even when I as healthy, but I am going back to the gym ASAP!!!!!

    Enjoyeverymoment, thanks for the pep talk.  You are right.  We will all get there eventually.  We just have an unusual amount of people in a yucky place right now, but I can already feel a more upbeat mood today.

    Gila, your registration for stage 2 sounds just like mine did...lol.  It will all work out.  I know if you are taking anything for blood pressure or thyroid they want you to take it.  Good luck Friday. Do you know what you are having done?

    naiviv, I am so glad the lat incision hasn't been that much of an issue for you!!!!  I think the tummy takes a while  Mine is still very tight too, but it doesn't keep me from doing too much, at least. I see PT again on Wednesday.  I want to concentrate the tummy for a while.

    Teacher, I have found lunch out with a good friend always changes my outlook on things, and maybe eating something sinful helps.

  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited August 2014

    I have been very down and it seems to be a common theme. I thank you all for giving me an outlet. I, too, have been screaming on the inside it is not over. I am not fine. I'm far from fine. I decided I have put too much focus on it so Friday I met my daughter, sister, and niece for champagne and lunch. Saturday I left my compression behind for the day and laid in the sun for hours (Teacher, is laid the correct verb?). I have both of my college children home for a few days which reminds me why I continue. I'm revived and ready to face it all again. Thanks again for the safe place to share.

  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited August 2014

    I didn't eat a sinful lunch but it was tasty. It was fun to laugh and before we knew it, 2 hours had gone by!!! My friend has her stage 2 in 2 weeks so she wanted a "flash." She was 100% surprised about how big my nipples are. Then I went for another ultrasound. The bulge isn't much better BUT there was a silver lining. My PS is sending his med asst for 3D tattoo training. I'm waiting til she has been before I even think of tattoos. Color and dimension will be the icing on the cake, so to speak. 

  • enjoyevrymoment
    enjoyevrymoment Member Posts: 334
    edited August 2014

    tlbradyful, you sound like a person to me who is dealing with what was thrown in the best possible way.  That is what is nice about this board, we don't have anyone to impress, and thankfully for the most part we aren't all down at once or if we are we can still keep it in perspective.  Yes, you have lots to fight for as we all do.  That being said, knowing it is possibly never "over" for any of us, I have chosen to celebrate every small victory since I can.  

  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited August 2014

    tlbradyful - laid is correct if it felt good!

    Andrea - there will always be ignorant people in the world. Just think...bless her/his heart and ignore and avoid them whenever possible. I have chosen to walk away.

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited August 2014

    Tbradyful and Teacher, you two are cracking me up with the "laid" thing.  My BFF was a school teacher, and she is always correcting my grammar, especially the lay, laid, lie rule.  I hardly ever get it right. 

    Teacher, you have will power, obviously.   When I go out to eat I eat things I would never make at home.  Like today, I went to the Black Eyed Pea with my DIL and I had the veggie plate, but with the broccoli rice casserole, squash casserole, carrots (not too bad), and a loaded baked potato.  OMG! That's enough salt and fat to last me a life time.

  • tlbradyful
    tlbradyful Member Posts: 134
    edited August 2014

    Enjoyevery - Thanks. I think I am coming out of my funk. 

    I silently correct people's grammar all of the time in my head. I can't help myself. I can't turn it off. There are some rules that I cannot memorize, lie / lay for example.

  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited August 2014

    tlbradyful - lie/lay/lain is to rest and lay/laid to put or place. Notice I didn't add get with these verbs. I decided to let grammar correction go when I stopped teaching. Living in Texas makes correct grammar a futile endeavor sometimes. I used to work with a principal who always made announcements at the end of the day and was long winded. He'd say, "Teachers, keep your students after the bell has rang so they hear all the announcements." Cringe. 

  • goldie4040
    goldie4040 Member Posts: 2,280
    edited August 2014

    Okay, Teacher. Here is where I get screwed up every time.  Am I going to lay down, or lie down if I am going to take a nap?  I get the lay/lain part.

  • Anonymous
    Anonymous Member Posts: 1,376
    edited August 2014

    YOU lie down. You LAY a book down.

  • lovecat3
    lovecat3 Member Posts: 53
    edited August 2014

    they never end that is why I stopped sharing telling n confiding. I realize I don't want their opinions on what I should do or be happy with. When I was first diagnosed and lost my hair I found an angel who happened to sell wigs out of her home When I left Patti I had 2 beautiful faux heads of hair. So relieved I called my mom first comment "how much were they?" Second comment "I would have never paid that!"  I was so hurt n angry I replied "you would if you were BALD" It's been 4 yrs ago I've never forgotton. Sadly the hits just keep coming circle gets smaller then you feel isolated but safer from judgment.  This place feels safe to me and I promise everyone here I will support you and be there for you always

  • The1toC
    The1toC Member Posts: 126
    edited August 2014

    sweetie I hope you are home and recovered from the drain site infections.

    I have tried to catch up on the board from being away at summer camp with my family -which was a really great experience seeing my daughters try so many new things like zip line and horseback riding. 

    Anyway so much going on with so many but I don't recall who wrote what. I hope those who were having down days are really feeling better. You are all such strong inspiring amazing women!

    Goldie awhile back you wrote very succinct good advice on prepping for stage 1-shower chair etc. Good reference.

    There are a few of us having our stage 2 this week (me on wed.) And I wish easy and successful surgery and recovery to all!

  • Janet_M
    Janet_M Member Posts: 1,068
    edited August 2014

    Andrea623 - Your work friend is an idiot. 

    There is an endless supply of thoughtless comments and we just have to chalk it up to ignorance. Her/his comment was so unnecessary and you did not deserve that. Boobs are great - and nobody has a right to tell you how you should feel in your skin. 

    When I was bald someone said, 'You're so lucky to be bald. It must be so liberating'

    It's like if your house burned down, and someone said, 'Just leave it. Downsizing is fun. I wish MY house would burn down'.

    I calm myself down by thinking I too was blissfully ignorant at one time. 

  • vballmom
    vballmom Member Posts: 426
    edited August 2014

    Hi everyone.  I am going for my two-week follow-up with the PS today.  I don't expect to get my drains out, although I am hopeful.  Yesterday I saw unexpected blood on my nightgown and passed out cold in the bathroom.  Poor hubby. He was a mess. I am not a little lady!  Ugh. Visiting nurse was here and she thinks it was a combo vasovagal reaction and low blood pressure.

    Maybe I am in a different place because I was diagnosed in March 2012 and after all those surgeries, chemo and radiation, this is the fun one. I have lived without a breast for over two years, and to wake up and see and feel a beautiful new breast was simply amazing. I cried.  I also kept wanting to show everyone, haha.  They probably all thought I looked a scarred mess but I kept telling hubby, "It's so beautiful!!!"  My prophy side is a bit of a mess, but there were complications and that girl needs some healing time.

    I don't know when I made the change in my head - it was probably around January of this year and I decided I am done with cancer and ready to live my life. Yes, I have challenges, but the cancer is gone and dwelling on it helps no one.  I am living life with gusto, and until someone tells me otherwise, that is the plan.  I don't minimize what I have gone through, but I am determined to have it make me a stronger, wiser, and kinder soul.

    Love and hugs to all here. 

  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited August 2014

    This weeks's stage 2ers - relax. It's not overnight improvement but it's getting there. Go for the gusto!

  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    So, if I want to get laid (teehee) does that mean I want to lay myself or something!! or what...I am so confused now !!!!!

    Janet, I chuckled over your burning house compairison...it was funny.

    That is like, you got robbed!! congrats, now you can go buy a new TV !!!!! woot woot...and some new jewelry....wooo hooo.

    Sounds like we are all doing a  little better today..

    Here is to everyone having a better day than yesterday..

  • Teacher64
    Teacher64 Member Posts: 840
    edited August 2014

    image

    It's National Dog Day but for Penny that's every day!

  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    Oh my...now that looks like one spoiled pooch !!!!

    and she (??) definately has the right idea..

  • gila4936
    gila4936 Member Posts: 62
    edited August 2014

    I'm laughing at lay/lie! I'm a grammar snob but that's one rule I usually have to stop and think about.

    I had my pre-op with the PS today. We're doing scar revision on the tummy, getting rid of the dog ears, fixing the indented crop circles, removing some side boob fat and doing a lift. No nipple reconstruction this time. 

    Figures, I have a crazy work week this week. Deep down I know that in the grand scheme, it just doesn't matter but it's a bit of stress just the same.

  • trish01254
    trish01254 Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2014

    image

    my doggies. 😍 always bring me to a happy place. 

  • Lipglossmommie
    Lipglossmommie Member Posts: 44
    edited August 2014

    My surgery is tomorrow! 

    At first I was scared out of my mind but now anxious to get this over with. please keep me in your thoughts and prayers. 

    I'll post when I'm able to read and stop drooling from all the pain meds. 

  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited August 2014

    Good luck tomorrow, lipgloss! I'll be thinking of you!

  • trish01254
    trish01254 Member Posts: 128
    edited August 2014


    Lipglossmommie - best wishes for your surgery tomorrow and speedy, uneventful healing afterwards.  Just take it slow and easy. 

    PS appt today - next appt 2 months and then we will schedule the finishing touches.  Told him that has to be in 2014 since deduct has been met this year.  He was happy with everything but I want scar dent smoothed out on the new boob.  I think I'll also opt for the nipple.  Gives me two months to lose the weight I have gained since the surgery.  Of course the diet will start tomorrow :)  I didnt realize that picture of my doggies was going to be so huge...lol.

    BS appt on Thursday, Oncologist next week.  Oh boy here we go with the close monitoring of the leftie.  Hindsight should have taken that one off too.  I would be so done with the close monitoring. 

  • Sarahbb
    Sarahbb Member Posts: 50
    edited August 2014

    Lipglossmom: good luck and will be thinking of you and sending lot of positive vibes your way!!

  • annieb4
    annieb4 Member Posts: 106
    edited August 2014

    Good Luck tomorrow Lipglossmom..will be thinking about you..sending (((hugs))) to you..

    Trish..good luck on your appointment. I took both of mine when I was diagnosed and glad i did.. just didn't want to even think about going thru this crap again. And I never worry about my deductible..hell one good scan takes care of that..

    Andrea, any more thought on what your next move is going to be?

  • LiLi-RI
    LiLi-RI Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2014

    Sending warm wishes and healing hugs to you lipgloss! You will do great! 

    Lisa

  • LiLi-RI
    LiLi-RI Member Posts: 291
    edited August 2014

    image

    My Bella - a great nurse!

  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited August 2014

    Annie, I'm going to have my round implants replaced with anatomicals, the scar tissue removed, and fat grafting will be done to my radiated side. Still bummed about the diep, but I'm handling it better today than I was last week. Thanks for asking!

  • Andrea623
    Andrea623 Member Posts: 959
    edited August 2014

    Li-Li, I love your dog's happy face! What a cutie!

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