Implant Update: I had my second visit with Dr. KH last Wednesday. I always try to get the first appointment of the day, less likely to have to wait. So here I am 8:15 waiting for my 2nd fill. This time I asked the assistant to wait while I examined the paper vest. I spread it out on the exam table and carefully peeled back each frontal flap. I explained I didn't want a repeat of last time. And without an explanation, she asked "Oh, did it tear?". YOU KNOW IT DID!!! @!!X&%@
The vest didn't stick or tear. . . . but I still had a lot of trouble getting my 2nd arm through the "sleeve", chasing myself like a dog hot on it's own tail. I'm loosing my flexibility in my right shoulder. My chest still painful from the previous fill. The skin across my implant is taut and the injection sight tender. When The nurse arrived with her grey toolkit filled with the implements of torture I became weak at the knees. It must of been obvious to Dr.KH because when he entered the room (this time I was properly attired) he asked how I was doing and suggested that I wait a week or so... He said it was my calendar and I could go as fast or as slow as I wanted. He has a lot of empathy for my situation and with his big blue eyes, looked up at me from his rolling stool and asked..."do you need any medication?" all the while poking the tender spot (on my heart). And you know how I feel about drugs, I said in a slow robot voice (I don't know why) "No..I .. don't..need...any...medication" followed by a weird silence. We both shrugged. It was decided that I would wait a week in hopes the pain would subside by then. Again he reminded me that it's up to me, but he thought it was a good idea because the pain is telling us something, most likely that healing is slow due to the radiation. After a few more pokes he tells me the skin looks real good. So I rescheduled for next week.
At home: I examine myself in the mirror I can see the eliptical mark left on my chest by the six weeks of radiation. It's fading, but it's still there. I decided to use a Cocoa Butter streatch mark cream to promote healing. I figured it worked during my pregnancy, it should work here. I will return next week, have less of a fill (it was really only 25cc's, not 120) and hope my weak spot is healed.
March Madness: it's time to schedule my mammogram - this should be fun.
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Empty Nest
Bailey called me the other evening to let me know she is engaged to get married. She hasn't set a date or anything, sometime after she finishes school (probably summer 2012).
The be trowed is Aaron Scott. They have been together for 2 years. I believe he proposed on their anniversary (or close to it). He's a great guy who really knows Bailey and she him. They move equally well together in wide and narrow circles (in other words they don't smother each other) with varied interests, shared hobbies and friends. They have lived together for a year in a home owned by his Moms in North Oakland (Berkeley hills). They are fixing up the place - original intent to sell, but with the market the way it is, they are just fixing it up and living there. Bailey is going to Massage Therapy school in Emeryville. She realized the Political Economics thing wasn't going to get her anywhere and found a vocation she really believes in. She already has customers standing in line (for their free massages, for now). She hopes to partner up with a chiropractor or physical therapist and take her training to the next step.She already has potential interested partners. She is still working at Barnes and Nobel as a Batista - she gave up her manager position to lighten the stress of going to school and working. They have three cats - 2 his, 1 hers, a blended family.
So my baby bird has left the nest. I'm overjoyed and delighted and not the least bit worried about her future. I'm saving tulle, do-dads and ribbons in hope that she'll need some Woodpecker magic when the big day comes - this little WP wants to party.
The be trowed is Aaron Scott. They have been together for 2 years. I believe he proposed on their anniversary (or close to it). He's a great guy who really knows Bailey and she him. They move equally well together in wide and narrow circles (in other words they don't smother each other) with varied interests, shared hobbies and friends. They have lived together for a year in a home owned by his Moms in North Oakland (Berkeley hills). They are fixing up the place - original intent to sell, but with the market the way it is, they are just fixing it up and living there. Bailey is going to Massage Therapy school in Emeryville. She realized the Political Economics thing wasn't going to get her anywhere and found a vocation she really believes in. She already has customers standing in line (for their free massages, for now). She hopes to partner up with a chiropractor or physical therapist and take her training to the next step.She already has potential interested partners. She is still working at Barnes and Nobel as a Batista - she gave up her manager position to lighten the stress of going to school and working. They have three cats - 2 his, 1 hers, a blended family.
So my baby bird has left the nest. I'm overjoyed and delighted and not the least bit worried about her future. I'm saving tulle, do-dads and ribbons in hope that she'll need some Woodpecker magic when the big day comes - this little WP wants to party.
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
I gotta share this before I forget
I was attending an emergency home owners board of directors meeting at a neighbor's home. Nice lady hosted - there were 3 of us . She served a variety of teas (another funny story), mini-turnovers and music. Yep, she played the piano and sang. Piano good, signing, not so much.
Anyway image me sitting at a dinner table, sipping tea. The lady of the house turns on her magic piano that plays an organ version of SMILE. She holds a 10 inch stick with a hand made paper smile taped to it. She stands right next to me, looks me in the eyes and SINGS. *****OMG***** I have to tell you I was smiling, all right. I had to hold it in and not burst out laughing. I admit a giggle did escape. She wanted me to be happy (like I'm not). Just assumed because of my ordeal that I needed cheering up. Well she certainly did that. I can never go back there.
Do people really do these kind of things? I don't know. Sweet.
P.S. BAILEY IS GETTING MARRIED
I know where to get a great wedding singer - NOT!
Anyway image me sitting at a dinner table, sipping tea. The lady of the house turns on her magic piano that plays an organ version of SMILE. She holds a 10 inch stick with a hand made paper smile taped to it. She stands right next to me, looks me in the eyes and SINGS. *****OMG***** I have to tell you I was smiling, all right. I had to hold it in and not burst out laughing. I admit a giggle did escape. She wanted me to be happy (like I'm not). Just assumed because of my ordeal that I needed cheering up. Well she certainly did that. I can never go back there.
Do people really do these kind of things? I don't know. Sweet.
P.S. BAILEY IS GETTING MARRIED
I know where to get a great wedding singer - NOT!
Saturday, February 12, 2011
The Wave
This morning I'm wearing the same socks Joey wore last night. Yep, he sat at the end of my couch with front paws tucked deep into my big fuzzy pink house socks. Cute, especially when he waved.
Had my first breast injection this week. I returned to Dr.Kennedy-Hair's new (not new-new, but old new)office after dropping off one of my "Ladies" at the critical wound care clinic. I didn't leave her alone, she was with staff. His office is just across the street from the medical center so I was able to combine the two appointments. I'm not liking the fact that I know my way around the medical community, it's just a side effect of my job and recent adventures. He was very busy and I couldn't find a parking space in the lot and had to find parking on the street. I don't parallel park. But I did. I was a little early and he was a little late. 45 minutes later I was on the examining table/recliner chair with a paper vest drape with a strategically located hole just over my left nipple. Cute, especially when I waved.
The man must think I'm crazy. Every time he enters a room I'm struggling with my clothes. This time the little pale blue paper half vest is GLUED closed and I had to tear it open and as I sat up right on the the table/recliner thingy my left nipple played peek-a-boo as I move. Cute, especially when I wave.
CAUTION: the following isn't all the pleasant.
So, it was discussed that I wouldn't have my surgery until June but meanwhile everything looks great. It could happen that I may only need the implant and not the skin graft - it all depends on what's going on inside and under the skin. I like this guy. He's careful, deliberate and not in a hurry. All good qualities in a plastic surgeon. I was assured that I'm progressing well. I had 120 cc's of saline injected. AHHHHhhhh. My little baby boob is hard as a rock and the skin is tight as a drum. I'm very sore at the injection sight. I had a little body fluid build up around the implant which was drained by squeezing the injection sight. OUCH. The mound is high on my chest and filling in the tuck and roll a bit. I felt a little queasy following and elected to just go home instead of back to work. I find myself stuck in a slouch or sitting unnaturally straight. I have removed the soft falsy from the right side of my bra and moved it to the left. So now I have a nice 14 year old perky baby boob on the right and ---well the other one. Cute, especially when I wave.
Cold Front in the Pacific North West - good day for baking cookies.
I return every two weeks for more saline. Good Grief! Dolly Parton, step aside.
Had my first breast injection this week. I returned to Dr.Kennedy-Hair's new (not new-new, but old new)office after dropping off one of my "Ladies" at the critical wound care clinic. I didn't leave her alone, she was with staff. His office is just across the street from the medical center so I was able to combine the two appointments. I'm not liking the fact that I know my way around the medical community, it's just a side effect of my job and recent adventures. He was very busy and I couldn't find a parking space in the lot and had to find parking on the street. I don't parallel park. But I did. I was a little early and he was a little late. 45 minutes later I was on the examining table/recliner chair with a paper vest drape with a strategically located hole just over my left nipple. Cute, especially when I waved.
The man must think I'm crazy. Every time he enters a room I'm struggling with my clothes. This time the little pale blue paper half vest is GLUED closed and I had to tear it open and as I sat up right on the the table/recliner thingy my left nipple played peek-a-boo as I move. Cute, especially when I wave.
CAUTION: the following isn't all the pleasant.
So, it was discussed that I wouldn't have my surgery until June but meanwhile everything looks great. It could happen that I may only need the implant and not the skin graft - it all depends on what's going on inside and under the skin. I like this guy. He's careful, deliberate and not in a hurry. All good qualities in a plastic surgeon. I was assured that I'm progressing well. I had 120 cc's of saline injected. AHHHHhhhh. My little baby boob is hard as a rock and the skin is tight as a drum. I'm very sore at the injection sight. I had a little body fluid build up around the implant which was drained by squeezing the injection sight. OUCH. The mound is high on my chest and filling in the tuck and roll a bit. I felt a little queasy following and elected to just go home instead of back to work. I find myself stuck in a slouch or sitting unnaturally straight. I have removed the soft falsy from the right side of my bra and moved it to the left. So now I have a nice 14 year old perky baby boob on the right and ---well the other one. Cute, especially when I wave.
Cold Front in the Pacific North West - good day for baking cookies.
I return every two weeks for more saline. Good Grief! Dolly Parton, step aside.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
SUPER SUNDAY
Yep, it's Super Sunday. I'm not going to rag on football. I could, but I won't. I mean I really could! But I won't. If it weren't for the crowd noise, the commercials, the talking heads-who just can't help themselves-they have to yak and yak and yak about nonsense; it if weren't for the silly half time shows that try to out do the Olympic ceremonies (I personally prefer the marching bands and flag twirlers); if it weren't for the planned commercial breaks and game delays, the instant replays, the sideline antics I think could really enjoy the game. But the game takes back seat to the commercial enterprise-the money. I have to admit, I do enjoy those great commercials with talking animals and cat herders. I enjoy sitting with Tom and talking to the TV, passing a bowl of chips. I'm not going to rag on football, but the commercialism, maybe.
Go Cheeseheads, Go Steelers and your terrible towels! I will be eating BBQ Pork sandwiches and potato salad, drinking baby beer (those cute little Coronas) while nursing the flu in the comfort of my own home. Best seat in the house - next toTom, Joey at my feet, platters of food, IN MY BATHROBE if I feel like it.
Health Update: see Dr. KH on Wednesday. Saw the Oncologist I was told (after my bone density test) that I have "great bones". Nice. Participated in a medical review session with
other cancer patients to identify what worked and didn't work as far as the care provided. It wasn't very enlightening. We're all glad to be alive. Glad to be alive for another Super Bowl Sunday.
In spite of the flu, I'm doing well, just tired, still. Armpit and right shoulder still very uncomfortable. I do my exercises and stretch the chest muscles daily - small improvements. It was this time last year when I found my self in the ER for a injury to my foot, which led me to going to my doctor, which led me to having my mammogram ... and well, you know the rest.
Go Cheeseheads, Go Steelers and your terrible towels! I will be eating BBQ Pork sandwiches and potato salad, drinking baby beer (those cute little Coronas) while nursing the flu in the comfort of my own home. Best seat in the house - next toTom, Joey at my feet, platters of food, IN MY BATHROBE if I feel like it.
Health Update: see Dr. KH on Wednesday. Saw the Oncologist I was told (after my bone density test) that I have "great bones". Nice. Participated in a medical review session with
other cancer patients to identify what worked and didn't work as far as the care provided. It wasn't very enlightening. We're all glad to be alive. Glad to be alive for another Super Bowl Sunday.
In spite of the flu, I'm doing well, just tired, still. Armpit and right shoulder still very uncomfortable. I do my exercises and stretch the chest muscles daily - small improvements. It was this time last year when I found my self in the ER for a injury to my foot, which led me to going to my doctor, which led me to having my mammogram ... and well, you know the rest.
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