Vinny is da man !

Yes I have an appointment with Vinny in 2013.

They will be my birthday tatoos and the end of my recon !  and the end of a long road for me,

To read more about Vinny and his awesome talent  read:

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/femail/article-2221423/The-tattoo-artist-transforming-mastectomy-patients-scarred-chests-incredible-dimensional-nipple-inkings.html

or visit his web site

http://vinniemyers.com/section/105672_Nipple_Areola_Tattooing.html

Another week

The weeks are flying by.
Allens trip home got delayed - by a week.  I was bummed about that, but I know where he is working there are lots of work issues going on.  But I will be so glad to see him.

Gracie has been busy with school - her courses are tough and she has been studing hard.   I have seen her grow up so much these last few months.

Me...well I got my last fill today, the results are totally awesome if I say so myself.   I will go back the first of December to to check every thing and make any adjustments.  Then the swap out surgery on the 17th.   Merry Christmas to me.

Health wise - I am having quite a bit of neurapthy in my hands and feet, it comes and goes, but I am ready for it to go.  When I did my lab work and upper GI test this month they found all my numbers were off/bad and I had severe acid reflux, who knew.   So anyway  I am now on 5 different medications to get everything under control and back to normal.  My doctor tells me this is normal for some one coming off chemo and steriods.  But 5 prescriptions is alot.  I would like to get it down to one, just my oral chemo, which I HAVE to take for 10 more years.

It is hard to believe that a year ago I was starting chemo and here today I am almost done with reconstruction.   My hair is dark brown and very curly, it is a whole new me for sure.  I still remember those dark days and every now and then I wonder if I am truly still cancer free.

I am invited to a WHIT HR reunion this weekend in New Orleans and I am really looking forward to seeing all of my former HR  coworkers.   The new company pretty much got rid of every one in WHIT HR, they wanted there own HR dept, so all of us have lots of catching up to do.  We all worked together for 18+ years so that is like family for most of us.

I have started to look at other HR jobs or jobs I may be interested in. I did take 2 civil serivce exams and passed them both, so maybe that will help.

But I really am enjoying this time and moving own with this wonderful life, I truly enjoy the little things and I learning to slow down just a bit.

Happy Fall -
Oh and here is my new favorite fall recipe

Pumpkin Crunch
1-15 oz. can pumpkin
1 cup evaporated fat free milk
1 cup sugar  (I use brown sugar - but you can use white)
1 tsp. vanilla
1/2 tsp. ground cinnamon
1 butter flavor yellow cake mix (super moist Betty Crocker)
1 cup chopped nuts (I use Pecans)
1 cup (2 sticks) butter, melted

Stir together first five ingredients. Pour into 9x13 lightly greased dish. Sprinkle cake mix evenly over pumpkin mixture. Sprinkle pecans evenly over cake mixture. Drizzle melted butter evenly over pecans. Bake 350 for 1 hour or 1 hour, 5 minutes. Let stand 10 minutes before serving. Top with whipped cream and nutmeg.

You can also sprinkle dark chocolate chips on top.
This is better than pumpkin or pecan pit !

:)

Streams in the Desert

From Streams In The Desert : "I walked a mile with Pleasure, She chatted all the way; But left me none the wiser for all she had to say. I walked a mile with Sorrow, and ne'er a word said she; But, oh, the things I learned from her when sorrow walked with me."

Robin Roberts posted this on FB and I thought how true it is and how much you learn when you go thru something like this.

 I continue to learn so much on this journey, especially when it comes to true friendship and love.  Just a shout out to all of my friends who have been with me since day one of this journey.   So many of you are still with me today and helping me, pushing me along and keeping me positive.

(((much love))) to all of you.

And time for a happy pic

My Trixie is ready for the holidays. 

Another Day, Another Fill

I got another fill today - only 60 ccs this time.  I go back in two weeks for my final fill.  WHOO HOO !

Then the wait ! You need to have two months to heal before you swap out.     My swap out surgery is scheduled for Dec 17th !   Merry Christmas to me.

The results are looking great and I am pleased.  I take that back ..............the results ARE AWESOME....I love them...my scars are almost gone and I am perky and round.  Sorry if I am bragging, but hey I deserve these after all I went thru !

For those of you who do not know what a fill is (TMI ALERT) - it is when they inject my expanders aka  temp boobs with saline.  This is not for the weak of heart, the needle is LARGE  and it looks like a mini plunger....but the thing is - you feel a small stick, then nothing....until hours later when your muscles go into a spasm.  Sort of like a hard work  out at the gym that hits you the next day.   But it only lasts for a day or two.

Right now I am trying my best to sleep on my back (I am side sleeper) - because when I sleep on my side the expander edge digs in and it really hurts the next day.  Yes expanders hurt ...they are hard as rocks...but this will all change when I swap out in Dec.  But I am loving the results and that is what counts.

I am starting to think about work again....and what I want to do.
I will ponder that and get back to you.

Call me Dolly

I got another fill and this one hurt like hell......can you say stretch !
But the pain went away and my results look great so far.  I am so glad I decided to do this even if this recon is not for sissys !

What have I been doing ?   A little of this and a little of that....trying to power walk every day for 30-45 minutes weather permitting and doing things around the house that I have put off for the last 18 years. 

My sweet hubby went back overseas for work and I miss him so much.  He really was a great support for me this last month.   I have been driving his jeep while he is gone - and really enjoying it (sorry hun).  I hope to update my blog more while he is gone.


I also found a great recipe for  bread - yum...I have never been a baker before - so this was a surprise to me that it turned out to be delish and tonight I am cooking dinner for my SIL Judy who is going through a rough time.

AND

Please continue to keep my brother Brian in your prayers

I try to call him every few days -I found this online and thought it may be helpful for some of my readers

What to say to some one who is ill or in pain:

When people we care about are in pain, we want to offer words of encouragement, help ease their pain and motivate them to stay hopeful.

Unfortunately, our words of cheer can often be misinterpreted by those who live with chronic illness. Rather than feeling supported, our words can evoke the feeling of "she doesn't understand my life at all." This can permanently affect our relationships.

Here are some tips to keep in mind when talking to a friend living with an invisible illness.

 

What not to say:

You look so good!

Although this seems like a compliment, it's frustrating to an ill person. Although he or she may wish to look better than they feel, it seems as though you are saying, "You can't really be sick. You look fine to me." It invalidates a person's pain and symptoms.

You need to just stop thinking about it and get busy.

True chronic illness doesn't heal itself because of distraction. Although some people may dwell on the details of their illness, it can seem emotionally overwhelming when your life revolves around new symptoms, medication side effects, infections from a lowered immune system and the illness itself. He or she would likely love to do something fun, but fatigue and pain prevent it.

 

You should try this new health supplement. It can't hurt.

Actually, the supplement may be the exact opposite of what our body needs, and "natural" doesn't always mean "safe." People have good intentions, but the chronically ill are doing their best to navigate the road of Western medicine, alternative treatments and finding the best medical team.

I wish I had the luxury of being sick instead of having to go to work every day.

Most people want to be able to work, and being physically unable to do so can cause great depression. Those with illness realize they don't have the burden of getting up and going to work each day, but they also have medical bills that they may never be able to pay off, as well as fears of not being able to support themselves.

They don't have as much free time as you think. The medical appointments, pain and paperwork take a large portion of time.

Don't give in. You need to fight this illness.

Those who are ill are fighting their illness every day they wake up and get our of bed. And on the days they can't get out of bed, they are determined to still have a life that is full of joys and memories, special events and loved ones. By taking medication or trying a new therapy, they are not "giving in."

Illness is caused by stress. You just need to learn to cope better.

While illness can be exaggerated by stress, stress rarely is the source of the genetics that cause illness. Those living with an illness are doing the very best they can to cope, but comments like the ones above make them, well, stressed.

Here are some ideas on what to say:

I don't know what to say, but I care about you.

You don't have to try to fix it, and instead of saying, "I know exactly how you feel," an ill person would love it if you would just admit, "I don't have any idea what you are going through, but I am here if you need to vent."

Sometimes we just need one person who will listen and then we can move on to other topics.

If you need to cry, I've got plenty of tissues.

Every now and then we just need a good cry. Between the emotions certain medications cause, plus the stress on our marriages, careers and more, we occasionally need to cry.

Instead of being one more person who says, "Don't cry," tell your friend you will sit with her while she cries. It is an intimate gift that only true friends will offer.

I'm bringing dinner Thursday. Can you eat lasagna or chicken?

People who are chronically ill rarely have anyone bring them a meal or take their kids for a play date. Since moms and dads with illness do their best to keep up with life, they are seen out and about and they "look just fine." But you may never know how much they suffer silently in their home.

A meal for the family or babysitting the kids so parents can have a date night is a great way to provide support.

I am going to the store tomorrow. What can I get for you?

If you are running some errands, let your friend know in advance so he or she can write a short list. Being able to pick up heavy things can also be helpful, like a gallon of milk or laundry detergent. Bring them into the house and ask if you can put them away.

You are going through so much, yet you still have such joy. How do you do that?

If you see a friend who is coping well with his or her physical limitations, ask yourself what you could learn.

Rather than saying, "Thank goodness that isn't me; I could never do that," ask them what motivates them when they are in pain, or how they prioritize to make the most of limited energy. Where do they find hope when the circumstances look bleak?

Those who live with illness learn a lot about the ups and down in life and would love the opportunity to share the wisdom they have discovered.

 

 

I am getting there !

Went in for my first office fill today.  Whooo hoooo....

I have to admit I was worried - I think I have been reading to much info on the internet about how painfull this is...

The doc gave me 100cc fill...I did not feel the needle and the fill made my back hurt some ...but I am growing....the results look great.  I am very relieved.  Right now I have WONDER  boobs...hard as rocks !
They will soften out with time and when I do the implant exchange later this year.

I think I will go to Vinny in NOLA to get my tats as well   (google Vinny 3D  breast tattos)

Pain is relevant to me now.

Anyway my hubby made an observation that I need to share.   For years he has been begging me to get my ears pierced ..I have a pair of diamond earing wating for me if I do this....... and I always put it off.....I know how much it hurts and the healing.  He said with all you have had to go thru in the last year I find it funny you are afraid to get your ears pierced.

Needles dont scare me unless they are going in my ear lobes. (shudder)

What I am doing !

Most of my work friends ask me what I have been doing with my time.  When I am not going to doctor apointments this is a list of what I have done:

Clean and rearrange my large butlers pantry - a two day job - it looks amazing now btw.
Clean on various kitchen cabinets
Clean my guest room/move furniture - change linens...ready for company !
Clean (really clean) Gracies room and bathroom
Shop with my daughter for school stuff
Clean out my closet/drawers
Clean my living room and dining room
Buy new lamp and door matt - this took all day as I like to look for just the right piece
Brought various items to goodwill - ongoing
Made homemade dog treats for Trixie !
Send all my wigs/scarves/hats to a friend and Miles Perrett Cancer center


Things still on my to do list:
Refinish Desk ***** this is high on my list but I am waiting till it gets cool so I can do it in the garage)
Clean on linen closet
Clean out a few drawers in kitchen
Clean out garage and outside storage (will wait till it gets cooler)
Clean out front flower beds - I may pay some one to finish this. To hot and to many wasps and biting bugs.
Clean out chest with all my parents photos/paperwork - mail to various siblings and relatives.
Throw out old pots and dried up plants in the back of my house.
Clean Allens office - I think I need an atomic bomb for this

Of course I have been having fun with Gracie and enjoying time with her that I never had before...what a blessing that has been.

 Allen has been on days off for four weeks, so it has been nice to hang out with him.  We never had that relaxing kind of time before...and it has been nice.   We have done quite a bit of cooking...so my freezer is full to the brim.  He is leaving in a few more weeks so I will time to get some more things done.  But I will really miss him as I have gotten used to having breakfest and not having to rush off to work.  It is the little things for sure.

Medically - I feel better every day - I have to be careful not to overdo as my chest muscles will pay for it...looking forward to a 2nd fill on Wednesday and hope that the pain will be minimal.
I am also going in for an upper GI test on Monday....mostly because of the cancer gene in my family and the fact the all the meds I have to take have really messed with me.  

Say a few prayers for my brother Brian - he is fighting stomach cancer and the chemo is really kicking him.

So that is what I have been doing...