Quick housekeeping update: I’ve noticed that my Perk-o-Meter page had gotten pretty long, so I’ve added an Executive Summary. Now when I find someone I have not told about my fun new hobby, they can get the quick & dirty without slogging through the whole page. You’re welcome. Here’s the ES as of today, but… Continue reading Executive Summary
There was an article in the New York Times this past Monday about women choosing to “go flat” after mastectomy. The article states that more women are opting out of breast reconstruction. It made me think of Tig Notaro, who had a double mastectomy with no reconstruction and has been boldly showing the world her… Continue reading Going Flat
Today I had my final breast expander fill visit with Dr. FixIt. Prior to today’s visit, Righty was pretty close to my intended final size. We needed to expand one last time since it’s better to have the “pocket” larger than they need it; they can always take it in, but they cannot make it… Continue reading The Leather Glove Phase
I’m often asked how the kids are taking all this. I first broke the news to them a couple of months ago. Since then they seem to have been dealing with it pretty well; and by that I mean, life goes on as normally as possible. I’m walking around the house completely bald – I… Continue reading Bald Mom
Not surprisingly, as a long-time employee at a Fortune 500 company, my health insurance is not bad. True, they made changes recently that were not for the better, but in general, as I’ve gone through this ordeal, I’ve not had to think too much about costs. I quickly hit my annual maximum out-of-pocket, and have… Continue reading Indignant
I had never heard of women burning bras as feminist protest until I got to college, and it confused me. I had always thought of bras as a functional and necessary garment, not an optional item. I noticed that women’s magazines would sometimes discuss whether or not it was appropriate not to wear a bra.… Continue reading Symmetry is Boring
When Dr. Cancer gave me the news that I’d need chemo, we talked about a ton of stuff in a fairly short window of time. One of the topics covered was whether or not I should get a port, since the chemo drugs are administered through IV. It’s always been a struggle to find a… Continue reading Becoming a Human Pin Cushion
Two appointments were scheduled for today: Dr. FixIt, and Chemo 101 class. I’ll save the Chemo class for a separate post. I am completely loving Dr. FixIt and his staff! My appointment with him was scheduled before I signed up for the Chemo 101 class, and the timing was not going to work. So,… Continue reading No More Drain!
AND I showered!!! Wahoo!!! Save
My recovery continues. They say that the pain peaks around day 3 after surgery; by then the block has worn off, and the healing has only just begun. I am still trying to figure out the right combo of pain meds; so far the negative side effects are outweighing the pain. Honestly the pain is… Continue reading Angry Boob
