TMI Thursday…

By ladieswholunchreviews on

 

If you’re one of my kids, you can skip this if you want.  Or if there are just some things you don’t need to know about me, you can skip, too!  It really is a TMI post!

I’m still on the fence about my white hair — right now I think it’s kind of striking, but we’ll see as it gets longer.  JP pats it and says, “Nana, it’s like you have a little lamb on your head!” 🙂

I have surgical bras which I must continue to wear 24/7 because the drainage tube is still in.  The bra zips up the front and has Velcro straps to hold tube(s) so they don’t drag.  More activity means more drainage, so I’m taking it easy.   No gym yet, but soon, maybe next week!

My stomach is a multi-hued wonder of purples and yellows from the Lovenox injections (I’ve done 28 now before and after this surgery) which I have to continue along with the Coumadin till my INR level is at least 2.  Hopefully it will be in the range when they test again tomorrow.  Fingers crossed.  I’m running out of unbruised places to use!

But the really fun part is that in about 3 months the plastic surgeon will do another minor surgery on my right boob to create a nipple.  It somehow seems way more intimate than just talking about removing a boob.  The mastectomy was performed with a horizontal incision across the breast in an elliptical shape so the nipple was part of what was discarded.   I’m not sure even I want to know the details of how they recreate one, but they tell me it’s just a local anesthetic so it can’t be too bad.  Then they will tatoo an areola about two weeks later and then I’ll finally be done!

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65 responses

  1. tarnishedsoul | Reply

    Progress, progress!
    I admire your courage, by the way. You are an amazing woman. 🌷

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      You are so nice to say so. I cope well most of the time but there’s still the occasional meltdown!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. tarnishedsoul

        And yet you’re still strong. 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        Thank you xo

        Liked by 1 person

  2. Dorinda Duclos | Reply

    This may sound like an odd question but do you really need it? Unless of course you plan to go cavorting topless on the beach lol 🏖🏝

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Haha, no cavorting. And the answer is no, it’s totally a choice. But since I have one, figured I’d get the matched set 😉 truly, tho, I know one older woman who said she didn’t want to look like a mannequin and had to have the nipple surgery; another younger woman decided she couldn’t do another thing and had the liposuction at reconstruction but stopped there. Totally an individual choice

      Liked by 1 person

  3. C. J. Hartwell | Reply

    Maybe it is TMI, but in a weird way it’s also fascinating. And it would be helpful to anyone facing the same procedures.
    One day you’ll be wearing the pretty bra in your photo, I’m sure! 😊

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, I’m glad it’s interesting and maybe takes away some of the mystery. I grew up in a house where no one talked about medical issues and the anxiety really runs rampant

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Lynz Real Cooking | Reply

    Thanks for sharing everything with us! You are really an amazing woman xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thank you, Lynn. Sharing helps me, too!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lynz Real Cooking

        xxx

        Like

  5. Wendy | Reply

    Amazing what can be done. A “lamb” on your head. What a sweet boy. Grey is Sooo in. I hope it comes in thick and lush and beautiful.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Wendy, it actually looks pretty good so far but it’s still so short!

      Like

  6. Heartafire | Reply

    It’s been a long road and you are finally approaching the end of that. I wish you nothing but the absolute best and that all this will be behind you soon.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Holly! Who knew it would be such a production??

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Heartafire

        You’re such a courageous lady , I admire you very much.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        Thank you xo

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Heartafire

        xx

        Like

  7. Scarlett79 | Reply

    You are a brave woman…Thank you for sharing. You make it sound very routine and not scary at all. A little bit of humor helps get you a long way ❤ Love ya, Mz. D…Still looking for lunch. Whenever you feel up to it, just drop me an email… ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Party, I will!

      Like

  8. Peter's pondering | Reply

    Diane, without wishing to appear weird, I find your boobs fascinating. Thank you for your ongoing candour. It is much needed. If only we discussed matters of breast, colon, prostate, ovarian, et al, cancers more, then we would all be better educated and more willing to visit our doctors with any concerns. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the outcome in most cases.
    Well done, and may I wish you a complete return to full health with a full sheep, rather than just a little lamb!

    Liked by 3 people

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Oh, you’ve made my day, Peter! I’ve hoped that if my speaking out about breast cancer made a difference to even one person it was worth it. And it has made my journey much easier!

      Liked by 1 person

  9. magarisa | Reply

    Almost at the finish line! 😁

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      I know, I’m getting there!

      Liked by 1 person

  10. Wendy | Reply

    Hey brave lady I’m so glad you ‘getting there’ slowly but surely! I know someone who had there nipple tattooed following reconstruction and it is amazing! Take care of yourself and don’t ‘rush’ as I understand that the ‘drainage’ is really important and is impacted by ‘doing too much too soon’.. I’m sure you already know but it’s easy to think you have to ‘rush to recover’ when in the longer term it should be the ‘tortoise’ and not the ‘hare’ pace.. Angel blessings xxx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, my friend! I am getting there and every step has been fascinating to me. What they can do nowadays is just amazing!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Wendy

        It truly is and you are amazing in your mindset.. a true inspiration xx

        Liked by 1 person

      2. Wendy

        And you are amazing too. Xx

        Like

  11. what sandra thinks | Reply

    And then you go out and buy yourself some beautiful bras like the one in your picture! 🙂 xo ♥

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      I can’t wait for the day when I can sleep without one again!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. what sandra thinks

        🙂

        Like

  12. sonofabeach96 | Reply

    My wife’s best friend had the same thing done a couple years ago. It may seem odd, but she let us both see it. Turned out great for her. Like I told her, you’re one tough chick! The end is near, D! The end is near. You realize you just kicked cancers arse, right? Way to go. 😃

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, you’ve been a great friend, T! I’m a firm believer in being open and honest about things, but there will be no pix from me! :D. And yeah, I am tough. With the occasional bad day…

      Liked by 1 person

      1. sonofabeach96

        Hahaha! I didn’t expect a pic, silly! I just recall that tattoo being her last step. It’s close, man! Then you can get your life back. Woot!! 😃

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        Well, whew, cause I’m an oversharer, but even I have my limits! :D. Yeah, I’m even getting enough hair that I’m comfortable going without the wig. It’s white and kind of cool looking right now!

        Liked by 1 person

      3. sonofabeach96

        That’s a pic you can share! 😃😃

        Like

  13. jennymarie4 | Reply

    I really respect you for being so honest in sharing your experiences. You’re an amazing woman! xx

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks! I read on your blog that you were going through some post-surgical stuff yourself and I truly do understand. Not being able to wash your hair is the most annoying thing! Sending you big hugs and prayers ❤

      Liked by 1 person

      1. jennymarie4

        Thank you❤ yes, I am and I appreciate your understanding. Last night was the first time I could take a shower, and you can imagine how I enjoyed that and was so grateful! I’m sending you big hugs and prayers right back! xxxx

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        Yay! It’s amazing what a difference clean hair makes! And thank you ❤

        Liked by 1 person

  14. The V Pub | Reply

    If it’s a topic about boobs, I’m reading. 😀 I’m sorry, but I had to laugh out loud about the lamb comment. Kids DO say the funniest things!
    xo
    Rob

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      He has cheered me up many times! It’s a wonderful age. And I’m kind of excited, because this will be my first tattoo 😉

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Lulu | Reply

    Your humor and attitude are inspiring! So happy that you’re almost done!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Lily, me, too!

      Liked by 1 person

    2. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Crud, I meant Lulu!

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Lulu

        Hmm….I kinda like Lilly! I could definitely be be a Lilly! 🙂

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        😁

        Liked by 1 person

  16. Meg Sorick | Reply

    Almost done! That is really interesting about the nipple reconstruction. I would likely make the same choice as you – to have it done. I’d rather look like I have two regular boobs! I definitely think some pretty new bras are the perfect gift to yourself. And your white hair! You know the trend is to dye colored hair gray, right? You are right in style! 😀

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Meg, I figured a matched set would be good 😉 I can’t wait to be able to wear a regular underwire bra even! I’ll have to go from the surgical bra to a sports bra, still 24/7 for awhile. And I just got my blood work done and my INR is still too low. So the shots until next Wed and check again 😦

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Meg Sorick

        Oh dear… sorry about the shots. 😧 That’s kinda stinky. But a sports bra isn’t too bad. At least they’re comfortable. 😏

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        They are. I was at that point earlier, so I’d bought several. After a few months, should be able to move on to regular bras. The shots, no one know what it is. May be antibiotic, but done with that today, so next week should be good 🙂

        Like

  17. Deb | Reply

    YAY D! You’re almost there. Since this is your first tattoo, does it have to be an areola? How about a butterfly or maybe a flower, Mick Jagger’s tongue would be interesting…A co-worker of mine opted for the reconstructive surgery and I remember her having the tubes and drainage too. My mom did not have reconstructive surgery, she just had them removed and went with the mastectomy bra and fake boobs. I’m glad that you’re liking the color of your hair, I hope once it’s back completely that you still will. Think of all the money you will save not coloring it, and time! Seriously, although I don’t pop over often enough I do continue to mention you in my prayers every night, seems they’ve been answered too!! Good to know. Warm hugs and loving thoughts sending your way!! xo

    Like

  18. Emily | Reply

    Phew, wow! What a journey. And to think for the health care staff, they do this all the time. I’m so glad you are being well taken care of by them, and your family. And yay for a new nipple! I’m amazed they can do that! ❤

    Like

  19. Claremary P. Sweeney | Reply

    Diane, you have been on a long journey and the information you are sharing is so worthwhile, even if it helps only one other person. But I’m sure it’s more far-reaching than that. My mom had a mastectomy thirty years ago and there were no resources for her at the time. She just woke up from a biopsy and they informed her they’d removed her breast. No counseling, no rehab, a follow-up or two and the name of a place to buy bras. A few years later another growth was found, but she had a lumpectomy. She was quite brave through it all and I wish I’d understood more about all of this at the time. Dealing with Charley’s cancer has been illuminating and we both want to make sure we are available for people who find themselves in similar situations. You are a brave woman; a rainbow woman and I am happy to have had TMI today. Never enough informatio, Diana. People are listening and need to know and understand. I’m sorry I haven’t been by often enough lately, but am so glad you left a comment for me today. 💜 Clare

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thanks, Clare. I revamped my email so I don’t get so many to wade through and can visit blogs more. Even though sharing my experience helps me a lot, I do hope it makes people feel like cancer is a subject we need to be more open about, share ideas and treatments about. So much in the treatment field is changing rapidly that it’s almost hard to keep up.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Claremary P. Sweeney

        It is amazing! I feel we are so close to an actual cure for prostate and breast cancer. Yes, I understand. Email, Face Book, Twitter, the Blog, and writing, editing and marketing. And then, of course, there is life. I cut corners and right now the blog is suffering because of it. But I always get back to anyone who stops by. That’s a given.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. ladieswholunchreviews

        You are one crazy busy lady. Crazy-busy, not crazy lady, haha! But, then again…

        Liked by 1 person

      3. Claremary P. Sweeney

        Dianne, You were right on both counts. Take care and I’ll check in on TMI next Thursday. 💜 If you get to choose a color, ask the Doc for neon green and tell him you want it shaped like a star burst. Seriously, though, wishing you more days of healthy recovery. Clare

        Liked by 1 person

      4. ladieswholunchreviews

        We always tease one of my friends who gets her tattoo redone every few years because I guess it fades if she’s going to pick turquoise or something this time!

        Liked by 1 person

      5. Claremary P. Sweeney

        Yes!!!!

        Liked by 1 person

  20. lghiggins | Reply

    Another end of the process is in sight. Yay! I’m sure you are so ready to be done! I just love JP’s take on your hair. So sweet!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      It took him a few days but now he’s good with it. His other nana has let her hair go white, too so I think he’s more used to it. Plus, he’s a sweetheart!

      Liked by 1 person

  21. reocochran | Reply

    I believe in open communication and this candor may help someone, or a partner trying to be supportive but unsure of what options are advisable. Just for me so informative and above all, caring of you to let us know the details. Thank you, dear Dee! Humor and your inner strength have been stretched but you are still giving and surviving! ❤

    Like

  22. Aishwarya | Reply

    It’s so inspiring to see someone talk about their most challenging time with such strength 🙂 I salute your courage and I’m so so glad I met you in this blogging world. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. ladieswholunchreviews | Reply

      Thank you, my dear. I think most people would react the same way if they had a medical crisis. ❤

      Like

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