New releases and sagas

Hello you lovely people who continue to drop by and read. Thank you

 

I know most of you come for the pretty papers so we will do that bit first then you can skip the rest if you want to.

It is new release day today at Pickleberry pop and I worked with two collections (hey - I am improving!)

 

Credits

All for you Bundle by Carole W Designs

 

 

 

 

Credits

Winter by the Shore Bundle by Just Because Designs by Dani

 

 

 

 

In non scrapping news the dressings were removed - by us - yesterday morning. I have maintained throughout this that I really don't care what my boob looks like after treatment and I genuinely dont.  If it is scarred, dented, misshapen or, heaven forbid, removed, so be it. I think it must make a lot more difference if you are young but as Nigel told the breast care nurse, he doesn't need to be impressed these days! And they wil just, God willing, be victory scars,  However, it was a bit of a shock yesterday morning. I hadn't had an under arm lymph node incision before and that was a bit of a shock, plus of course both incisions - which are large - look at their absolute worst when the dressing comes off as they are puckered and as the incisions were glues that was new too. The glue is still on, making a horrible appearance and adding to discolouration. Plus both are surrounded by multi coloured brusing. I think it makes you a bit light-headed when dressings are first removed and then, of course, there is the fear that you are now exposed and in danger.

 

You have to find the things to laugh about though - it keeps you sane. And there were comical moments a plenty. You have to be careful with the bras you wear after surgery. They forbid wires, you shouldn't have lacy as it can catch and they should be very supportive. Well, I am a larger lady who has always been well endowed and so I have a huge range of supportive bras, plus all of the special bras I bought for post-surgery. Now bear in mind movement is still tricky and you need help with things like dressing and doing up bras. I think we tried every bra I possess and every single one just caught the underarm incision which was clearly not a great idea. We ended up tucking a linen handkerchief in at the side and pulling the bra out of shape by - I kid you not, typing string round the straps and knotting it tightly at the front over the cleavage. It was hysterical and clearly not a fashion statement to be worn out in public. I tried to 'alter' a couple of bras, making tthe side band narrower but unless I was prepared to cut them that didn't work. We tried sports bras,  we tried old bras, new bras nothing. Its a good job I have a very supportive husband and that we both find the same things funny. Gallows humour I believe.

Finally, we hit on a winning combination and should you ever find yourselves in a similar position (and I pray you never do) this is my advice. A nice soft camisole which offers absolutely no support (which you must have post surgery) at all that sits right up high under the arm totally covering and thus protecting the underarm incision (Which is right at the bottom of the underarm if you see what I mean) with the supportive post surgery bra on over the top. It's not a fab look but it works. Result.

 

I was worried how I would sleep as it is quite painful and you feel so much more vulnerable without the dressings. I neednt have worried as it happens. Sleep wasn't much on the agenda. I spend the night throwing up every 15 minutes (yes I was fed up enough to time it) from just before 1 am until just after 4 am. Every cloud! It took my mind off the breast cancer!

Consequently not much sleep was had here in our happy home. I have no idea what caused it. It's not a bug as it was too short lived (long enough though) and I can't think of anything I ate that was suspect. Just one of those things.

 

So onwards and upwards. I now have my results appointment date of 7th February when I will find out what they got and what the next stage is.

 

Today I am thankful for

• being able to laugh through adversity. Thank goodness
• a wonderful wonderful husband who cleaned the house through yesterday. And who is now a fully-fledged bra fitter!

 

Comments

[Barb in AK]

You both never cease to amaze me! Life is so much better when you have someone to laugh WITH (not, at). Do your little boys look at you curiously when you both break out in laughter?
So sorry you were throwing up. I hope it was just a one-off and all will be better when you hit the hay tonight.
Thank you for sharing your continuing journey. Prayers continue. Sending love and hugs.