In the event of an accident

When I came home from the hospital, along with my discharge instructions, were two ID cards with some of my information imprinted on them. The cards also have the name of the company that makes my new boobies. I asked Mr. Pincushion what the cards were for. Do you know what he said? He said they were my new ID cards for the implants and something about how I have to go online to register them! Isn't that crazy? I've heard of registering appliances like the stove or refrigerator for the warranty but my boobs? I thought maybe the cards were for me to keep in my purse so that in the event of an accident or if I lost one or both of my new boobs, the doctors/police would know what type and size they were! But no, my plastic surgeon said I don't need to carry the cards on me. Apparently, they give them to patients in the event of a catastrophic event where the hospital or doctors' medical records are destroyed and you need to know what size/type you have. However, I think I will keep a card in my purse in case the former does happen.

Polly has a new trick!

So far, all is well with my new boobs. Yesterday I took the bra off for the first time since the surgery. I have to say that they look pretty darn good! Today the surgeon will remove the drain on my left side. I wasn't supposed to have a drain but he had to do more extensive work on the left breast due to the radiation so it became necessary to put a drain in.

Not only are my new boobies pretty but the one on the left side can do a trick. My left boob farts! I know this sounds crazy but it's true. Every once in awhile, if I move a certain way, my left boob makes a sound that can best be described at a "wet fart." It's happened about 4 or 5 times now and at first I thought this surely can't be a good thing. Maybe the implant is leaking? However, I spoke to the nurse this morning about it and she said that the sound is actually caused by a trapped air bubble. She said that the body will eventually absorb the air bubble/pocket but for now I will have a "farting breast." I bet that most people can't say that their boob farts!

Polly gets new boobies!

Yesterday was hopefully the last surgery I'll ever have. I went to the hospital at 6:30am and was in the operating room by 8am. When I woke up approximately two hours later, I had a new set of boobies! Yippee, no more metal tissue expanders. I really think that if I had waited any longer, the metal points from the expanders would have poked through because the skin on the radiated breast was getting so thin. The surgeon said the surgery went well. When I woke up from anesthesia, they had put a bra on me so I haven't seen the new breasts completely yet. But from what I can see, they look pretty good.

I have to wear a bra 24/7 for the next two weeks except when I shower. This is to help keep the implants in place. We don't want them going all cock-eyed! I'm in a fair amount of pain, but I have pain killers which I take faithfully every 4-5 hours along with Advil. I have to take it easy for the next week or so which means no heavy housework/gardening or lifting. Lastly, when I sleep I have to sleep on my back only and elevate my upper body. Needless to say, I didn't sleep very well last night and probably won't until I'm able to sleep in a normal position. Thank god for sleeping pills!

Polly goes under the knife again!

This coming Friday I'll be going back to the operating room where I had my double mastectomy. Only this time when I wake up, I will have a new set of boobs! Yes, it is finally time to get these hard, uncomfortable tissue expanders out and replace them with a set of softer, perky but pliable saline implants. It just so happens that this Friday is also Mr. Pincushion's birthday. So his birthday present will be my new "ta-ta's!" Sorry, honey, they won't be double D's. In fact, I'm not sure what size they'll be. It depends upon how much room the surgeon has to work with when he opens me up. Kind of unnerving! I just hope they're nice looking.

I'm a little anxious about this procedure. Complications are fairly common with women who have radiated skin. And some of these complications can develop as much as six months later. I've heard first hand accounts of skin and incisions that didn't heal properly, and infections causing the implants to fail. Ugh.

I know I shouldn't worry about things that might happen; everyone's experience is different! All I can do is hope and pray for the best. If you're so inclined please send a prayer my way on August 3rd!

A wonderful week in lovely Maine

I recently returned from 10 days in Maine which is the perfect place to get away from the relentless heat in Austin. I had a wonderful time eating way too much, sailing, and spending time with my family in a spectacular setting that I've been going to since I was a little girl. This summer's visit was particulary special because my little cousin got married. It was the most beautiful and fun wedding that I've ever been to, besides my own of course. The wedding was like something out of "Country Living" magazine, with a divine setting (rustic red barn on a lush field with ocean views), perfect weather, great steel drum band, lots of dancing and professional grade fireworks! My cousin, all grown up, looked absolutely gorgeous in her mermaid shaped lace wedding dress and daisies in her hair. What a fabulous affair! To my Uncle and Aunt - Bravo. One down, two more to go!

Dusk at the wedding.

The barn where the wedding party made their entrance from.

Mr. Pincushion playing guitar for the ceremony.