Random Musings on life

Friday, September 29, 2006

Boobies Boobies Boobies

I am going to share my breast cancer story and if it helps ONE woman than it's well worth it. My regular doctor had given me the "slip of paper" to get a mammogram and I pinned it on the bulletin board and ignored it. For over a year I continued to ignore it. During this period I had to see that same doctor 2 times for totally different reasons (like a sinus infection) and every time I saw him he would make some comment like, "I don't see the results of a mammogram here in your records." And I would feel kinda guilty until I left his office and then forget about it. I had an appointment with him coming up and I KNEW he would ask me again about the mammogram so ONLY TO GET HIM OFF MY BACK I scheduled the mammogram which detected my breast cancer. This was in the spring of 2003. So, I had my left breast removed and started chemo. Yes, I got bald and threw up and felt like shit but I'm alive!!! There were some pretty funny moments along with the depressing ones. You have to understand that I was a TRIPLE D gal. Those puppies were enormous. So, I had one chopped off and that creates a bit of lopsidedness. I got a fake boobie (grownups call them prothesis) for the left side so I could wear a bra and not look too strange. One day I was tearing aound the house looking for my prothesis yelling, "I can't find my boob." Being bald was kinda groovy in some ways. Shampooing and grooming were a breeze! And no hair on legs or armpits was great! No eyelashes and eyebrows was not so much fun! BUT it grew back folks!!! In 2004 I had a surgical procedure where a plastic surgeon took skin, fat, and muscle from my back and brought it around front and formed a new breast. (FYI it's technically called a "mound" but I call it my boob). Then another procedure about 3 months later to reduce the right one to match my new lefty. So, I have a road map of scars but I love my new boobs! I must say having been a BIG BOOB gal for almost 47 years (okay, not quite that long because I wasn't born with them!!!) I really like having my B cup size ones better!!! I met some wonderful people on my cancer/chemo journey who helped change my life. My family and friends were the absolute BEST. Breast cancer does not have to be a death sentence it can be the opening paragraph for the story of your life.

9 comments:

thesmu said...

well, all i can say is i'm very glad that everything worked out in the end...

Rob Newman said...

Ok... Gonn'a get all mushy now... so SHUT UP ALREADY!

The moment I heard about the cancer thing (I know... adding the trvialising "thing" doesn't do it justice), I was really quite shocked and definately scared... As "The Son-In-Law", I felt a little awkward, especially as it involved boobs(!) but nevertheless really hoped everything would work out.

What happened next in the following months was nothing short of amazing and to see ANYBODY get through so much and come out the other side better and stronger was quite simply and inspiration to me. There's no denying that even though I'm still a stubborn Brit, Those events will stay with me and They've helped me to see that every piece of crap that life throws your way can only make you stronger if you tackle it head on.

Way to go Mom!

Melancholy Trollop said...

Marilyn's Shampoo: Thanks for the positive comment.
PBT: Okay, you made me cry. But in a good way. Thanks.

Party Girl said...

You are so mosr excellent! What a great paragraph to the rest of your life!

Tiekoot said...

At least once a week (usually more)I realise that I am so like you and that makes me smile.

Melancholy Trollop said...

Party Girl: Thanks for the positive comment. It's always nice to get a cyber hug.
Nympho: What can I say to that; you're a gift.

HST said...

You were still the prettiest woman ever. Even when you had a shaved head and you were puking. I Love You.

Melancholy Trollop said...

HST:How did I get so lucky? Back Off Walton's Mountain Family cuz we're beatin your asses.

Chris said...

Congrats on the better than ever new breasts.