*Very* Long Update on me - 4/28

Elaine, thank you for sharing your experiences with us. I really admire your positive attitude on wish you the best.

Thank you for the update. I admire your sense of humor through a very challenging time (especially the Monty Python allusion). As others have said and I heartily agree, you are an amazing woman.

We were travelling through VA/DC/MD Wednesday into Thursday and I knew you were somewhere in that area and sent cosmic caring thoughts to you. Fingers crossed for the pathology report.

Keep up the good work with those plastic surgeons and show them who's the Boss. (Threaten them with Wrath of the Peas if you must.)

Rest easy, Lynn

As soon as I hit "It took them about 20 minutes" I burst out laughing because that sketch is what immediately jumped into my head.

I'm glad things have gone well. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts as your team figures out the next step.

ETA I guess I goofed that up, I was trying to quote this,

By Tuesday evening, plastics decided to remove the bandages and put me in a compression bra. So, two young male residents - with a female nurse looking on as a witness- had the unenviable task of getting me into a front zip compression bra. It took them about 20 minutes, working together, to finally get it zipped and shoulder straps attached. I felt like a mannequin in a Monty Python sketch where the Twit of the Year was trying to take off the brassiere.

Sending lots of love and prayers!

So glad to hear from you!

This isn't the way you would have chosen it to happen, but, yes, take the opportunity to go smaller. Some people just don't get what a pain it can be to have big boobs.

Elaine, you're not boring anyone. You're reaching out and letting us support you. Also, many of us are concerned about you and want to know what's happening. It sounds like you're more resolved and dealing w/this in a more positive way. Now that you're in active treatment it's likely more empowering.

When you're ill you can really see a lot of love pouring in for you. Friends gather and cook meals for you. You'll have taxi service from friends to the doctor. When they run errands they will call and see what you need. During shiva for my mother my sister had a friend who came over w/cleaning supplies and washed my sister's walls. You really find out how blessed you are when you're ill. Unfortunately, being ill is not a blessing.

As you go through whatever comes next just remember that you are surrounded by people who love you. With that you can conquer anything.

Go for the C cups. Stick to your guns, because it's your body and your life which will be a very long one!

It all sounds pretty good under the circumstances! (Except the hand - unanticipated OUCH!) I hope the pain lessens a bit (or a lot!) every day, and that it's nothing but great news from here on out.

So glad to hear that with each passing day you are doing better! Love that you maintained your sense of humor throughout. Boo to the plastic surgeon who didn't honor your wishes.

So glad to hear your update, you are an amazing person and I admire your humor and grit! It's wonderful to have friends who jump into action when needed and I know you value their love and support. I wish you a speedy recovery!

The bigger breast guy sounds really annoying, but at least you'll get someone different for the final implants.

My cosmetic surgeon was so fabulous. He respected all my input and gave me his and we chose my new breast size and shape together. I gave him the ultimate say but it was a joint venture. I've been really pleased with how they turned out, all things considered. My before and after pics are on his website with all identifying marks/details removed of course.

I'm glad you know how to advocate for yourself! Keep healing. The pain control was really hard for me too until the expanders were removed. It did get tolerable at the 6 week mark. After the initial Vicodin was gone, they gave me gabapentin (Neurontin) which sort of helped but made me loopy. They're really hardcore about no extra opioid pain meds these days.

You have a great attitude. It's nice that you have a caring husband and supportive friends. I'll keep saying prayers for you.

I don't have anything new to add that hasn't been written by so many loving peas before me, I've been reading and nodding in agreement with all of their words of encouragement and support. I'm sorry you are going through this but man, you are one strong woman, elaine! Sending you so much love and good thoughts for your full recovery and continued loving support along the way. <3 <3 <3

I enjoyed (if that's the right word?!) all the details in your informative and humorous update. So glad to know you are now in recovery mode. Continued healing thoughts for you.

I am really glad you updated us elaine . Sorry the pain isn't under as much control as it needs to be. Praying you can find a good pain medicine balance so you can relax and rest.