Thanks, peeps!

Thank you to all so far who have made donations, agreed to sell raffle tix, or provided silent auction items..I will be sending out an invite soon on FB and email with all the fundraiser details with dates, times, and specifics so you can all set your calendars for April 16th.  I've enjoyed the cards, well wishes on FB and email, your comments here on my blog and the phone calls.  Special thanks to:

Max, my wonderful boyfriend who has helped me in so many ways to deal with so many things the last couple months--thank you for loving me unconditionally and embracing my temporary Justin Bieber physique. You know you secretly love the Biebs.

My parents, Tony & Marcia and sister Danine, for pitching in financially, enduring doctor consults and for helping to organize the fundraiser and for supporting me through this difficult time.   Looking forward to being on my feet again to be able to repay the kindness.

My guardian angel, Kristine, who helped me get through those first 4 days at home.  You gave me the survival skills I needed to get through the worst of it.  You left your kids and husband to take care of me, tamed my periodic freak out sessions, endured my evilness when the meds were wearing off and made me laugh when I really needed it.  Thanks for putting up with my bullshit..I'm coming to Bloomington soon to treat you to a wine laden, percocet and pain free girls night out. 



My BFF Jeannie, for coming to visit and  stocking my fridge with yummy goodness.  And for checking on me all the time and just being you.  Thanks for realizing when I want to talk and when I'm simply just not in the mood.

My dear friend Wendy, for having a slumber party and providing me with some much needed girl time. OH LORD!

My friend Carol Ann for coming to visit me in the hospital.  Glad we were able to spend that time together. We will celebrate your big day sometime in the future.

And once again, thanks to everyone else for all the love, support, and kindness during all of this. 

More funny updates to come....

Kim's Address

posted by Max

I've gotten a number of calls and emails asking for Kim's address. Yes, she'd love to get your cards, letters, flowers, etc. Here it is:


Feel free to contact me via email,  or on facebook if you would like any information. Thanks for everything!

Bra shopping!

If any of you ladies want to start feeling good about about swimsuit shopping, you should try post mastectomy shopping!  Pre surgical drain removal, of course. Max and I spent an hour at Kohl's trying on different sports bras and compression tops...extremely low moment trying to wiggle in and out of everything while maneuvering these damn drains.  Also looking at myself in the mirror with my post mastectomy sutures and Justin Bieber sized chest along with my percocet bloated belly.   Pretty wild time--can only imagine what any of the people were thinking outside the dressing room listening to us.  "Pull there!"  Don't touch that! Ouch! Damn it! OMG, I'm so sorry! Geez, gimme a minute! Up, not down!  UGH!"  Just awful and awkward for all involved.

On a good note, saw my plastic surgeon today--said everything looks fantastic--yes, he said fantastic--drains coming out Friday at 11 AM.    Gave me a scrip for more Percocet to get me through.  Can't come soon enough!  41 hours and counting!

Damn Drains!!

Surgical drains suck.  They are like two albatrosses hanging off my sides sucking the life out of me along with whatever else they are sucking out. They come with me wherever I go, to the bathroom, to the shower, to bed.  They make it impossible to wear anything close to normal.  Iv'e learned it's a little easier to get around if I tuck them in the waistband of my pants.  One of them burst open yesterday while lying in bed and squirted my warm icky mastectomy juice all over my stomach.  Fun!  And hey, if you need to get a prisonor to talk, screw the ripping off of fingernails and electric shocks.  Put some surgical drains in their sides and they will be sqealing like pigs in no time.    This sucks worse than I ever thought it would!.  Hopefully another day or two more and these bitches will be taking a hike.  UGH.

Tomorrow's topic:  Swelling and post mastectomy clothing options.

I Miss My Hospital Bed!

"Got a litte drain in my pocket, going jing-a-ling-a-ling". This was probably the best thing I said about my situation yesterday. These drains are brutal! For the uninitiated, they are like two little plastic grenade-sized bulbs that catch excess fluid - they need to be emptied often - not fun.

Quote for today, "I think this is how Elvis died."

K

Oh MY God am I sore.

That about sums it up.  Don't feel like writing much.  BTW, who sent the cupcakes?  Thank you mystery cupcake sender.

Successful Surgery, The Recovery Begins

posted by Max.

I'm sure Kim will have a few posts about today, but I wanted to take a moment and let everyone know that the surgeries were done without complications and she is resting (as much as anyone can actually rest in a hospital) in her room with an unobstructed view of Lake Michigan. Seriously, she's got the corner suite, on the 10th floor, overlooking Lake Michigan! I hope she remembers to draw those shades tonight before she goes to sleep, otherwise that sunrise will be blinding.

She's in good hands, although the staff doesn't really get her sense of humor. The pain meds also made for an interesting round of Jeopardy! Oh, the pain meds were served exactly at 4:20, which I'm sure won't be lost on all of you ;-).

Thanks for all the prayers, well-wishes and support both now and during the upcoming recovery period.