Le soutien-gorge très moche
16 July 2022
I stopped the pain meds after day 4. For a day and a bit it was ok. Then, during the nights, it started to get really sore again. I can’t find a comfortable position to sleep in. I’m also supposed to wear the un-fun, Berlei post-surgery tit-mitt 24/7 – including to bed. But my poor blue breasticle gets sore being cooped up, it needs to be set free. Certain I will be told off by the doctor and nurses ….I’ve ordered a couple of slightly less ‘brutal’ bras which will hopefully be more comfy to sleep in – as well as keep the wound safe and sound.
Le soutien-gorge très moche (which translates to 'very ugly bra'), comes with handy ‘pockets’ to insert a variety of breast prostheses. Such a delightful – and useful – piece of clothing! Was not lost on me that the pockets would also accommodate an iphone and/or packet of cigarettes. Thus saving the need for a handbag on a big-night-out.
In my internet travels I have encountered some wonderful people and stories. One that tickled me was ‘Knitted Knockers’ – a non-profit organisation that knit 100% cotton breast prostheses as an alternative to silicone gel, foam etc. What a lovely thing to do for someone.
Oh, and … those body scanners at the airport – yes, they will detect an (external) breast prosthesis. That’s a conversation I’m looking forward to having with airport security!
Things they don’t tell you: had surgery Tuesday, did not have a bowel movement until Saturday. Despite taking sachets of mild laxatives each day after surgery. I know I have seriously ‘low’ limits but not even I will share that first experience – other than to say, it happened and it was rough.
25 July 2022
Logged on to work today. Felt goooood! There is only so much Netflix and crochet a girl can endure. Don’t underestimate the joy of emails and spreadsheets.
Good stuff that has happened …
- Lucy came to visit for the day
- My young lemon tree, which now lives with Simon in Sydney finally produced 5 lemons. A pretty poor effort but was enough to save it from being cut up for firewood.
- Mum sending me funny jokes and peculiar pictures illustrating the chemistry of viruses
- My friend and work colleague announcing she is having a baby girl!!!
- Simon starting a new job. My sister being promoted – so proud of them both. I miss them.
- My Magpies Spike, Bonny and Mong visiting daily
- Catching up with my dear sister and wonderful friends by phone – lots of laughs and comfort
- Gifts from friends including tea, jelly, bio-oil and chocolates
- Flowers and the most amazing box of fruit from my work pals
- Receiving gift from my super beautiful Melbourne peeps: a robe + divine pair of pyjamas – quite possibly the nicest pair I’ve ever owned (+ some blue Ugg boots … which is another story)
- Lots and lots of lovely, kind messages from friends sending smiley faces, check-ins and virtual hugs 🙂👍🤗
30 - 31 July 2022
Simon invited me to go to Sydney for the weekend for a change of scenery so I took the bus up. It was nice having the company and the kids pottering around. Champagne on the terrace, an open fire and delicious home-cooked meals. Even a night-out!
Return to Canberra 😔
1 August 2022
Realise how much I miss travelling – being mobile and strong. I want to pack up my car or get on a plane and disappear. Lonely and depressed, the days are dragging.
Walk down for a coffee in the morning. Cold and lonely. Log-in from home to work. Feel invisible, ugly.
Appointment with surgeon and nurse tomorrow to get the low-down on biopsy results and find out what (if any) further treatment is needed.
Miss yous all 😢
