Denning's blog

Coming out the other end - nipple-guard first!!

2009-08-19T00:18:41Z

Thought I would post a blog as feeling very positive and realised my profile is so out of date. Having had a mastectomy with an immediate back flap recon in Jan 08 I have been thro the ups and (more often) downs of chemo and radio with more side effects and hiccups than I would have hoped but yesterday I had the "dog ear" tidied up on my back and a new nipple made at the "Buy shares in our car park" hospital that is the Royal Free. Still reeling from the shock of the £21 parking fee. I am still also chuckling at the check in nurse asking me which ear I was having done!!! Duh!! And I said "Pardon?"!!! Anyway, after the obligatory long wait my back was trimmed and a nipple created. The charming surgeon then fashioned a nipple guard out of a piece of sponge which looks like it was once attached to a scourer and was languishing by the washing up bowl!! I have to avoid pressure or knocking it and keep this on till next week so went out in a casual top for supper with a friend tonight and my nipple guard arrived some time before me at the table!!!!!! Did anyone else see the email doing the rounds with a woman with rectangular breasts and a friend saying "I think when they said put tissues in your bra to make your breasts look better they meant for you to take them out of the box"? I think of that every time I look at my guarded nip!! Tee hee. Anyway, as I couldn't sleep last night I pondered my journey over the last eighteen months.......ran my fingers thro my hair and realised it was growing (so much better than coming out in your hand); thought of the kindness of so many people on my annus horribilis; and of the lovely friends I have made on this site.........and realised they were right........you do sort of get there in the end!!!!! Lots of love and luck to all of you starting out on this rotten journey. Diane xxx

Mastectomy and Recon Cake!!!!

2008-12-24T14:59:53Z

I know.......first time I have ever posted a blog and now I can't stop.... A final attempt to make all you lovely people smile.......what do you take to the lovely team at the radiotherapy department of Mount Vernon. A team who made you feel like a friend more that a number? Quality Street? M and S biccies? NOOOOOO. A Mastectomy and Recon Cake.......with a note to the men to think of me as they chew on my breast!!!!! I had hope the MacMillan Chemo leaflet would be correct and that my sex life would change (great - haven't had one for years!!!) but this is the nearest I got.....letter of complaint to follow! Happy Christmas one and all Diane xxxx

Wigs..........

2008-12-24T14:53:17Z

As we all need to keep our sense of humour I thought you may like to see some pictures of my special boy modelling my wig.........

One Year On...Goodbye BooHooHoo...Hello Ho Ho Ho!!

2008-12-24T14:50:17Z

This time last year I had just been diagnosed with breast cancer (2nd time around) and was walking round Sainsbury's like a zombie trying to work out how many brussel sprouts per person for lunch the next day... What a difference a year makes......2008 is now officially my annus horribilis (see that's not exclusive to HRH)...but it's nearly over......and in between mastectomy/chemo/side effects/radiation et al.......look at all the friends and support this wonderful side has given me. And just to make it more true to life the odd weirdo thrown in. So many special friends......scared to mention them really as don't want to leave anyone out and do like Gwyneth Paltrow on her Oscar acceptance speak and send you all to sleep but have to sneak in a couple of names. JOOLS.....you are one very special lady and don't you forget it. The cosy cottage retreat was such a special experience in bringing together such a disparate and amazing group of people......you all know who you are and I love you all. Metzy I will still be calling you for life coaching.....and Debs.....Denning insists he wants to meet Robbie very soon and they can bond whilst we discuss..........YKW!!! My New Year resolution is to work out (Jools can I borrow Jade?) how to post my "Humour in my Tumour" piece to hopefully give people a chuckle for 2009 (unless this attempt has worked)....but for now....A VERY HAPPY, PEACEFUL AND CONTENTED CHRISTMAS TO ALL YOU SPECIAL WHAT NOW USERS!!!!!!!!!!! Diane xxxxx ((((((((((HUGS))))))))