Jessica's Rose Garden

[ChrissyRyan]

Short version: My GCS date with Dr. Ley got bumped up a bit. It is now 21 February 2019!!!

Yesterday while I was at my electrolysis appointment Dr. Ley's office called. It seems they had a cancellation. They wanted to know how my electrolysis was coming along, so I put my electrologist (CJ) on the phone. CJ said she thought it was looking good, and she felt that I was ready. I received a confirmation call this morning, instead of 5 April my GCS will now occur on 21 February!!!

I have a lot to do, and not much time. We leave tomorrow to visit Carl in Louisiana, and we will return Monday. I have already submitted 'leave of absence' paperwork to my employer and told my manager and HR about the new date. Next I need to make some hotel reservations, then start ordering the supplies I will need. At least now I don't have two months of waiting and worrying!!! Three weeks, only three more weeks!!! Eeeeek!!!

Jessica Rose,


Wow!  Great news!   

Chrissy

[Anne Blake]

Great news Jessica, congratulations! And you will like Scottsdale so much better in February than April.

Take care girlfriend,
Tia & Debi

[Rayna]

I think this is one of those squeeeeeee things, isn't it? Exciting!
Randy

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[Michelle_P]

Wow!  Congratulations.  Your thoroughness in preparation and planning have paid off with a nice surprise.

Squeeeeeeeeee!

[KathyLauren]

Wow, that's an exciting schedule change, Jessica!  You'll probably be busy the next three weeks.  Remember to breathe!

[Ericalaine]

Thank you so much for posting your journey!!! So insightful and helps me understand my journey. I thought I was the only one feeling the feelings I was having. I am not. People don't understand the nuances of the journey.......electrolysis, dead names, misgendering and passing etc. Again thank you!

[Jessica_Rose]

Thanks @Ericalaine . Reading the stories here on Susan's Place helped me discover who I am, and it may well have saved my life. I am glad to know my story may be helping others.

Our trip to Louisiana went smoothly. Susan and I stayed at my parents house. We visited with Carl on both Friday and Saturday, and we picked up the items he wanted us to have. I discovered that Carl is holding a grudge against our older brother, Gene, that I was not aware of, and apparently it runs very deep. They were at least civil with one another when Gene visited Carl on Sunday.

Although I usually enjoy visiting relatives, to be honest I was glad to leave. I quickly grew tired of being dead named and listening to incorrect pronouns time after time. My parents usually got my name right, along with Gene and his family, but Carl did not even try. All of them got the pronouns wrong most of the time. Although unintentional, it is still painful. I don't know what it will take to make them change.

Today was exceptionally busy. We drove from Amarillo, TX back home to Monument, CO. Before we got home we stopped to pick up a new prescription, then made another stop for some groceries. Once home we unloaded the car, then drove to the kennel to get our furry children. Once we got them settled at home, off to my electrolysis session! When we got home I cooked supper, then exercised.

One really important thing did happen today. While at my electrolysis session I got an email from the Meltzer Clinic, my insurance company has approved my surgery!!! Yes, I did a little happy dance! None of my relatives are aware of my plans. If I tell any of them, it will be after it is done.

Although I have already made reservations, I am trying to find a better room rate in Scottsdale, it seems Spring training has more than doubled the usual rates. However, everything is now in place. I just need to get some supplies, arrive safely, follow the pre-op instructions, then take a nap while Dr. Ley and her team perform their magic.

Hopefully within the next few days I will have some time to think about the enormity of the situation. In just 17 days I will finally be me.

[Laurie]

Congrats Jessica. All systems are go. It won't be long now.

[Jessica_Rose]

Facial laser treatment #13 is this afternoon, maybe that will be my lucky number. I have very little grey facial hair left due to electrolysis, but the dark hair has been somewhat resistant to the laser treatments. With GCS in two weeks I can't take ibuprofen, and based on my experience with electrolysis Tylenol is useless for that type of pain. At least I can still use the BLT cream. Next Thursday is another laser treatment for my legs, which in places is even more painful than 'south pole' electrolysis. Last night was my last estradiol patch until after GCS. Although I am really looking forward to the next few weeks, it may well be an extremely uncomfortable time. Only 14 days to go...

[Jessica_Rose]

The laser was not too bad today, but round #14 is scheduled for mid-April. Laser works great on body hair, but facial hair is another story.

Our LGBT+ ERG (Employee Resource Group) is holding a 'Going There - Trans' discussion while I will be out on my leave of absence. I really wanted to watch, so I checked with my leave specialist and she said that as long as I don't do any work or check emails I may attend. I sent a note to one of the board members, who is a friend, and to make a long story short they have asked if I would be willing to provide an update during the event. Like my NCOD presentation, I know it will be a friendly audience, so I agreed. I'm not quite sure what to tell them, but I'll think of something.

Just yesterday at work someone I had never met stopped me and told me how much she enjoyed my presentation. A year ago I was not yet out and I was frightened about how the world would react. Now my openness has helped others, and it has resulted in many new friends. It has been, and still is, an amazing journey.

[Laurie]

Hi Jessica

  I just wanted to agree, "It has been, and still is, an amazing journey." for you. And watching you do it with Susan by your side, has been a pleasure for me to see and be a small part of. Thank you for including me in it.

Hugs,
  Laurie

[Rayna]

Jessica,

You are on a roll! From here on more and more things will be happening *to* you than you being in control. Enjoy the ride, and look forward to coming out the other side.
Hugs, Randy

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[LizK]

Short version: My GCS date with Dr. Ley got bumped up a bit. It is now 21 February 2019!!!

Yesterday while I was at my electrolysis appointment Dr. Ley's office called. It seems they had a cancellation. They wanted to know how my electrolysis was coming along, so I put my electrologist (CJ) on the phone. CJ said she thought it was looking good, and she felt that I was ready. I received a confirmation call this morning, instead of 5 April my GCS will now occur on 21 February!!!

I have a lot to do, and not much time. We leave tomorrow to visit Carl in Louisiana, and we will return Monday. I have already submitted 'leave of absence' paperwork to my employer and told my manager and HR about the new date. Next I need to make some hotel reservations, then start ordering the supplies I will need. At least now I don't have two months of waiting and worrying!!! Three weeks, only three more weeks!!! Eeeeek!!!

whooo hoooo nearly there


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[Jessica_Rose]

Hi Jessica

  I just wanted to agree, "It has been, and still is, an amazing journey." for you. And watching you do it with Susan by your side, has been a pleasure for me to see and be a small part of. Thank you for including me in it.

Hugs,
  Laurie

Thanks Laurie. You have been, and always will be, a part of our life. Love the new hair!

We watched a documentary last night, 'Trans'. It is available on Amazon Prime Video. Susan learned a few things, and the similarities between all of our stories are simply amazing. The film covers several different peoples lives, but the main person in the film is an incredible woman many of us have heard of, and a few have met -- Dr. Christine McGinn! If Dr. Ley had not available, Dr. McGinn would be #1 on my list.  I highly recommend watching it.

[Donica]

Great news Jessica! Congratulations on your February 21 GCS date. Kaiser surgeons require HNT in the Netherlands before surgery. I'm going to have to double-time if I want GCS before the end of the year.

Hugs girl!

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[GordonG]

Jessica
I'm rooting for you. I don't post much, but I read this thread nearly everyday. Thanks for the updates. And I wish you well going forward.

[Jessica_Rose]

Today is Susan's birthday!!! Feel free to send @Susan_Rose a PM wishing her well.

I usually wake up an hour or so before Susan. As I headed downstairs I was still trying to think of something special I could do for her today. When I reached the kitchen I noticed a subtle hint -- a glass of water and my prescription for Viagra! I had some breakfast, 'took' the hint, then went back upstairs. An hour or so later I was back downstairs and made breakfast for Susan.

We did a little shopping (wherever she wanted to go), had lunch at her favorite restaurant (Cheddars), and finally stopped off to buy some fresh flowers. We are back home now, and will enjoy some carrot cake after supper. Susan is in a great mood considering what is coming up soon, and I will do my best to keep her happy.

I started a GCS thread a few days ago, the link is in my signature, but I'll list it here as well...
https://www.susans.org/forums/index.php/topic,244488

[Julie -2010]

Jessica,

  I'm so excited and happy for you.  It won't be long now. Yea!!

Julie

[Jessica_Rose]

I just received a call from my Dad, Carl is not expected to live much longer. It could be a few hours, or a few days. My Dad has asked me to write an obituary. None of my relatives know about my upcoming surgery. As much as I feel it is my duty to attend his services, I will not let that interfere with my surgery -- my surgery comes first. Some may think that is cold and uncaring, but I said my goodbyes to Carl two weeks ago. Carl is five years older than I, and he was my tormentor while growing up. We were not close, but we are on good terms with one another. I will only tell my relatives about the surgery if it prevents me from attending services for Carl.

[LizK]

You have to do what you need too...Its a tough call but totally yours to make. I never told any of my family or friends about my surgery with the exception of one brother. I certainly understand your wanting to keep it private. It is such a personal thing and I know from my experience that it was certainly important to me to keep it to myself. Sounds like you have made peace with Carl and that is really all that matters. Lets hope that it does not interfere with your surgery and cause you the issue.

Liz