One of the many excuses I use to tell myself why I can't ever transition is my age...Thanks a lot now you've totally ruined that excuse.  No, I really mean thank you for inspiring me. 

Congratulations, it's an awesome accomplishment. 

!7 days since surgery and 4 days since returning home - still weak, not much pain but very tender, sleeping a lot (a side benefit), actually have not ventured out yet, probably Monday for group, and I apparently wore my phone out while laid up - I'm awaiting the replacement. When I returned I was was gifted with a beautiful outfit: red peasant skirt and white with beading blouse! Ole! I can't wait to wear it out - probably to shop for shoes!

For months, that light in the tunnel was the train of the future. But sometimes it didn't seem to move from week to week, and other times it was roaring toward me. Now that it stopped and picked me up, the magic town of surgery is flying into the past.

By the way, Tracey, "Vomit Comet?" After all! Don't think I was so drugged that slipped past me! You have a payback coming!  But thank you for the many words of support - I forgive you!   

Susan Kay

Nice to have you back, Susan! I'm glad you're in good spirits (so I don't get my ass kicked)! You did say you wanted something to read when you got back! I'm proud of you, though, seriously. And I'm rarely serious! Hugs, Tracey

Tracey:  All is forgiven hon. I DID ask for it, and one cannot life by the mouth and whine (too much) when the favor is returned. I do appreciate all the comments - ALL the comments.

JulieC:  Actually, I'm glad if I took that particular excuse/copout of age away from you. If I can do it, so can you. If you have a full transition plan now, start working it; if not, begin one. I will be happy to heckle, uh, spur you on like others have done me.

SarahElls:  The only thing you have to do is continue progress and go over, under, around or through all obstacles.

Janet Lynn:  Uh, I hate to be the one to break it to you but your job is never done. There are going to be new girls next week, next month, next year, and forever. And there needs to be one more.

Susan Kay

I'm now 3 weeks post surgery and 1 week home. I feel much better. I'm still tender and sore and can't sit much without discomfort. I seem to be healing OK; the swelling is going down and drainage seems diminished somewhat  (sorry for the yuck factor). Dilation is progressing allright. I went out Monday for the first time, to my regular noon support group. I got cake and ice cream. Then I went over and finished activating my replacement phone and to Walgreen's for more supplies. It was nice to get out and about.

Speaking of dilation (I was - not you) when I flew back home I packed the set of five in their mesh bag. The four I had not used were facing one way, the one I had used facing the other for ease in finding the right one.  When I got home and unpacked, they were all facing the same direction. Obviously TSA had checked them out. I don't blame them, on X-ray they probably looked amazingly suspicious. They look a bit suspicious just lying there! But I could visualize some rookie baggage frisker holding one up and going "What the $%^& is this?" And when someone told him/her, repacking them in a hurry!

Anyway, 3 weeks into the future. I have been trying to think of one thing in my life I have done of more importance or help to me; I can't.

Susan Kay

It's wonderful to hear how well you are doing.  After my one turndown for my surgery a few months ago, you were very kind to let me have a bit of direction toward Dr. Leis.  Since I found out that Dr. Leis is going to be at Southern Comfort Conference this year, I am going to try and meet him there and see if I can get on the track of that train you have mentioned a couple of posts ago.  So glad to hear of your experience, even with the nosy baggage inspector.  Sort of like the old "Thief's Knot" that sailors used to tie up their personal possessions on board the old sailing vessels so they would know if someone was getting into their stuff.  The times I have had my baggage inspected out here in CA, the TSA has put a WE WERE HERE message in my bag.  One time I did have a pair of breast forms in the bag they hit!!  Served them right!!  (I no longer need to take the breast forms any more though!!)

I'm glad I gave out some advice that helped. Good luck; I'm sure Dr. Leis will be very helpful; I know you will find him a kind person, and very open and informative, particularly for a doctor. I'm sure if you contact him before hand, he will be glad to meet with you. Be sure to tell him Susan is dong fine. If you haven't seen it, check out his web site: http://thetransgendercenter.com/.

Susan Kay