Courtney's life begins here, redux

[Gina P]

Congratulations on getting the ears pierced. Now the collection starts. Studs to start, then comes the dangly ones. You'll need different styles and colors to match your clothes. Then a case to store it all in. Down the slippery slope!

[davina61]

Then its the necklace and bracelets !!!!

[Paulie]

Well, the FFS date draws near, so I did the logical thing: I got my ears pierced! Finally. I was going to get simple silver buttons - something no one would notice - but the sparkly stones in the display case called out to me, so I got purple diamonds (fake ones).

❤️

[Courtney G]

Thanks, ladies!

Four years of HRT today! Woot! I can't believe I did this! But here I am, with a nice body, fresh piecings, soft skin, a growing assortment of women's clothes and underclothes, gems in my pierced ears, and facial feminization surgery just over 2 months away. But also a sense of self that has drastically improved.

I never would have believed you if you'd told me this was possible 6 years ago. I never would have believed I'd be willing to take the first step, to come out to myself, to my partner. To connect a clinic (Plume) regarding starting HRT (thank goodness for informed consent!)

I was reviewing the surgeon's preliminary FFS plan last night. Round one will be 4 hours of surgery and will include:
Scalp advancement and "rotation"
Browlift
Forehead shave with orbital rim reduction
Chin and mandible reduction

The follow-up will involve a facelift and fat grafting, as well as a redo of my nose.

I'm glad he's proposing this in two separate phases. I'd rather go twice than have a long recovery period.

[Gina P]

2 months will go by fast. Wishing you all the best.

[Charlotte_Ringwood]

Congratulations getting your ears pierced. It's such a rewarding step, especially when you push your hair back to show them off!

Time is flying by now. And amazing it's only a couple of months away now.

[Lori Dee ✅]

Congrats on your fourth anniversary! Getting your ears pierced is the perfect gift. I got mine pierced on my first birthday after I started HRT.

Big changes are coming your way. I'm glad you got your surgery date and can move forward. You have been looking forward to this for a long time.

[Jenn104]

I'm glad he's proposing this in two separate phases. I'd rather go twice than have a long recovery period.

You also have the option to not continue or find a different surgeon. While there is an overhead cost to multiple surgeries (i.e. you pay the anesthesiologist for each surgery),  you gain a measure of control by working in phases. Remember, you should be the driver of what you want done as well as have your ascetic respected.

~Jenn

[Pema]

Congratulations, Courtney. I hope the FFS goes as smoothly as have other aspects of your journey.

[ChrissyRyan]

Happy new year Courtney!


Chrissy

[Courtney G]

Thanks, everyone, for your thoughts and well-wishing.

I want to share a feeling I've had for the past few days. Something inside of me has changed and I'm not sure why, but the following things have recently occurred:
1. 4 years on HRT
2. I've sized up from a 36C to 36D bra
3. A good friend is recovering from FFS and she's been transformed by it
4. I booked FFS
5. I started watching the series "Veneno" on HBO Max.

I've felt more like a woman over the past few days than ever before. I've daydreamed about wearing a cute top or makeup, and of being seen/recognized as a woman. I've felt softer and calmer. I've had waves of euphoria over my new earrings, my body and my upcoming facial feminization surgery.

While my new earrings definitely awakened something in me, believe it or not, #5 on that list played no small part. Venemo is a biographical drama, set in Spain, with overdubbed english on HBO Max. The first episode is a little cringy, but sets the stage for some powerful stuff, with a mostly-trans set of characters, played by trans actors!

One of the main characters goes through a transformation and it's hitting me really, really hard...in a good way. I highly recommend the series - just make sure to be patient while watching that first episode.

Veneno might have little to do with this, but I'm starting to feel like I'm going to be able to more fully own my identity going forward. I'm really, really hoping FFS helps with this.

Happy New Year, everyone.