I'm used to reading euphoric accounts of top surgery from transmen and NB folks who've elected for it and had to fight to get it. Reading about the ciswoman hoops of reconstruction was profoundly shocking. I do hope all this goes well for you and that you have great support around you. Hospitals suck and hopefully you'll soon be done with them. Sending a soft little hug for you.
Thank you, Caroline. That’s an interesting perspective, and a good reminder that people experience surgeries for such myriad reasons and with a variety of emotions.
Thank you Marco. I'm getting more and more freaked out. It helps a lot to write about it, and it's lovely to receive your feedback. Yeah, the cosmetics of this thing are going to be something! I just hope the physicality of donating tissue to myself holds, and works, and is a success in the end. Pretty scary.
Stella, how could you NOT be freaked out? That said, finding ways to navigate (like these posts) are clearly a good idea. I am just grasping at straws here but I am suddenly thinking of my friend James Houlahan, a fine singer songwriter. He said in an interview (and I am doing a poor job of remembering the terms) he said something about an old Arabian idea, that when you are scared you should sing into the wind. Don't shy away from what terrifies you - no, answer it, with song. your song. I think that is what you are doing here. so sing away.
I have a nutty writing prompt for you, will email you later today. hang in there. we're all rooting for you.
Hi Marco. Yes, always singing into the wind. What I lack in tonality, I make up for in volume. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll watch for your email.
Wishing you the very best possible recovery. That is an astounding piece and although reading that made me so sorry you had cause to write it, I am grateful that you did, particularly for those who need to read this.
Just found you here on Substack. So sorry you are dealing with so much. Hope ALL goes well with your surgery and that you find the #2 tattoo artist first! Best wishes.
I am wrapping you up gently in a warm, loving & healing embrace. 🫶🏼
Also sending all those you are connected to in love and your medical team and all those they are connected to in bright white light for a successful surgery and recovery
XxOo🦋🩵thankyou for sharing and being so brave to do so.
Thank you for writing.
Well, thank you for reading!
I am in awe of your sense of humor in the face of all this. Remarkable.
Thank you, Weston💙 And thank you for reading.
I'm used to reading euphoric accounts of top surgery from transmen and NB folks who've elected for it and had to fight to get it. Reading about the ciswoman hoops of reconstruction was profoundly shocking. I do hope all this goes well for you and that you have great support around you. Hospitals suck and hopefully you'll soon be done with them. Sending a soft little hug for you.
Thank you, Caroline. That’s an interesting perspective, and a good reminder that people experience surgeries for such myriad reasons and with a variety of emotions.
This is just epic. You've stopped me in my tracks again. The image of the remade tattoo of waves is going to stay with me for a long, long time.
Thank you Marco. I'm getting more and more freaked out. It helps a lot to write about it, and it's lovely to receive your feedback. Yeah, the cosmetics of this thing are going to be something! I just hope the physicality of donating tissue to myself holds, and works, and is a success in the end. Pretty scary.
Stella, how could you NOT be freaked out? That said, finding ways to navigate (like these posts) are clearly a good idea. I am just grasping at straws here but I am suddenly thinking of my friend James Houlahan, a fine singer songwriter. He said in an interview (and I am doing a poor job of remembering the terms) he said something about an old Arabian idea, that when you are scared you should sing into the wind. Don't shy away from what terrifies you - no, answer it, with song. your song. I think that is what you are doing here. so sing away.
I have a nutty writing prompt for you, will email you later today. hang in there. we're all rooting for you.
Hi Marco. Yes, always singing into the wind. What I lack in tonality, I make up for in volume. Thanks for the encouragement. I'll watch for your email.
Wishing you the very best possible recovery. That is an astounding piece and although reading that made me so sorry you had cause to write it, I am grateful that you did, particularly for those who need to read this.
Thank you for saying so, Michael.
Just found you here on Substack. So sorry you are dealing with so much. Hope ALL goes well with your surgery and that you find the #2 tattoo artist first! Best wishes.
Thank you so much for this kindness. I’m glad you found me!
I'm processing it all before commenting. I'm here for you. Sending you white light and courage.
You’re a rock, Scooter. If a rock can be soft and sweet and feeling and have a big gooey center. Thank you, Friend ❤️
I am wrapping you up gently in a warm, loving & healing embrace. 🫶🏼
Also sending all those you are connected to in love and your medical team and all those they are connected to in bright white light for a successful surgery and recovery
XxOo🦋🩵thankyou for sharing and being so brave to do so.
Thank you so much. I feel it!
When does the surgery happen if I may ask
February 19, and thank you for asking.
I love it. Thank you ♥️