The decision is a hard one, I get that. If it was me, I would get the surgery. If you can prevent more deterioration of the leg, and get and stay off of pain killers, great!! those things ruin a lot of organs in the body. You served your country! And many thanks for that! If I was called up to defend our nation I would go. Im sure you will make the decision that is best for you.
I think it's horrible how people get treated if they aren't part of the majority.. Your gay! Don't stop me from being your friend!!!! If someone makes a bad remark to you, tell them to fuck off.. You are who you are, and to me!! YOUR GREAT!! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Just to add ...... When we were at TTR in Nov there was a great guy there who had a leg amputated, he wore a prosthetic and honestly it made no difference to his holiday at all. He was on the Boobs Cruise and played volleyball on the beach everyday. Yes people will look but only coz it's something different. On a personal level I was I'll a few years ago, 30 mins from having my arm amputated, it was dying and going black gaaaaaahhhhh....... Luckily they managed to save it.... However I know the fear you are going through, I know the pain your going through and I know how horrible those meds make you feel..... Honestly if I'd have been told it would only get worse not better I'd have opted for amputation just to be able to function with a clear head, pain free and not medically fuzzed. Imagine all the cool prosthetics you could get.... Actually I find it pretty sexy that you have gone through so much for your country.... Certainly wouldn't turn me off!
So first of all again, thank you for the service and I'm sorry it cost you a pretty large price. (I know people get tired of hearing this, but it always needs to be said) But here is where my tough love begins. I know this a TTR board, but I wouldn't be thinking about this at all with how people at temptations will think of you with a fake leg or a cane. It's vacation not daily life, you got to think of the decision on the larger scale(I am sure you are). Now obviously you know the type of people that come to the resort. So if you had 1 leg, no legs, 1 arm, 1 breast, no breast; people don't really judge. And if they do then F them anyway. Those people are probably a waste of time to talk to too begin with. Everyone already said above lots of great points, so there really isn't a need for me to restate them. And obviously your mom's opinion is always going to be completely different then everyone's. This is one of those things an Italian mother can't fix with food For me, amputation would be no brainier and the logical decision. Obviously that is something that is way easier for me to say not being faced with the same decision. But this is something that I think about often. The cane is already handicapping you, plus you have the pain. Sounds to me like you can eliminate both. Yes you lose something, but think of what you will be gaining. If you can't dance now, and you will be able to later, score one. If you need help getting on the Boobs Cruise now, and you won’t later, score two. (Years ago I was on a small charted booze cruise fishing trip in the Bahamas, hung out with the captain all day long. Didn't realize he was missing a leg for 8 hours). I have always been interested in artificial limbs, and there was a point when I was thinking about switch my major to Biomedical Engineering, and eventually work my way into something related. My advice would start my research on what is the best way to actually go about the procedure. Some people don't have this choice and they wake up and a decision has already been made. You might be in the position where there are options. And the real decision might come down to how you can get the best fully functioning prosthetic. Now for me I wouldn't even be concerned on how it looked, but rather what would be able to do. Now there is also cost, obliviously the best replacements are going to cost the most. Not this is the most important thing to think about right now, but it is important in the long run. The reason why I make this point ties back into the research upfront. Maybe there are programs out there that could be looking for someone with your situation. They might want to begin to work with you at an early stage before you went under the knife. Many of these types of programs are experimental, and that sometimes does have financial benefits. Please don't think I am in anyway saying what you should do. I don't know your unique situation, and I am no doctor. Just wanted to throw some points out that are bit different then the norm. Additionally, for the record. I would never avoid someone that had any type of physical disablement, especially not an artificial limb. As said in 300 when the dude lost his eye "...it's just an eye. The gods saw fit to grace me with a spare."
I think you are getting great advice from all. I'm guessing none of it is new to you, as I'm sure you're already thinking of all the pro's and con's. As you know, I am also a breast cancer survivor and have had to make these very difficult decisions. In the end (for me) it was really about quality of life and longevity of life. I was only 27 yrs old. How long will you be around if you don't do it vs. if you do it. Cancer spreads and can reoccur. Your situation sounds similar. I too was terrified about what others would think…and what I would think about myself! I was raised in a nudist family, so although it's easily hidden most of the time, I knew I would be on display often. Lol. I also had a husband who left at the time of my diagnosis, so rejection from men was a real factor. In the end, I prayed a lot and came to the decision to have a mastectomy because I wanted to be around for a LONG time, without the constant fear of cancer coming back. You have to choose what's right for you.....not what's right for your mom, sister, best friend, or anyone else. No one has to walk in your shoes but you. Not to be a Bible thumper, but I believe God gives us each specific hurdles to get over, and it's always for a reason. The reason will not be clear for a long time, but hopefully you will see in later in life. God blessed me with cancer and I am grateful because I learned so much about myself, about relationships, about discrimination, and about what life is truly about….the people you love and who love you. At least that’s what I’ve been able to take from it all. Also, I went through two years of surgeries (13 total) and chemo, and all through the Naval Medical Center in San Diego. The military care was exceptional. Take deep breaths, take your time making your decision, and move forward living a life you will love (even if it takes some time). Thank you again for fighting for our freedom. You are suffering the consequences, but hopefully you will learn to use this experience to help others. Share your story often. It will help you to remember why you went through it all, and it will help those who listen keep things in perspective. Sorry this is so long. I have so much more I can say. Feel free to pm us if you want. I wish the very best for you my friend. --Ginger
That's very well thought out! I knew you would know it was my mother who objects, us Italians seem to have the same type of mother. Lol.. I'll be thinking about it but I kinda made up my mind. Just wanted all your opinions. Thanks brother.. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Thank you! The events that happend to you, inspire me to not be ashamed if I have a prosthetic leg. Also what everyone else has said, that I wouldn't be an outcast. I thank you all! Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Side note: True story... My sister's friend lost her leg in a motorcycle accident... She used to walk into bars, say to the bartender "I'll bet you i can have one foot on the ground and the other touch the top of the bar.. if i do, i drink for free". She'd unhook her leg, touch it to the ceiling, and say "Ill have a beer". Same chick would also deal with annoying men in said bars by saying "Leave me alone or i'll take my leg off and beat you with it".
