Another first

[StephanieLake]

I had bladder cancer a couple years ago. Since it recurred after the surgery, I have to have routine cystoscopies. I had one today. No new tumors. Eighteen months cancer free. Yay!

Afterwards, I changed in to full Stephanie mode, clothes makeup, wig, everything, for the 4 hour drive up to the lake house. I forgot that the procedure makes me have to go to the bathroom a little while after, so I had to stop at a rest area. Seeing's how I was dressed as a female, I chose to use the ladies room. I have never been out long enough to have to use the restroom, so this was a first for me. Boy was I nervous, but I walked in like I belonged there. It was empty when I went in, so I found a stall and did my business. I washed my hands, checked my hair and makeup and turned to leave. As I was walking out, another lady was going in. We smiled at each other and I continued walking out.

Later, I stopped and got gas and got smiled at by a guy. I had some letters to mail so I went to the post office and had the door held for me, and got a smile from the guy. I swear he even sped up to get to the door before me. Walked across the parking lot to the market and had two women smile at me.

What a great day! I'm gaining so much confidence. I just had to share.

[NjJamie]

Stephanie, so happy for you and your adventure. It is amazing that once you have the confidence part down, most of the world will simply take you at face value but of course getting the confidence is the hardest part!

[kimdl93]

First, congratulations on being cancer free for 18 months! Surely facing cancer prepared you to deal with very real fears, so going to an encountering people while en femme is a piece of cake. Good for you!

[Jackiefl]

Congratulations Stephanie on being cancer free. I to had bladder cancer that spread to my right kidney. The doctors have been in my bladder many times and on one of those times spent an additional 6 hrs to remove my right kidney. This journey started 8yrs ago and i still go yearly for cysto's and everything is going fine so far. I wish you nothng but good luck and good health. I think Kim is correct after a reality check on life everything else is a piece of cake.

[StephanieLake]

Thank you, Kim and Jackie.

My cancer was caught very early. The first tumor was small, only about 1cm and had not invaded the muscle. The next 2 were even smaller, being caught at my first follow up cystoscopy. I had BCG treatment after that. I'm having cystoscopies every 6 months for now, then we will go to yearly, probably after my next one in August.

On the upside, it did indeed give me the attitude of you only live once, and we don't know how long that is, so do it now because tomorrow is not guaranteed. I just wish I could have more outing like yesterday.

[bridget thronton]

Congrats on cancer free and a good day out

[JesseVF]

Glad you are both doing well with your cancer treatments. I Like that attitude regarding you only have one life so why not enjoy it including cd but not always easy to attain. I?ve yet to brave the ladies room but maybe someday.
Glad you had some great experiences!

[JoyceAnn]

Stephanie and Jackie, I wish you both continued good fortune and good health. Also, thank you both for reminding me to keep things in perspective when it comes to the things that make life enjoyable. Stephanie, it's great that you got all of those smiles from the people you encountered. It sounds like it was a perfect day, and here's to many more!

[ColleenA]

Who wouldn't want a wonderful day like that? All the best moving forward, Stephanie.
I just wanted to add, for those who need a restroom when they are out, remember that some places offer a private, "family-style" bathroom, in part for those with disabilities or parents with small children. I have used such on occasion. As much as Target has been criticized in recent years for folding to certain conservative pressures, they do offer that.

[danniUK]

What a great confidence booster that must have been! Sounds like an all-round great day.

And congratulations on the recovery!

[StephanieLake]

Emboldened by my interactions on Wednesday, I decided to go out shopping for the day yesterday.

I roamed the mall in Fresno for a couple hours as Stephanie. It was fun looking at bras and panties without wondering if the GGs think I'm a pervert.

I went in to Victoria's Secret and actually interacted with the sales lady. She was telling me all about the different bras they had on sale. Then said, if you need a bra fitting, let me know. I thought about it, but chickened out. Now I wish I had done it. Next time! And there will be a next time.

Ended up not finding any reasonably priced bras or purses, which is what I was looking for, so I came home empty handed. But still had a great day

My advice for anyone trying to build up the nerve to go out en femme is, do it! It's nerve wracking the first few times, but the more you do it, the easier it gets. Like many have said here, even if people notice, they don't say anything.

[BLUE ORCHID]

Hi Stephanie , Sounds like you are out there and Owning it, >Orchid**OO**

[BrendaPDX]

Congratulations Stephanie on dressing and the great day! After big scares the little ones don't seem to matter so much, as you act more casual and comfortable people seem to not need a second glance. Sounds like a great day, I am sure you will have more.

[alwayshave]

Stephanie, I'm glad you are cancer free and had a great Stephanie day.