Q&A With My Husband, Broch
Paige was recently having a really bad migraine and instead of her usual Saturday secrets, she asked me to do an Instagram takeover for her and answer some questions y’all had for me. Of course, I was all in! I’ll do anything for her, but I was also just excited to see that her community wanted to get to know me a bit better and be able to learn about you as well. Here’s the recap of questions and answers. Hope you enjoy just as much as I did!
Q: Do you get nervous doing takeovers?
A: Considering this is my first takeover, I would say no. I get more nervous about going to events with her because I always want to make her look good.
Mastectomy Questions
Q: Does having a mastectomy complicate sex for partners?
A: Great question! I think this varies from person to person. But in our own personal experience, I helped to show Paige how to seperate sex and mastectomy. She always had those two experiences tied, but it doesn’t always have to be that way. Of course I’ll never know the experience of a mastectomy but your feelings around that don’t have to be brought into the bedroom. Hope this helps!
Q: I will be having a mastectomy soon. Any tips for husband who will be helping me through this?
A: Make sure to have plenty of open conversations about expectations. Bring him with you to your appointments beforehand and encourage him to ask questions about care. The more he’s brought into the process the more he’ll feel prepared and responsible for the entire procedure.
Q: Your thought on how to approach foobs while dating? Does it even matter to guys?
A: I think peoples experiences with their body are their own. Keep in mind that this new man in your life was not with you through your mastectomy, so he won’t have the same feelings about them as you. He sees your body in the now, not what it was. He’s not comparing before and after. Before I truly knew the meaning of foobs I just thought Paige had a boob job and that helped separate the physical from the mental part of a mastectomy.
Q: How can partners help women feel comfortable with intimacy after mastectomy/ reconstruction?
A: I don’t think that’s something I can answer for you. You have to be in touch with your body enough to communicate your needs to your partner and trust that they will deliver. What I think I helped Paige with the most was showing her how to fall in love with herself and encouraging her to buy a vibrator to connect with herself.
Q: When you started datingPaige, how did you explain BRCA/previvorship to your friends?
A: I simply said Paige found out she had a genetic mutation that gave her an 87% chance of breast cancer, so she had a double mastectomy (have to explain what that is too) to decrease her odds of developing breast cancer. Most of them think it’s brave and smart of her to do. A lot of them even support by following her too!
Diabetes Questions
Q: My 5 year old son was just diagnosed with type 1- all inspo for living a full and normal life is appreciated!
A: WOW! I’m sure this is a very tough time for your family. I wasn’t diagnosed until I was 12 , but I hope this pic helps! He’ll be able to do anything he dreams he can do. Just have to always be prepared for lows. As you’ll learn, diabetes requires constant attention and is considered a disability. But that doesn’t mean you’re disabled. He’ll be a stronger man for living this life!
Q: Dexcom - I’ve seen you wear it a few times. Do you sometimes not use it or hide it well?
A: I first tried it on my arm but didn’t like that everyone could see it. I also like working out and felt the scar tissue affected how my arms looked so I moved it to my thigh where no one can see it and it’s more secure in that location.
Q: What were your symptoms of diabetes before diagnosis?
A: I was 12 years old and weighed 69 lbs. Constant urinating, always thirsty, even smelled like I had alcohol on my breath. My mom used to say she could see my teeth through my cheeks.
Qs: My nephew is a T1D, How is it going to be when he becomes a teen? He is 12 now. / My son is a teenager, best way I can support his diabetes?
A: The teenage years were tricky for me, going through puberty and learning how to deal with a life altering disease is tough for anyone. For your teenager, I would just say to not take any of their actions or words personally. They’re to figure this out just as much as you are. Just let them knowthat you understand it’s tough for them, maybe even draw a connection between your diagnosis and how it’s affected your life, but you still get to LIVE everyday.
Q: How to support a T1D? My partner is one.
A: You can tap into my response above for some deeper insight, but in terms for being a partner, just try to learn what they need in times of low blood sugars (juice, snacks, like or not like being touched (I hate it), etc.) even sharing his Dexcom numbers with you. Carrying their insulin or even snacks in case of emergency. But don’t be afraid to ask them what they need, either way I’m sure they’ll be excited that you even asked.
Other Questions
Q: How do you handle dating someone with such a big community she’s involved in?
A: Personally, I love it. To be married to someone that is changing peoples lives and truly loves doing it is so inspiring. So happy she has such an involved and faithful community that creates so much love and makes her so happy.
Q: I Just love reading “Paige’s husband.” Thank you for being her person.
A: Oh I get it! I’m still in shock every time I say “Wife.” Best accomplishment of my life to date.
Q: What are your favorite items from Trader Joe’s??? I’m Canadian and going to USA!
A: The whole Store! But really: chicken cilantro wontons, crunchy chili onion peanuts, sweet and spicy pecans, mint chocolate ship cookie sandwiches, truffle flatbread. The list goes on…
Q: How do we find such a supportive hubby like you?? All the good ones are taken
A: I know, I’m pretty great, right? ;) But seriously, I think it’s about opening yourself up to new experiences. I think people can get stuck in their routines and what’s comfortable. Opening up to the world can help you find new things (or people) to love. I met Paige at her first rave and met the love of my life.
Q: Sorry to hear Paige is not feeling well. What is your favorite recipe?… You love to cook.
A: Really love when I make curry with tons of veggies. Makes me want to make it right now!
Q: Not a question, just glad she is listening to her body and mind for healing.
A: I agree! It’s so important to listen to your body when it tells you to take a break. Paige does so much that some people will never see and that’s part of her magic. But it can definitely catch up to her.
Q: Tell us the moment when you knew Paige was the one?
A: This is the first pic together after the night we met. We had so many great talks that really opened my eyes to how special she was and our bond was being built on something way more that just the physical attraction. I knew then that this was the woman I wanted to marry.