Ok, the calendar says 3 weeks ago today I had surgery. That means, according to Dr.H's notes that I should start range of motion activities. Exercise is not my favorite word, BUT I intend to follow orders carefully. My actual range of motion isn't as bad as I feared it might be. I still have a ways to go but it will come. I have four resident "physical therapy bosses" and one coach. Two of them exercise me twice daily, and they all monitor my arm motion exercises multiple times daily and demonstrate with maddening ease where I need to be.
Hey, I will count my blessings, my left side which was where the sentinel node biopsy was done has as good or better range of motion than my right side and I'm right handed.
The "therapists" are a bit leery about my taking on more activity around the house. So I do my best to assist for a bit and then leave them to their newly mastered domains. Hey, why take back over responsibilities when they are doing well and it leaves more time for me to teach, coach, plan, encourage, exercise and recover. I think I'm being spoiled and I'm lovin it!
Still working on getting back in bed. Did most of the night last night in bed, but didn't sleep much. I usually sleep very well, so that was unusual. It was a good time to pray and I'll probably sleep much better tonight.
Monday, January 30, 2012
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Breast Cancer Recovery Notes
Mental note to myself.
DO NOT forget to post medical notes. Just to remind yourself of what recovery was like, just in case you ever have to do this again or you have a friend who goes through this. Tomorrow it will be three weeks since surgery for breast cancer. I'm glad the last three weeks are over and look FORWARD to what each day of the future holds.
So what was learned?
Oh yes, I posted that once my drainage tubes came out, I was looking forward to sleeping on my side again, that was optimistic! I did try sleeping in my own bed which only lasted a couple of nights. Pillows bend my torso in the wrong places, it seems the only place I'm willing to bend is the waist, so back to the recliner for me. We attempted moving me back to our bed again this weekend, it lasted 4 hours the first night and 5 minutes the second. If you are a stomach or side sleeper, to lay on your back in bed long is very uncomfortable. It's hard for me to roll over or sit up without automatically using my arms and upper body. I also have muscle spasms and chest discomfort that wakes me up and it seems to be better when I'm in the recliner with a firm straight angle to my waist. If I had done a TRAM or DIEP tissue reconstruction,it would probably have been much worse from my reading. Here's hoping to go back to my own bed soon. :)
Personal care. The docs all send you home with their instructions. I've chosen to follow the most explicit and restrictive set which came from the plastic surgeon. The first week after surgery I was glad for DH's careful supervision and assistance with my personal care. Our homemade version of a shower chair worked great it was helpful when I was weak and not stable on my feet. Week Two, I graduated to doing more of my personal care by myself, I was comfortable standing in the shower once the drain tubes were out. This week I'm caring for all my basic needs on my own. It takes me twice as long as normal and DH still checks incisions regularly for any signs of infection or problems. With his background and all his years working around clinicians I trust his assessments!
On the medical front, my swelling is going down, not fast enough to suit me, but it's getting there. I'm still very swollen above the implants and under my arms. Particularly on the left side where Dr. H. did the sentinal node biopsy. My doc notes say to expect swelling for up to 6 weeks. By week two I was black and blue, but during this past week it's been clearing up and hopefully by next week all of the remaining bruising will be cleared up. My skin color is good which means the docs did a great job of preserving blood flow to the skin, that along with healthy living practices means everyone is happy about my skin.
My nerves are another story, because of the type of surgery I had, the nerves to my skin and incision areas were severely disrupted and while I have some pressure sensation in some areas, I have no feeling in the incision areas. About 10 days after surgery what nerves that remained woke up and tried to connect with their long gone partners for the first time. OUCH! Now I get shooting nerve pains through the chest area. It's similar to what my Dad described after open heart surgery, though I'm sure not so severe. Those are no fun. The doc notes say it's normal and will last awhile. So grin and bear it!
Body shape. You never think about it, but you get really used to your body shape particularly in the shower. We all have habitual ways we use to care for our bodies. When something happens that changes your body shape significantly it takes time to adjust mentally and to modify your habits. I'm working to do that as best I can, But my shape looks and feels very different and I'm squeamish about incisions!
Emotionally. There are enough blogs and cancer websites bulletin boards out there to know that women and their partners experience a full range of emotions. I am so grateful for the many prayers on my behalf and my personal faith and trust in a LOVING God who cares for me inspite of what the devil tries to do. I also greatly appreciate the genuine concern, support and caring shown by DH's colleagues. It means a lot to him and to me.
I am blessed with a loving supportive family who prays.
I am blessed with not one, but two church families who show they care in tangible ways and who pray.
I am blessed with priceless friends across the country who show they care in so many different ways and who pray.
I am blessed with a great medical team and my own personal team of medical consultants. I pray for all of them!
I am blessed by the experiences of fellow cancer survivors, who've been there and can empathize.
So, while there are some days that the meds don't work, or I'm extra tired and in pain, I choose to focus on my blessings. :)
So how's DH doing? Well you can ask him! I learned early in our marriage that it wasn't wise for me to speak on his behalf. We are opposites in many ways, that's part of the spark in our relationship. I will make a couple of observations though. DH is very protective of me. He wished it had happened to him. Another couple we know who've been through cancer wrote that it was almost harder to be the spouse, than to be the patient. Even post surgery, we've shared tears over the experience of cancer and the changes it brings. He is accepting and loving, gentle and helpful. Our relationship is growing and deepening as a result of cancer.
How are the kids doing? See previous post. If you have small children or children that are not trained to run your home yet, you will need outside help. Line it up for the first three weeks so you can heal and rest. If you are going to need radiation or chemo plan on help for a more extended period of time until you know how you are going to cope. Better to have more help than you need than be frantically trying to find it in the midst of recovery or treatment.
Practical hints for making the first three weeks easier.
1. Pajamas and shirts that button down the front or that can be stepped into and pulled up. I can't pull anything over my head until three weeks post surgery and then only if my arms cooperate.
2. Very soft and comfortable skirts or pants. Jeans do not qualify.
3. My plastic surgeon required a specific bra post surgery for 6 weeks night and day. One came with the surgery. I purchased a second one from her office. Wear one, wash one.
4. My breast surgeon required a special camisole post surgery that zips up the front. I was fitted for it at the local durable medical equipment company that also does breast prosthesis. The camisole has Velcro pockets to hold the drainage tube bulbs. This prevents those tubes being pulled out accidently. It's worth the $60. Do not pin your drains to your clothes! They also gave me a lanyard to put around my neck when I showered. I could hook the bulbs to that. That prevented them from pulling out while I showered or the camisole was being washed.
5. 3x4 no adhesive bandages the kind used by burn patients. They cost a little more, but nothing sticks. That's really nice the first three weeks. We bought ours in bulk from a durable medical equipment company or you can buy them on line. Different sizes are available, but stock up you need enough to change dressings 2x day for the first week and then 1x day for the next five weeks.
6. Silvadene burn cream. It's a prescription, but my plastic surgeon believes it gives better final scar results and less infection. I'd used it with my kids before and knew it worked well. At three weeks, my incisions look great.
6 1/2. Sterile tongue depressors, use them to get the Silvadene Cream out of the jar. It keeps the ointment clean, and you can paste directly on your incision if your squeamish like me. I only dip once and use a little of the left over on the stick to paste the corners of the bandages to my skin.
7. My medical note book with all the directions and instructions.
8. Shower chair for the first week or invent your own. We did. One small bench covered in heavy black plastic.
9. A good recliner, bed isn't going to feel comfortable for awhile unless you buy one of those wedges and use lots of pillows. The recliner was one of the best tips I got from someone who'd already been through this.
10. Clothes and towels hung low where you can get to them. You can't reach up to a normal closet rack height unless you are considerably taller than my 5'2".
11. A small table next to your recliner or bed for your water, phone, books, meds, etc.
12. Heating pad for your back.
13. A long handled scrub brush for the shower as you can't reach your back.
14. A long handled back scratcher.
15. Water jugs or mugs with lids and straws. If you are in bed or a recliner a simple glass may not work that well.
16. Protein powder. If you are having a hard time eating the week after surgery, you need to have smoothies with protein powder. My plastic surgeon and naturopath both said 65 grams/day.
17. A stock of broth and soup crackers for the first week. I found the crackers helpful as I don't like to take meds on an empty stomach unless directed.
18. A bucket or basket for all your meds/bandages etc. One that you can put on a shelf out of reach of small children.
19. A night light.
20. Thank you cards.
21. Stock up on staple items as you won't feel like going to the store for a full trip for awhile and you won't be able to lift much anyway. When you get into the store it seems like most everything you want is on a shelf you can't reach.
22. If it applies, find out your medical leave requirements and what you have to be able to do to return to work. This is very important, your doc will need to go over this with you before surgery.
In summary, plan ahead, it is a stressful, emotional, painful time, but good planning before surgery can make recovery more pleasant.
DO NOT forget to post medical notes. Just to remind yourself of what recovery was like, just in case you ever have to do this again or you have a friend who goes through this. Tomorrow it will be three weeks since surgery for breast cancer. I'm glad the last three weeks are over and look FORWARD to what each day of the future holds.
So what was learned?
Oh yes, I posted that once my drainage tubes came out, I was looking forward to sleeping on my side again, that was optimistic! I did try sleeping in my own bed which only lasted a couple of nights. Pillows bend my torso in the wrong places, it seems the only place I'm willing to bend is the waist, so back to the recliner for me. We attempted moving me back to our bed again this weekend, it lasted 4 hours the first night and 5 minutes the second. If you are a stomach or side sleeper, to lay on your back in bed long is very uncomfortable. It's hard for me to roll over or sit up without automatically using my arms and upper body. I also have muscle spasms and chest discomfort that wakes me up and it seems to be better when I'm in the recliner with a firm straight angle to my waist. If I had done a TRAM or DIEP tissue reconstruction,it would probably have been much worse from my reading. Here's hoping to go back to my own bed soon. :)
Personal care. The docs all send you home with their instructions. I've chosen to follow the most explicit and restrictive set which came from the plastic surgeon. The first week after surgery I was glad for DH's careful supervision and assistance with my personal care. Our homemade version of a shower chair worked great it was helpful when I was weak and not stable on my feet. Week Two, I graduated to doing more of my personal care by myself, I was comfortable standing in the shower once the drain tubes were out. This week I'm caring for all my basic needs on my own. It takes me twice as long as normal and DH still checks incisions regularly for any signs of infection or problems. With his background and all his years working around clinicians I trust his assessments!
On the medical front, my swelling is going down, not fast enough to suit me, but it's getting there. I'm still very swollen above the implants and under my arms. Particularly on the left side where Dr. H. did the sentinal node biopsy. My doc notes say to expect swelling for up to 6 weeks. By week two I was black and blue, but during this past week it's been clearing up and hopefully by next week all of the remaining bruising will be cleared up. My skin color is good which means the docs did a great job of preserving blood flow to the skin, that along with healthy living practices means everyone is happy about my skin.
My nerves are another story, because of the type of surgery I had, the nerves to my skin and incision areas were severely disrupted and while I have some pressure sensation in some areas, I have no feeling in the incision areas. About 10 days after surgery what nerves that remained woke up and tried to connect with their long gone partners for the first time. OUCH! Now I get shooting nerve pains through the chest area. It's similar to what my Dad described after open heart surgery, though I'm sure not so severe. Those are no fun. The doc notes say it's normal and will last awhile. So grin and bear it!
Body shape. You never think about it, but you get really used to your body shape particularly in the shower. We all have habitual ways we use to care for our bodies. When something happens that changes your body shape significantly it takes time to adjust mentally and to modify your habits. I'm working to do that as best I can, But my shape looks and feels very different and I'm squeamish about incisions!
Emotionally. There are enough blogs and cancer websites bulletin boards out there to know that women and their partners experience a full range of emotions. I am so grateful for the many prayers on my behalf and my personal faith and trust in a LOVING God who cares for me inspite of what the devil tries to do. I also greatly appreciate the genuine concern, support and caring shown by DH's colleagues. It means a lot to him and to me.
I am blessed with a loving supportive family who prays.
I am blessed with not one, but two church families who show they care in tangible ways and who pray.
I am blessed with priceless friends across the country who show they care in so many different ways and who pray.
I am blessed with a great medical team and my own personal team of medical consultants. I pray for all of them!
I am blessed by the experiences of fellow cancer survivors, who've been there and can empathize.
So, while there are some days that the meds don't work, or I'm extra tired and in pain, I choose to focus on my blessings. :)
So how's DH doing? Well you can ask him! I learned early in our marriage that it wasn't wise for me to speak on his behalf. We are opposites in many ways, that's part of the spark in our relationship. I will make a couple of observations though. DH is very protective of me. He wished it had happened to him. Another couple we know who've been through cancer wrote that it was almost harder to be the spouse, than to be the patient. Even post surgery, we've shared tears over the experience of cancer and the changes it brings. He is accepting and loving, gentle and helpful. Our relationship is growing and deepening as a result of cancer.
How are the kids doing? See previous post. If you have small children or children that are not trained to run your home yet, you will need outside help. Line it up for the first three weeks so you can heal and rest. If you are going to need radiation or chemo plan on help for a more extended period of time until you know how you are going to cope. Better to have more help than you need than be frantically trying to find it in the midst of recovery or treatment.
Practical hints for making the first three weeks easier.
1. Pajamas and shirts that button down the front or that can be stepped into and pulled up. I can't pull anything over my head until three weeks post surgery and then only if my arms cooperate.
2. Very soft and comfortable skirts or pants. Jeans do not qualify.
3. My plastic surgeon required a specific bra post surgery for 6 weeks night and day. One came with the surgery. I purchased a second one from her office. Wear one, wash one.
4. My breast surgeon required a special camisole post surgery that zips up the front. I was fitted for it at the local durable medical equipment company that also does breast prosthesis. The camisole has Velcro pockets to hold the drainage tube bulbs. This prevents those tubes being pulled out accidently. It's worth the $60. Do not pin your drains to your clothes! They also gave me a lanyard to put around my neck when I showered. I could hook the bulbs to that. That prevented them from pulling out while I showered or the camisole was being washed.
5. 3x4 no adhesive bandages the kind used by burn patients. They cost a little more, but nothing sticks. That's really nice the first three weeks. We bought ours in bulk from a durable medical equipment company or you can buy them on line. Different sizes are available, but stock up you need enough to change dressings 2x day for the first week and then 1x day for the next five weeks.
6. Silvadene burn cream. It's a prescription, but my plastic surgeon believes it gives better final scar results and less infection. I'd used it with my kids before and knew it worked well. At three weeks, my incisions look great.
6 1/2. Sterile tongue depressors, use them to get the Silvadene Cream out of the jar. It keeps the ointment clean, and you can paste directly on your incision if your squeamish like me. I only dip once and use a little of the left over on the stick to paste the corners of the bandages to my skin.
7. My medical note book with all the directions and instructions.
8. Shower chair for the first week or invent your own. We did. One small bench covered in heavy black plastic.
9. A good recliner, bed isn't going to feel comfortable for awhile unless you buy one of those wedges and use lots of pillows. The recliner was one of the best tips I got from someone who'd already been through this.
10. Clothes and towels hung low where you can get to them. You can't reach up to a normal closet rack height unless you are considerably taller than my 5'2".
11. A small table next to your recliner or bed for your water, phone, books, meds, etc.
12. Heating pad for your back.
13. A long handled scrub brush for the shower as you can't reach your back.
14. A long handled back scratcher.
15. Water jugs or mugs with lids and straws. If you are in bed or a recliner a simple glass may not work that well.
16. Protein powder. If you are having a hard time eating the week after surgery, you need to have smoothies with protein powder. My plastic surgeon and naturopath both said 65 grams/day.
17. A stock of broth and soup crackers for the first week. I found the crackers helpful as I don't like to take meds on an empty stomach unless directed.
18. A bucket or basket for all your meds/bandages etc. One that you can put on a shelf out of reach of small children.
19. A night light.
20. Thank you cards.
21. Stock up on staple items as you won't feel like going to the store for a full trip for awhile and you won't be able to lift much anyway. When you get into the store it seems like most everything you want is on a shelf you can't reach.
22. If it applies, find out your medical leave requirements and what you have to be able to do to return to work. This is very important, your doc will need to go over this with you before surgery.
In summary, plan ahead, it is a stressful, emotional, painful time, but good planning before surgery can make recovery more pleasant.
Of Sunshine and More Snow
Well the Doc Report is posted...so what else is recovery like during week three?
This week life is more interesting, or I'm more interested in taking part in it. We've had sunshine and snow this week and I've been walking in both. DH or one of the children takes me for my exercise. No one wants me to fall. Harpist and I saw what we believe to be the tracks of our resident, bunny hunting fisher one day. On another day Rocket and I watched a sage grouse waddle off through the woods. We admired her neat tracks and how she slid down the snow bank on her tummy. Our Momma moose with calf came calling again in a thick snow storm. It's so fun to watch junior wade around in snow up to his tummy.
With the help of a sweet friend, I also prepared my first meal. Afterwards, I repaired to my chair for the afternoon! But it was great fun to give Harpist a break. Together with friends, we pulled off a surprise for the children that the "Family Bureau of Investigation" failed to pick up on. They were beside themselves for 2 hours with the suspense of it all. It gave them a break from dealing with my cancer and recovery. That was a blessed day! The memories will last longer than my pain and stitches. As a parent, you know life happens and children will need to adapt,shoulder responsibilities and deal with hard issues. But we try not to forget they are kids too.
The children are very good at telling me what I'm not supposed to do. Personally I think they enjoy the shoe being on the other foot for once. I enjoy their helpfulness when they see something I need or when I need something done.
We are homeschooling,the children are doing chores. Oh an aside...to the dear friend who wrote and said she could just see our four children quietly and efficiently buzzing around while I directed from my chair.... I laughed. Let's be real, they are doing their work and school, and doing well at being helpful and cheerful, but it requires self surrender to the Lord. That is a daily and at times moment by moment process. We work, we encourage, we sing, we pray, but still there are moments that one member or another deals with the I don't want toos, do IIIII HAVE toos???? Or any other self centered attitude common to all of us! Learning to work together and help each other out is a blessing for all, particularly when this active MOM can NOT do what she normally would. DH and I are learning to encourage, motivate and foster positive attitudes like we never have before.
It's Friday evening now, the house is quiet, Sabbsth has come. I've read stories to Cat Lover and Rocket until I can read no more. Tomorrow our group will meet here for church and lunch. We are ready thanks to the work of the children!
This week life is more interesting, or I'm more interested in taking part in it. We've had sunshine and snow this week and I've been walking in both. DH or one of the children takes me for my exercise. No one wants me to fall. Harpist and I saw what we believe to be the tracks of our resident, bunny hunting fisher one day. On another day Rocket and I watched a sage grouse waddle off through the woods. We admired her neat tracks and how she slid down the snow bank on her tummy. Our Momma moose with calf came calling again in a thick snow storm. It's so fun to watch junior wade around in snow up to his tummy.
With the help of a sweet friend, I also prepared my first meal. Afterwards, I repaired to my chair for the afternoon! But it was great fun to give Harpist a break. Together with friends, we pulled off a surprise for the children that the "Family Bureau of Investigation" failed to pick up on. They were beside themselves for 2 hours with the suspense of it all. It gave them a break from dealing with my cancer and recovery. That was a blessed day! The memories will last longer than my pain and stitches. As a parent, you know life happens and children will need to adapt,shoulder responsibilities and deal with hard issues. But we try not to forget they are kids too.
The children are very good at telling me what I'm not supposed to do. Personally I think they enjoy the shoe being on the other foot for once. I enjoy their helpfulness when they see something I need or when I need something done.
We are homeschooling,the children are doing chores. Oh an aside...to the dear friend who wrote and said she could just see our four children quietly and efficiently buzzing around while I directed from my chair.... I laughed. Let's be real, they are doing their work and school, and doing well at being helpful and cheerful, but it requires self surrender to the Lord. That is a daily and at times moment by moment process. We work, we encourage, we sing, we pray, but still there are moments that one member or another deals with the I don't want toos, do IIIII HAVE toos???? Or any other self centered attitude common to all of us! Learning to work together and help each other out is a blessing for all, particularly when this active MOM can NOT do what she normally would. DH and I are learning to encourage, motivate and foster positive attitudes like we never have before.
It's Friday evening now, the house is quiet, Sabbsth has come. I've read stories to Cat Lover and Rocket until I can read no more. Tomorrow our group will meet here for church and lunch. We are ready thanks to the work of the children!
Friday, January 27, 2012
The Doc Report
I wrote this Wednesday..and am just now posting. That's what a bad medicine day does to your week.:)
Another visit to Dr. N's office yesterday. This was the 2nd of 3 weekly followup visits before they put me on a longer leash. I saw the PA who said I was doing so well that she was putting me on the longer leash now. Hurrah! No surgical followup for a month unless there is a problem. One more week before I can begin working to regain full range of motion in my arms.
Since we had to go in, we made it a town day. I pretty much sat in the car while DH and Inventor did the running. I did walk through the grocery stores, but that was it. They lifted, pushed and did everything. I am so blessed, I felt like a queen.
By the time we got home, well, I felt like a wrung out dish rag. I sat in my chair and that was it. DH made sure I got my medicine, the PA told me to try that muscle relaxant at night to see if it worked better. It was almost noon today before my brain cleared sufficiently to know or care what was going on around me. That stuff still doesn't work the way I want it too, I may try doing 1/2 dose tonight.
Another visit to Dr. N's office yesterday. This was the 2nd of 3 weekly followup visits before they put me on a longer leash. I saw the PA who said I was doing so well that she was putting me on the longer leash now. Hurrah! No surgical followup for a month unless there is a problem. One more week before I can begin working to regain full range of motion in my arms.
Since we had to go in, we made it a town day. I pretty much sat in the car while DH and Inventor did the running. I did walk through the grocery stores, but that was it. They lifted, pushed and did everything. I am so blessed, I felt like a queen.
By the time we got home, well, I felt like a wrung out dish rag. I sat in my chair and that was it. DH made sure I got my medicine, the PA told me to try that muscle relaxant at night to see if it worked better. It was almost noon today before my brain cleared sufficiently to know or care what was going on around me. That stuff still doesn't work the way I want it too, I may try doing 1/2 dose tonight.
Saturday, January 21, 2012
Snow Showers
Snow, snow and more snow. It's finally looking like winter up here. The Inventor and Cat Lover decided to spend one night in their igloo. It was 5 degrees out, but inside it was in the 20s. They had a grand time fulfilling one of their dreams. Harpist and Rocket preferred the cozy warmth of their own beds. Me too!
Recovery is going well, more good days than bad. Sunday, I finally had that long talk with a dear friend who is a 9 year cancer survivor. Her story is one of amazing perseverance and God's blessing. I came away from that conversation with conviction I have much more research to do. I cannot go on with life as it was from a health perspective. She also confirmed our experience that the tough times draw committed partners closer together and strengthen the bonds of that special relationship. They've been through a bunch of tough times and it's wonderful to see what God is doing in their lives.
I also had a chance to catch up with a local cancer "sister" who is an amazing lady. I look forward to meeting her one day soon. She inspires me to realize that life will go on, and to never forget the work of those who've gone before us. Those who made the kind of care we received possible.
Monday, I was feeling a lot more stable on my feet and clear headed as I backed off more of the pain meds during the day and the effects of anesthesia continued to wear off. I even walked outside a little but it is too cold here for me to risk much outside time with my lungs. I need to play it safe for a couple more weeks.
Tuesday was obviously a great day. Dr. H took my 2 chest drains out and it didn't really hurt. She just snipped the stitches and slid them out. The freedom from tubes and drain bulbs made me feel better! The good news was the best. By the time we were 2/3 of the way through errands. I was exhausted. I don't remember much of the rest of the day, except that coming home it was snowing really hard.
Wednesday, between my Tuesday trip and a new med the doc gave me to try, I was wiped out from early am until about 4:30 pm. I've never had that experience and I won't repeat that med again. What works for one, does not work for another!
Thursday, I slept off and on most of the am and was awake enough to enjoy the visit of a friend in the afternoon. It was so just to catch up.
Friday I managed to stay awake all day, a first since surgery. I homeschooled from my recliner took a walk to the gate with DH and tried to help in little ways as the children prepared for Sabbath. It was also my first full day off all narcotic pain meds. Hooray!
This morning, pain woke me early,so I moved back to my recliner and I've enjoyed a precious quiet time with the Lord. Today we will fellowship with friends, I will chose to rest this afternoon while the young people do something active. It will be a pleasant Sabbath.
Recovery is going well, more good days than bad. Sunday, I finally had that long talk with a dear friend who is a 9 year cancer survivor. Her story is one of amazing perseverance and God's blessing. I came away from that conversation with conviction I have much more research to do. I cannot go on with life as it was from a health perspective. She also confirmed our experience that the tough times draw committed partners closer together and strengthen the bonds of that special relationship. They've been through a bunch of tough times and it's wonderful to see what God is doing in their lives.
I also had a chance to catch up with a local cancer "sister" who is an amazing lady. I look forward to meeting her one day soon. She inspires me to realize that life will go on, and to never forget the work of those who've gone before us. Those who made the kind of care we received possible.
Monday, I was feeling a lot more stable on my feet and clear headed as I backed off more of the pain meds during the day and the effects of anesthesia continued to wear off. I even walked outside a little but it is too cold here for me to risk much outside time with my lungs. I need to play it safe for a couple more weeks.
Tuesday was obviously a great day. Dr. H took my 2 chest drains out and it didn't really hurt. She just snipped the stitches and slid them out. The freedom from tubes and drain bulbs made me feel better! The good news was the best. By the time we were 2/3 of the way through errands. I was exhausted. I don't remember much of the rest of the day, except that coming home it was snowing really hard.
Wednesday, between my Tuesday trip and a new med the doc gave me to try, I was wiped out from early am until about 4:30 pm. I've never had that experience and I won't repeat that med again. What works for one, does not work for another!
Thursday, I slept off and on most of the am and was awake enough to enjoy the visit of a friend in the afternoon. It was so just to catch up.
Friday I managed to stay awake all day, a first since surgery. I homeschooled from my recliner took a walk to the gate with DH and tried to help in little ways as the children prepared for Sabbath. It was also my first full day off all narcotic pain meds. Hooray!
This morning, pain woke me early,so I moved back to my recliner and I've enjoyed a precious quiet time with the Lord. Today we will fellowship with friends, I will chose to rest this afternoon while the young people do something active. It will be a pleasant Sabbath.
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Good News Day
Today is doctor visit day!
Dr. H and staff were bright and cheerful. a nice welcome after slogging through a lot of snow coming down. I am healing well, She made my day by taking the drains out. Hooray, I can sleep in my side again.
The best news is that pathology came back as expected. DCIS only on the left side. No invasive cancer identified. After analyzing the report more fully, we are very grateful to Dr. H for not messing around and trying a "breast conserving" approach to treatment, given the initial radiology of probably 1 quadrant being involved. She believed there was more involvement and she was right. DCIS was in 3 of 4 quadrants of the left breast. It was multi focal (more than one cluster) and the nipple was involved. The surgical margins were excellent and the final sentinel node report is clean. We are very thankful.
Because of the treatment options the Lord guided us to select, my follow up care includes regular appointments with my surgeon for five years. BUT no radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy followup. To avoid all of those is worth the surgical price for me.
My second visit was with Dr. N , my plastic surgeon. And yes, she had on another fantastic pair of shoes today! DH and daughter both really liked her and I'm so thankful for the Lord's guidance and the council of some experienced friends when it came to selecting a plastic surgeon. Her primary concern is good incision healing. She's after minimal scaring and no infections. She also emphasized the importance of my doing nothing but scrapbooking and taxes for the next two weeks at least. I'll add homeschooling to the list. She also explained some of the unique techniques she used in my case. (For more info, see my new procedures page) It is her office staff that also pointed out the link between breast cancer, and two other cancer types that I need to watch out for given my medical history. This info will all be digested as part of my follow up cancer risk reduction strategy.
Dr. H and staff were bright and cheerful. a nice welcome after slogging through a lot of snow coming down. I am healing well, She made my day by taking the drains out. Hooray, I can sleep in my side again.
The best news is that pathology came back as expected. DCIS only on the left side. No invasive cancer identified. After analyzing the report more fully, we are very grateful to Dr. H for not messing around and trying a "breast conserving" approach to treatment, given the initial radiology of probably 1 quadrant being involved. She believed there was more involvement and she was right. DCIS was in 3 of 4 quadrants of the left breast. It was multi focal (more than one cluster) and the nipple was involved. The surgical margins were excellent and the final sentinel node report is clean. We are very thankful.
Because of the treatment options the Lord guided us to select, my follow up care includes regular appointments with my surgeon for five years. BUT no radiation, chemotherapy or hormone therapy followup. To avoid all of those is worth the surgical price for me.
My second visit was with Dr. N , my plastic surgeon. And yes, she had on another fantastic pair of shoes today! DH and daughter both really liked her and I'm so thankful for the Lord's guidance and the council of some experienced friends when it came to selecting a plastic surgeon. Her primary concern is good incision healing. She's after minimal scaring and no infections. She also emphasized the importance of my doing nothing but scrapbooking and taxes for the next two weeks at least. I'll add homeschooling to the list. She also explained some of the unique techniques she used in my case. (For more info, see my new procedures page) It is her office staff that also pointed out the link between breast cancer, and two other cancer types that I need to watch out for given my medical history. This info will all be digested as part of my follow up cancer risk reduction strategy.
Monday, January 16, 2012
The Blessings of Home
To pull into our drive and have four of the most precious faces appear from everywhere wanting to know what they could do to help warmed my heart. Their first task was to get me out of the truck without using my arms. Inventor, solved that quickly to the relief of all, a bench here, a step there and lots of hands to balance me. Harpist made sure my room was ready with chair in place. She and the Rocket tweaked and adjusted pillows while Cat Lover brought in both cats to properly welcome me home. DH was so exhausted that the children unloaded the truck (even though I had surgery, I'd sent him with a town list!) and put everything away while we crashed for a few hours.
There's a song which say, "the sweetest kind of heaven, is a home where the Lord abides..." it is so true. As I rested in my recliner in our bedroom, Tuesday night, I could hear the sounds of family worship and pleasant conversation drifting in between waves of sleepiness.
Between necessary pain meds and the fact I'd rested without much sleep Monday night, I was exhausted. So was DH who'd been able to stay in the room with me. I knew it would be hard to waken him when I needed help without wakening the rest of the house too. He almost never woke when the children were small and I've dealt with alot during the night only to have him ask "what happened" in the morning. Thankfully at 2 am, the Lord put a thought in my clouded brain. Use your cell phone! I knew his phone was right by his head and sure enough, it worked wonderfully. If I hadn't felt so crummy, I'd have laughed! Bless him, he's been faithful to get up at night and make sure I'm moving safely and taking proper medications as I was pretty wobbly on my feet for a few days, not to mention a little fuzzy brained.
Growing up in the home of a nurse, I was raised to believe pain meds are to be reserved for SEVERE pain. All else should be toughed out. If you have to take them, figure out how to get off them as soon as possible. Now that philosophy kept all of us from becoming drug addicts, but I do understand the proper place for some medications. I went down the list with J, my surgeon's wonderful nurse before leaving the hospital. And no, because of my type of case, they do not want me doing certain natural pain relieving methods at this time. There's some delicate work no one wants messed up.
So...I've developed my own strategy for getting off the meds...as long as it does not interfere with my sleep, maintaining my arm and chest mobility or healing. I'm getting there one day at a time and so far, so good. During the days, I'm down to my antibiotic and regular Tylenol. Lots of interaction with the children and plenty of naps helps me manage the pain. At nights, I still take my prescriptions so that I sleep well. I hoping to be off of those as soon as my base pain level drops some more.
I did a little homeschool tutoring Wednesday and more Thursday and Friday. When I'm awake, it's about all I can do. The kids are patient when mom falls asleep in the middle of a reading lesson.
Sabbath arrived with a phone serenade from sweet friends in another valley. The whole family piled into our room to enjoy. Then I read stories until the children decided I was too sleepy to be coherent any longer.
A wonderful end to a physically challenging week. Sabbath is here, we rest.
There's a song which say, "the sweetest kind of heaven, is a home where the Lord abides..." it is so true. As I rested in my recliner in our bedroom, Tuesday night, I could hear the sounds of family worship and pleasant conversation drifting in between waves of sleepiness.
Between necessary pain meds and the fact I'd rested without much sleep Monday night, I was exhausted. So was DH who'd been able to stay in the room with me. I knew it would be hard to waken him when I needed help without wakening the rest of the house too. He almost never woke when the children were small and I've dealt with alot during the night only to have him ask "what happened" in the morning. Thankfully at 2 am, the Lord put a thought in my clouded brain. Use your cell phone! I knew his phone was right by his head and sure enough, it worked wonderfully. If I hadn't felt so crummy, I'd have laughed! Bless him, he's been faithful to get up at night and make sure I'm moving safely and taking proper medications as I was pretty wobbly on my feet for a few days, not to mention a little fuzzy brained.
Growing up in the home of a nurse, I was raised to believe pain meds are to be reserved for SEVERE pain. All else should be toughed out. If you have to take them, figure out how to get off them as soon as possible. Now that philosophy kept all of us from becoming drug addicts, but I do understand the proper place for some medications. I went down the list with J, my surgeon's wonderful nurse before leaving the hospital. And no, because of my type of case, they do not want me doing certain natural pain relieving methods at this time. There's some delicate work no one wants messed up.
So...I've developed my own strategy for getting off the meds...as long as it does not interfere with my sleep, maintaining my arm and chest mobility or healing. I'm getting there one day at a time and so far, so good. During the days, I'm down to my antibiotic and regular Tylenol. Lots of interaction with the children and plenty of naps helps me manage the pain. At nights, I still take my prescriptions so that I sleep well. I hoping to be off of those as soon as my base pain level drops some more.
I did a little homeschool tutoring Wednesday and more Thursday and Friday. When I'm awake, it's about all I can do. The kids are patient when mom falls asleep in the middle of a reading lesson.
Sabbath arrived with a phone serenade from sweet friends in another valley. The whole family piled into our room to enjoy. Then I read stories until the children decided I was too sleepy to be coherent any longer.
A wonderful end to a physically challenging week. Sabbath is here, we rest.
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