Recovery

Well I promised some photos and wanted to update on my recovery this past week.  Everyone who comes over to visit tells me that I'm looking really good and physically recovering very well.  Having never had surgery before, I will take their word for it, because I do NOT like sitting here being waited on hand and foot.  I transfer from my bed to the blue chair, back and forth, back and forth...  Quite humbling to one who is used to being independent and the caretaker.  

I've regained quite a bit of mobility in me left arm.  My right arm is still in quite a bit of pain when I reach very far, due to the axillary dissection of lymph nodes on that side.  I visited an OT who specialized in the lymph system last week and she gave me some massage techniques for lymph fluid buildup, but I think since then I'm experiencing some "cording" or axillary web syndrome.  Luckily I see my surgeon on Tuesday for post-op, and the OT again on Friday, AND it usually resolves within a few months if I work to break up scar tissue.  What a pain the arm. ;) 

Surgical wounds are looking good, healing up, no signs of infection anywhere.  I still have three Jackson-Pratt drains in my body, one on the left side and two on the right.  So weird to see the little tubes coming out of my skin, held in with these big old black stiches in my stretched taunt...  they are a pain to work around and I can't sleep on my side or stomach due to them, so I am looking forward to their removal (hopefully) on Tuesday.  Being that the drains on the inside run the entire length of (the place formerly known as the) breast on each side, I'm sure it will be a weird experience to have them pulled out, and I'm hoping I don't puke as many women report happening.  Will keep you all posted.  

As always, thanks for the encouragement from all!  I'm having some down days, but am remaining positive as best I can.  I know it's only been a week, so I am trying to be patient, but I don't like this!  I can only imagine what it's like to live with chronic pain...  you all who deal with that are warriors.  I've been listening to daily "Pray as You Go" podcasts to help keep me centered and grounded.

Pre-Op. Fun fact - that hose behind me on the wall plugs into this weird purple gown and blows warm air directly on to you - I want one at home, so cozy.

Let me tell you how I really feel about cancer.

It felt like I went from rolling into surgery to the recovery room pretty quickly.  Of course I know it was several hours, but glad I didn't have to wait.  I was happy to be chomping on chipotle pasta :) 

Some of my visitors.  I am AMAZED at how that window behind them looks more like a painting... isn't Wenatchee pretty in the fall?

I like wrist IV's better than anywhere else.

My favorite visitor.

Headed home. Clearly I am not tired at all... HAHA.

Spending a lot of time on my booty in bed.

Johnny stole my "breast pillow".  I think it might be a permanent loss - he likes the special arm holes and how it wraps around you so cozily.