Monday, July 19, 2010

post-op deets

hehe, hospital gown pre-op


hi friends...
so it's been a week & a half since surgery and just over a week since i got home. i think i needed to get out of the emotional & physical fog before i could update on here, i get exhausted talking, and also had i written during the initial post op haze there was high risk of major TMI - hahaha

the hospital stay is kind of a blur, but a fun one. I didn't have any pain really thanks to the lovely iv and constant flow of juice. i did often fall asleep mid conversation, or worse i remember waking up from little naps and dreams and start talking to whoever was there and have no idea what i was really talking about, that was cute. My best friends, mom & boyfriend were all there on & off the whole time. Elizabeth brought me a cupcake, took me for a walk around the ward, Beth helped me brush my teeth, Kati bombarded my room with hot pink roses, giant balloons & pink monkey, Laurie passed on "chemo bear" that i acutally snuggled one nap, Cory brought her sunshine as one of my first faces i remember coming into focus, my dude braved the dreaded cot to stay all night, Jan, Danielle, my bro even my cute dad, barely out of hospital himself. 
All the tweets & texts & facebook comments add to the super heart filling feelings that make all this so much more bearable.
Beinig home has been amazing too, many thanks to Roggie for setting up food delivery schedule, so nice knowing my fridge is constantly stocked with super healthy yummy foods.
Had some pain transitioning to pain meds at home, having the drains is a drag. being able to take a shower is a blessing yet it's a pain in the ass  to do and wears me out big time.
I'm surprisingly not stir crazy nor do i have cabin fever
I'm a bit bored and have watched more tv marathons on tbs, bravo, food network and tlc to last a lifetime.
the port site creeps me out a little, i won't go into detail but if you know what that is you know what i mean.
The expanders are as i heard, uncomfortable
I'm tired of being on pain meds - i wanna be all they way clear headed, but i'm learning to enjoy the veg
I was surprised at my OCD ness when i first got home, i never have had to tell people what to do in such detail before, am letting that go
Getting better at accepting all the help without guilt
At times the future vision is overwhelming and i cry, i can't imagine doing yoga, or running, or getting dressed in my usual clothes, i can't imagine myself  dealing with chemo after this, i can't picture myself with different boobs, being care free, and when i think of the final stage not being till Nov/Dec i can't breathe.
But then someone keeps me focused on now, and I'm OK, now.
Or i count my humongous blessings and see the big picture.
My fear of looking at my physical shape post surgery was bigger than the reality - i expected the worst emotionally, but found it strangely easy. This isn't "me" it's just the beginning, not the finished product.

so despite physical discomfort and expected tough emotions at times - i'm really doing well. and i owe so much of it to my loves who are taking care of my heart and body, esp my bf who is heroic in all he does for me - although he would not like to read that - i love you guys.
thanks also to the BCRC (breast cancer resource center)  for providing the ultra cute and handy camisoles to wear, they have pockets to hold the drains, BEST INVENTION EVER!

next up...drains OUT, expanders expanded...we'll see how that all goes down

10 comments:

  1. It's so great that you are surrounded by such loving people.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Welcome home, Nanette!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I'm so glad you're home and doing as well as expected. Continue to take it easy. You'll start feeling better but don't over do it. I'm so glad the camisoles are helpful for you!

    I giggled when I read that you were sick of tv marathons. I worked mainly from home last week due to oral surgery and watched way too much Dr. Oz and Food Network.

    Best,
    Runi

    ReplyDelete
  4. Love the photo! You are one brave woman to post all this about your surgery, pre-life, post-life, emotions, body, everything. I'm happy your home and managing...but I can't even imagine how you must feel....I saw my Mom go through too much really and it still smarts. But being surrounded by those you love and keeping your humor in tact which you're doing(My Mom was the sassiest lady ever!) and I think talking about it WILL help. You ARE dealing w/all this SOOOO amazingly!!! But it must be daunting at times.... So, when you feel better and are super bored of TV, the drain, chemo,everything and want a change, let me know. One day when you feel up to it we can have a stitching champagne party! I've got to make 200 ribbon flowers for Austin Fashion Week in less than a month! Now THAT could be something fun to do! :-) Thinking of you and sending healing thoughts your way. xoDeborah

    ReplyDelete
  5. Full proud heart. many tears. Mostly happy now!! I love you.

    ReplyDelete
  6. It is good to read your words, hear your anticipation and learning that you have a wonderful support community. Keep up the good thoughts.
    Judy from Tucson

    ReplyDelete
  7. Thanks for posting Nan. As usual, your writing has touched me emotionally. Love that you write from your heart. Sending you love/good energy & bringing Retro Bizarro goodies on Thursday.
    Namaste,
    Greg

    ReplyDelete
  8. Hi Nanette,
    I am a friend of Gregs and have been reading about your progress of late even though I don't know you. You are an amazing woman with great courage, an inspiration to us all.
    Sending lots of positive vibes from Sydney Australia
    Marissa

    ReplyDelete
  9. Gal, I had no idea until I finally caught up on Jennie's full story about her hair! And it seems I'd not seen you all that long ago, but I think we were so busy passing in a crowded place.

    Glad to see Runi posting here, which tells me that the fine and wonderful women at BCRC are taking care of you. Let me know if there's anything you need or I can do --
    If you don't have or could use a gown from http://www.assistwear.com, let me know and I'll bring you one as a recovery gift!

    Hugs and kisses,
    snax

    ReplyDelete
  10. Nani,

    I hope you'll find a day and time to post regularly. Your fan club wants to know everything and support you. I have one of those camisoles that I'm not using anymore :) Would you like to have it??

    Roseana

    ReplyDelete