Bored and sore
Breast Cancer July 5th, 2007Well it is done. I made it through the sugery. I must thank the manager of the recovery area because he was able to have my mediport accessed while still in the recovery room. I was able to use my port for my IV stuff while I was in the hospital. It greatly alleviated my anxiety. My hospital stay was fairly uneventful. My blood pressure dropped on Friday so I was constantly being checked and they pushed fluids.
For the first several days (couple of weeks) I need to remain in a flexed position (not lower than 30%) so I have been sleeping in a recliner. I also need to avoid repetitive movements (like knitting, typing on a keyboard, etc) so that the flaps (new boobs) won’t be stressed.
I originally had 4 drains, but had 1 removed before I left the hospital. I went on Monday and had 2 more removed. I go back to the doctor tomorow (already 2 weeks post op) and will have the final drain removed (hopefully). On Monday, the doctor removed all the steri-strips and told me to wear a panty gurdle but no bra yet.
We do have two big rules at my house: 1. Don’t make Mom laugh and 2. Don’t make Mom choke (leads to coughing). My hubby has trouble with rule number 1…do you know how difficult it is not to laugh or cough?
I have had a few people ask me about the results….for me it is still too early to tell. I still have a drain, walk bent over and am fairly bruised and discolored…yes I do have two mounds of tissues which are the new breasts which I think will be better than no breasts but I’ll still need a few weeks to fully appreciate what has been done to me.
I don’t quite understand what was done but I know the flaps (boobs) need to be kept warm and not stressed/compressed or the transplanted tissue could die. So of course, I am paranoid that I’m doing to much, moving my arms too much, and not staying warm enough. I don’t what to go through off of this and then lose the flaps. I know, I know, don’t worry….
I’ll keep you posted…in the meantime I’ll just be in the recliner being bored and sore.
Love ya, Lori
July 6th, 2007 at 10:38 am
Hi Lori, So happy to get your updates. Do continue to take it easy, “this too shall pass” and you will be able to cough and laugh hysterically when the process is complete. You have had quiet a year so be good to yourself and enjoy your new flaps
– Hugs/blessings to you & your family, linda
July 6th, 2007 at 10:39 am
oops… quite a year… poor proofreading
July 7th, 2007 at 11:02 pm
Lori,
Very proud of you.
love u
j
July 8th, 2007 at 11:14 am
Hi Lori!
Wishing you a speedy recovery!
Mandy
July 12th, 2007 at 2:36 pm
Hey Lori,
Sounds like your recovery is going well. Glad to hear all went smoothly with your surgery. Seriously, if you need any help of anything during the day the girls and I would be happy to help you out. You can have one the boys call or Jaylyn call. Just let us know if you need ANYTHING!
Take care and you have been in our thoughts!
Sue, Courtney and Nicole
July 12th, 2007 at 8:30 pm
Lori,
I just finished reading information regarding your reconstructive surgery…I had no idea regarding all that you went through. Everything I read and the articles I read from women who had this done….nothing but positive remarks. Again, like I mentioned earlier…if you need anything just let me know.
sue