I've improved a lot since I last posted. I went out Friday night for dinner with some of our friends from Chicago who came in for the wedding picnic. We went to Lobello's here in Coraopolis which had been featured on "Diners, Drive-ins and Dives". My arm got a lot of action with eating. I am left-handed (mastectomy on the right), but the only thing I do left-handed is write. And I don't write like a left-handed person where their wrist/hand is twisted upside down. Everything else I do right-handed like use scissors, cut glass and eat. My right hand is stronger when I play the piano. I was taught to eat right-handed by my mother because she told me (I swear she did) that "I did not want to be bumping elbows with the President at the White House when invited there for dinner since most people eat right-handed". I'm still waiting for that invitation.....
Anyways, with raising my arm up and down, it ached quite a bit that night. On Saturday, BDHA helped me get into the shower and I felt much better. I was still taking the Vicodin at that point. I got to the picnic around 4:00 p.m. The humidity started to get to me and I felt a little dizzy. Good thing they brought my chair from the patio. It's a big adirondack and is very comfortable. Around 7:00 p.m. my neighbors across the driveway stated they were going home and asked if I wanted a ride home. I took them up on it.
The next few days I tried to do without the pain meds as I was running out anyways. On Tuesday, after laying down for a nap, when I got up, the fluid was running down my side from where the drain went into me. Wednesday, I couldn't get the drains to hold suction more than a few minutes. I called Dr. Z's office and they asked that I come in so that they could take a look. MFD got off work early and drove me in to Magee. Wouldn't you know it, that as soon as Dr. Z put the suction back on, it held? It held while he was in the room and putting bandages over where the drains went in. As soon as he left and I was talking to his nurse, they popped again. Unfortunately, it's just one of those things I'll have to deal with. It has to do with how much I'm moving and how much fluid is in it. The good news is is that he's pretty happy with the healing going on. I don't need to see him again until next Friday. Once each drain is down to less than 30 ml a day, they can take them out. Right now they range anywhere from 80 ml to 160 ml. Still a ways to go.
Today, MFD drove me to my plastic surgeon's appointment. He was also very pleased with how the breast reduction side is healing. He said that he didn't have to do a skin graft for the nipple which he was happy about. He said they removed about 775 grams of tissue. If I converted correctly that's almost 1 and 3/4 pound fat/tissue/skin! Wow! I told him I didn't remember it being this small since I was in junior high. It's kind of cute. I can say that because it's mine.
I don't need to see him again until three months after radiation is finished so that we can start the process on the reconstruction. They take the fat from your abdomen (free tummy tuck!) to build up the missing breast. So I have from now until then to try to lose as much weight as possible. Perky boobs and a tummy tuck is some nice reward for going through this hell for the last year. I'm pumped!
It's a little uncomfortable sleeping. I have to sleep sitting up at an incline and on my back. The plastic surgeon said I could sleep on my side with the reduction if I wanted but I would still need to be elevated. I'm still a little sore so I'm not sure about that. My only complaint right now is that I can't get comfortable sleeping on my back so I wake up every few hours, get up and work the kinks out (go online, read/answer emails) and then try to sleep again. Last night I went to sleep at 9:00 p.m. and woke up at 11:30 p.m. I got up to let Mr. Whacko out and got a Coke Zero from the fridge. Why is it I never remember Coke Zero means NO SUGAR and not NO CAFFEINE? I ended up reading until 3:30 a.m. and didn't fall asleep until around 4:00 a.m. I had to be up at 7:00 a.m. for today's appointment. Hopefully tonight will be better.
I am so happy to be where I am right now. Every day is less pain and less uncomfortableness (is that a word?) I can even tell that I have more energy. Of course, if I consistently took the iron pills prescribed for me, I could probably run a marathon next week (NOT).
I'll post again as soon as I have any news.
Take care all.
Suesan
Thursday, July 30, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Friday, July 24, 2009
Well, I made it out. During the operation, they nicked a vein and I ended up losing more blood than they expected. I was in recovery 2 more hours than normal because they were watching my blood pressure. My blood count was falling so they were talking about giving me a blood transfusion.
The two operations are considered out patient and I was supposed to go home the next day, on Tuesday. I was feeling really tired and they gave me the option of staying an extra night which I took. Good thing as I had a slight fever Tuesday night which they were able to monitor. I didn't have a fever all day Wednesday and I took a few walks around the floor to get my energy up. Around 5:00 p.m. one of the surgical associates came in to tell me I could go home if I wanted. I told him yes. MFD was there to see me on her way home from purchasing a new Saturn, an Aura. She stayed and got the happy task of chauffering me. We didn't leave until around 7:30 p.m.
This was a different floor than where I had stayed previously. This floor had private rooms and was basically recovery from surgery. There were a few mothers who had given birth via C-section so I would hear babies crying off and on. On one of the doors, it said that if you took an infant past it, an alarm would sound. MFS and BDHA were speculating what they inserted into the infant (ankle bracelets people!). MFS even told me that if I got bored, to take an infant past the security point just to see what would happen. The hospital also rented tugs (big carts run by robots) from CMU. MFS said one came down the hall towards him and stopped until he passed it by. One of the aides told me that they have a tendancy to get "stuck" and bump into walls. If you stand in front of it long enough, it tries to go around. They use it mostly for taking used food trays back down to the kitchen. I never saw one, but I did hear them go past all the time.
I'm in a little pain, mostly from the drains. I can empty them myself (I have two on the mastectomy side) but I can't reach far enough up into my armpit. BDHA has been helping out and the "ick" factor isn't that bad. Both doctors told me that I could shower and not have to worry about covering up any of the incisions. I was glued shut! I can let the water run over it; I just can't scrub it. I'm going to attempt that today. I have to wear this belt around my chest to hang the drains (plastic bottles) from so that it doesn't hang out and pinch me. That pain is not covered by the vicadin.
My surgical oncologist, Dr. Z., called yesterday with the pathology report. He said that the mass had shrunk by 48%. He called it a "big bad cancer". Out of the 29 lymph nodes they took, 7 had cancer. They were confident it hadn't gone past the lymph nodes before I started chemo and believe the same thing now. I was considered Stage IIIb cancer. The last step before Stage 4. Thank god I felt it when I did. The tissue that was removed from the left breast for the reduction showed benign. That's the breast they were always watching. Hopefully with the attention placed on it for the operation, it won't get jealous and say "I'll show you!".
As soon as I've healed and the drains are removed, they'll start radiation. I don't really know what that entails other than 7 weeks, 5 days a week and I'll need some sort of cream for the "burn". I have an appointment on the 30th with both the plastic surgeon and the surgical oncologist, Dr. Z. to see how I'm coming along.
I can't drive for now (and don't want to right now) but I know I'll want to before I should. I did that with both of my C-sections. I just have to be careful of my arm. There's a possibility that I could get Lymphodema. That possibility will exist for the rest of my life; it could show up tomorrow or ten years from now. If I fly, I have to wear a compression sleeve on that arm (my own personal G-suit).
Well, MFD's wedding picnic reception is tomorrow. I plan on going for a short time. Right now, however, it's back to bed.
Take care peoples.
-Suesan
The two operations are considered out patient and I was supposed to go home the next day, on Tuesday. I was feeling really tired and they gave me the option of staying an extra night which I took. Good thing as I had a slight fever Tuesday night which they were able to monitor. I didn't have a fever all day Wednesday and I took a few walks around the floor to get my energy up. Around 5:00 p.m. one of the surgical associates came in to tell me I could go home if I wanted. I told him yes. MFD was there to see me on her way home from purchasing a new Saturn, an Aura. She stayed and got the happy task of chauffering me. We didn't leave until around 7:30 p.m.
This was a different floor than where I had stayed previously. This floor had private rooms and was basically recovery from surgery. There were a few mothers who had given birth via C-section so I would hear babies crying off and on. On one of the doors, it said that if you took an infant past it, an alarm would sound. MFS and BDHA were speculating what they inserted into the infant (ankle bracelets people!). MFS even told me that if I got bored, to take an infant past the security point just to see what would happen. The hospital also rented tugs (big carts run by robots) from CMU. MFS said one came down the hall towards him and stopped until he passed it by. One of the aides told me that they have a tendancy to get "stuck" and bump into walls. If you stand in front of it long enough, it tries to go around. They use it mostly for taking used food trays back down to the kitchen. I never saw one, but I did hear them go past all the time.
I'm in a little pain, mostly from the drains. I can empty them myself (I have two on the mastectomy side) but I can't reach far enough up into my armpit. BDHA has been helping out and the "ick" factor isn't that bad. Both doctors told me that I could shower and not have to worry about covering up any of the incisions. I was glued shut! I can let the water run over it; I just can't scrub it. I'm going to attempt that today. I have to wear this belt around my chest to hang the drains (plastic bottles) from so that it doesn't hang out and pinch me. That pain is not covered by the vicadin.
My surgical oncologist, Dr. Z., called yesterday with the pathology report. He said that the mass had shrunk by 48%. He called it a "big bad cancer". Out of the 29 lymph nodes they took, 7 had cancer. They were confident it hadn't gone past the lymph nodes before I started chemo and believe the same thing now. I was considered Stage IIIb cancer. The last step before Stage 4. Thank god I felt it when I did. The tissue that was removed from the left breast for the reduction showed benign. That's the breast they were always watching. Hopefully with the attention placed on it for the operation, it won't get jealous and say "I'll show you!".
As soon as I've healed and the drains are removed, they'll start radiation. I don't really know what that entails other than 7 weeks, 5 days a week and I'll need some sort of cream for the "burn". I have an appointment on the 30th with both the plastic surgeon and the surgical oncologist, Dr. Z. to see how I'm coming along.
I can't drive for now (and don't want to right now) but I know I'll want to before I should. I did that with both of my C-sections. I just have to be careful of my arm. There's a possibility that I could get Lymphodema. That possibility will exist for the rest of my life; it could show up tomorrow or ten years from now. If I fly, I have to wear a compression sleeve on that arm (my own personal G-suit).
Well, MFD's wedding picnic reception is tomorrow. I plan on going for a short time. Right now, however, it's back to bed.
Take care peoples.
-Suesan
Monday, July 20, 2009
July 20, 2009--SURGERY DAY
Well, BDHA and I are getting ready to leave for the hospital. Wish me luck!
See you on the other side.
-Suesan
See you on the other side.
-Suesan
Friday, July 17, 2009
07/08/09 Wedding Las Vegas Style!
We all had a great time in Las Vegas. I was completely exhausted by the time the reception was over but it was well worth it. She was absolutely beautiful if I do say so myself. The only hitch was that there was a miscommunication between the wait staff with how much beer/wine the guests were allowed. My contract said unlimited. Unfortunately, since I don't drink, I wasn't aware of this until the next day. Oh well.
I wanted to thank all of our family members and friends who made it out to Las Vegas to share this with us. I wanted to thank my mother and brother, Jeff and his wife, Betty, Tom, Nancy and Cash, Jeff and Lin, Janet and Nick and Bob and Debbie. We hadn't seen Bob and Debbie since the early '90's. We've known them since Bob and BDHA were in navy flight school together in the late 70's. We were together in Corpus Christi, TX, San Diego and then back to South Texas. They haven't changed a bit!I especially wanted to thank Dianne for helping make sure that my in-laws Bill and Marilyn (her parents) made it. It wouldn't have been the same without them.
One last picture. A little background first. BDHA and MFD have this ritual with Marty Feldman. (Yes, the googly-eyed actor now deceased). Apparently when she was little, she saw a picture of him and it really bothered her. BDHA cut it out and would put it in strange places for her to find. Her lunch box was one. She would return the favor by putting it under the covers on his bed. They have continued this tradition to this day. Please see the proof below.
By the way, I did win some money. I was playing this 1-cent slot called Monkey in the Middle. I put in $20 and ended up printing out a voucher for $27 and some change. The next morning, I went back intending to lose it and ended up with $130 and change. I cashed it in and bought BDHA lunch at the Venetian. That was my lucky day. I had dropped my camera in the casino and an employee found it and turned it in. I got it back. It was also the day we found out that MistyPines Dog Park would let Mr. Whacko stay an extra day which meant that BDHA could stay an extra day. Even though it was the next day, we also ended up being able to fly back first class. Woo hoo~!P.S. I published another post prior to this one named Medical Update. Don't forget to read that one too!
-Suesan
Medical Update
Sorry that it's been so long since I've updated my blog. A lot has happened. I will post about my daughter's wedding in Las Vegas after this post.
On July 2nd, I met with Dr. Z to go over the surgery. I asked if I would be put completely under and he said yes. I asked if the tube would be put down my throat while I was still awake or after I was out. I told him I had a really sensitive gag reflex and the thought of them trying to do that while I was conscious was freaking me out. He said it was done after I was under mostly because it was easier for them to do it if the patient wasn't actively fighting it. Sounds good to me.
I asked him if I would be aware of things going on while under. He said no. I said that I figured I'd hear him talking to Dr. G (plastic surgeon) about what they did over the weekend. He said that Dr. G would probably be talking to his assistant while he was talking to his. (Trying to get this man to laugh is hard). I told him that I still remember the dream I had while I was under when I was 5 having my tonsils taken out. It was a big hand chasing me. I probably saw the hand holding the mask coming down over my face which made me dream that.
I told Dr. Z earlier about the framed photograph in Dr G's waiting room of the cast of "Marcus Welby, M.D.". Dr Z said "Tell you what. You don't ask Dr. G why he has that picture. I'll ask him during surgery. You tell me after surgery if you heard what we were saying". He then laughed. The bet is on! For what it's worth, I did watch the power point presentation for the hospital on anesthesia and it said in rare cases, patients become aware and can hear what's going on in the operating room. I certainly don't want to be one of those rare cases but it sure would be cool to tell him what I heard.
I had my pre-op testing on Monday, July 13th. All it entailed was an EKG and blood work. They were supposed to do a chest X-ray but because I had had one while in the hospital in May, they decided not to. Bad choice. Dr. Z called the next day and asked why one wasn't done. He told me that the one in May showed "issues" in the bottom of my lungs and he wanted to make sure it was cleared up. He said it was consistent with asthma. I had to go back to the hospital on the 15th to have the x-ray done again. Dr. Z called and said it was still hazy but not enough to worry him. Glad he's not worried. He also told me that he saw the MRI image that I had brought in. It showed a "partial response" to the chemo. He said that the skin showed no involvement and the lymph nodes weren't as involved as they were before. I have to look at this as the glass half full. A partial response is better than no response. Hopefully they'll get rid of everything and the radiation will seal the deal. He talked about doing another CT/Bone Scan after all was done. I really want that to feel better emotionally.
The RN that took the blood work made me really nervous. As many of you know, giving up blood is not something my body likes to do. The RN had some sort of condition that made her hands shake. I couldn't believe that I actually let her take blood from me. She only got a tube and a half and said if they needed more they would take it the day of surgery. I came close to fainting thinking about the needle trying to find the vein while her hands were shaking.
I received a call from the nurse assigned to me through BDHA's insurance, BCBS of North Carolina. I have to say they've been wonderful. She keeps tabs on me and calls every few weeks to see how I'm doing. She's got that great southern accent which reminds me of living in South Texas where everyone was super friendly.
I found out today that I have to be at the hospital on Monday, July 20th at 5:30 a.m. That's not the time of the surgery but when I have to be there. I figure it will start around 2 hours later. It can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.
I feel this need to get things in order before I go to the hospital. I have a few items I'd like to give to friends/family "just in case". Plus, since I'm the one that pays the bills and uses the online bill paying service, I need to sit BDHA down and go over how it works. MFS would say I'm being morbid. I'm just being prepared, like a good boy scout! Oh wait..wrong gender.
Anyways, wish me luck. I'm supposed to be home the next day. I'll post as soon as I can. Or maybe I'll have MFD post for me.
My next post will be wedding-related.
-Suesan
On July 2nd, I met with Dr. Z to go over the surgery. I asked if I would be put completely under and he said yes. I asked if the tube would be put down my throat while I was still awake or after I was out. I told him I had a really sensitive gag reflex and the thought of them trying to do that while I was conscious was freaking me out. He said it was done after I was under mostly because it was easier for them to do it if the patient wasn't actively fighting it. Sounds good to me.
I asked him if I would be aware of things going on while under. He said no. I said that I figured I'd hear him talking to Dr. G (plastic surgeon) about what they did over the weekend. He said that Dr. G would probably be talking to his assistant while he was talking to his. (Trying to get this man to laugh is hard). I told him that I still remember the dream I had while I was under when I was 5 having my tonsils taken out. It was a big hand chasing me. I probably saw the hand holding the mask coming down over my face which made me dream that.
I told Dr. Z earlier about the framed photograph in Dr G's waiting room of the cast of "Marcus Welby, M.D.". Dr Z said "Tell you what. You don't ask Dr. G why he has that picture. I'll ask him during surgery. You tell me after surgery if you heard what we were saying". He then laughed. The bet is on! For what it's worth, I did watch the power point presentation for the hospital on anesthesia and it said in rare cases, patients become aware and can hear what's going on in the operating room. I certainly don't want to be one of those rare cases but it sure would be cool to tell him what I heard.
I had my pre-op testing on Monday, July 13th. All it entailed was an EKG and blood work. They were supposed to do a chest X-ray but because I had had one while in the hospital in May, they decided not to. Bad choice. Dr. Z called the next day and asked why one wasn't done. He told me that the one in May showed "issues" in the bottom of my lungs and he wanted to make sure it was cleared up. He said it was consistent with asthma. I had to go back to the hospital on the 15th to have the x-ray done again. Dr. Z called and said it was still hazy but not enough to worry him. Glad he's not worried. He also told me that he saw the MRI image that I had brought in. It showed a "partial response" to the chemo. He said that the skin showed no involvement and the lymph nodes weren't as involved as they were before. I have to look at this as the glass half full. A partial response is better than no response. Hopefully they'll get rid of everything and the radiation will seal the deal. He talked about doing another CT/Bone Scan after all was done. I really want that to feel better emotionally.
The RN that took the blood work made me really nervous. As many of you know, giving up blood is not something my body likes to do. The RN had some sort of condition that made her hands shake. I couldn't believe that I actually let her take blood from me. She only got a tube and a half and said if they needed more they would take it the day of surgery. I came close to fainting thinking about the needle trying to find the vein while her hands were shaking.
I received a call from the nurse assigned to me through BDHA's insurance, BCBS of North Carolina. I have to say they've been wonderful. She keeps tabs on me and calls every few weeks to see how I'm doing. She's got that great southern accent which reminds me of living in South Texas where everyone was super friendly.
I found out today that I have to be at the hospital on Monday, July 20th at 5:30 a.m. That's not the time of the surgery but when I have to be there. I figure it will start around 2 hours later. It can last anywhere from 3 to 5 hours.
I feel this need to get things in order before I go to the hospital. I have a few items I'd like to give to friends/family "just in case". Plus, since I'm the one that pays the bills and uses the online bill paying service, I need to sit BDHA down and go over how it works. MFS would say I'm being morbid. I'm just being prepared, like a good boy scout! Oh wait..wrong gender.
Anyways, wish me luck. I'm supposed to be home the next day. I'll post as soon as I can. Or maybe I'll have MFD post for me.
My next post will be wedding-related.
-Suesan
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)
