Friday, December 17, 2010

Another Journey

Well, as they say, there's no place like home. I'm awfully glad Debbie got me those "ruby" slippers and put them in my Joy Box at the beginning of this journey (so many months ago). They work like a charm. A couple of clicks of the heels and doctors let me go home.
I had surgery on Tuesday, as Rob said it was a long day for him, and a longer night for me. I remember asking the nurse around 4 a.m. if that was really the time. I had a Demerol pump, which I didn't think I used that much, but I was really dopey a lot of Wednesday. I remember my doctors coming in... I don't really remember our conversation. However, having said that, I was up and walking the hallway by the afternoon. Marion and Kelly came to visit, bringing with them a hot turkey dinner (much better than hospital food). I had a needle in my right wrist which made it difficult to use that hand. I was trying to do a crossword puzzle and it turns out I don't print well with my left hand, a deficiency my two left-handed friends couldn't understand. I guess I'll have to practice more.
I was freed from the hospital on Thursday and Rob brought me home. I'm taking Tylenol and Advil for pain, plus antibiotics to avoid infection. I'm pretty much taking it easy. I have six drains to manage so I made a little hand-sewn bag to hold them in which ties around my waist. When I left the hospital they were pinned to my clothes, which wasn't very comfortable.
I have a follow-up appointment Monday and hopefully at least two drains will come out then, but it may take up to three weeks for them all to come out.
As for the new "girls" everyone who's looked at them says they look beautiful. I have to admit its a little hard to tell right now, but I'm sure they're right. I know my green blouse I wore home finally looked right.
Typing is a little uncomfortable, so I'll keep this short. I'll update again on Monday following my appointment.

Tuesday, December 14, 2010

Another surgery done.

Hey Sue nation. Rob here.

Well, it was a long day all around, but the surgery went very well and she's awake, back in her own private room (an unexpected bonus, as we were expecting a ward bed), and looking forward to resting up and getting back home again. They took her in shortly after 7am, and finished up around 2:30. She spent another three hours in recovery before I got to see her, but she was in a lot better shape and spirits than the last time I saw them wheel her up from recovery!

She has six drains in, and at least some of them will likely be with her for several weeks. She'll be in hospital anywhere from two to four nights, and I expect the release date will be determined by drains, as was the case last time. They made her put on thigh-high compression stockings beforehand, and she'll have to leave them on until she's up and around and the risk of clotting is past. She'll be on blood thinners as well for a few days.

I'll let Sue tell you the rest when she's back home. All is well!

Monday, December 6, 2010

Living the New Normal

For the first time in more than two years I purchased a bra. It isn't pretty, there's no fancy lace or sexy satin. This is a post-operative sports bra required for my surgery next week. It's pretty exciting.
I have to admit it was a little challenging, after all, what size do I purchase?
I finally had to email the doctor's office to ask. I ended up with a C, my new girls may be a little smaller, but with swelling, dressing etc. I thought it would work.
Today was my pre-admission clinic at the hospital. I had my blood taken, my blood pressure checked, met with a nurse, the anesthesiologist and had an EKG.
I'm ready to roll.
On Monday I have an appointment with the surgeon where he'll make markings to help him during the surgery.
Then, bright and early Tuesday morning, I'll be at the hospital where I'm scheduled for surgery at 8 a.m. It's a seven hour surgery and I'll be hospitalized for two or three days before coming home. I'm hoping everything goes smoothly and by the weekend I can be in the country and do most of my recuperating there. I expect I may have to come back to the city for a check-up between Christmas and New Year's. I'll know more next week.