2 weeks and moving forward

The house is quiet….the cherubs have gone to spend a few days with my sister.  She has wanted them to visit for a while now and with the recovery the time seemed perfect.  I feel bad that they were just stuck sitting around with me, and honestly they have been driving me crazy!  My sister lives at the Jersey Shore (not the Snookie shore).  It should be a fun couple of days for the three of them…I hope :-)!

So some updates. My abdominal incision is really healing nicely.  Still very sore on the left side because of that annoying ever-present drain but other than that very pleased with the way that it is healing.  The boobs are another story.  They are growing more and more uncomfortable with each passing day.  I think there are two reasons for this, first the swelling is going down so the feeling is coming back and they have been through a lot!  I think the other reason is a bit self-induced.  I really tried to be the super woman and go oxy free.  I think that also may account for many of the tears lately.  I realize that maybe being the martyr is not good for anyone.

My mobility is progressing nicely.  I can lift my right arm fully above my head and the left is close.  Thankfully my back is also feeling much better.

I tried to shower the other day.  I was cleared to do such AS LONG as I was able to keep the remaining drain completely dry.  I really really wanted to shower. I tried to cover it with plastic but was still concerned the tape would give.  Instead of a full shower I had to just use the handheld shower nozzle…still the best washing I have been able to manage but I would really love to stand under the running warm water of a shower!  I am back at the doctor Wednesday and high hopes that the drain comes out.

I am still wrapping my head around the fact that after all that agonizing waiting, two weeks ago today I had a Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy.  And if that was not enough, at the same time had my abdomen cut from one end to the other , (DIEP Flap) in order to  “relocate”  flesh to build the newbies.  And although I have had periods of self-pity, sadness and  moodiness  I and fully aware of how well I am healing and fell totally empowered and in full control of my future!

My Upcoming Surgery and Surgical Team

So on July 2 I need to arrive at Cooper University Hospital by 5am for a scheduled 7 am surgery.  The Bilateral Prophylactic Mastectomy and DIEP Flap Reconstruction  is said to last between 10-14 hours.  I am told I will possibly then spend a few days in ICU followed by a few more in normal recovery.  Dr. Umur Atabek is the  surgeon performing the actual mastectomy.He is same surgeon who has performed each of the biopsy surgeries dating back to 1994.  The reconstruction will be performed by Dr. Yuan Y. Liu and assisted by Dr. Joseph Tamburrino.

I guess I should be jotting down some questions about what after looks like.  Rehab? How long before I can drive…sounds funny I am about to remove a large (and they are rather large) part of my body and all I can think about is when I can drive.  I am not a patient person.  I do not like to ask for help.  The recovery could be an interesting time for me.  Guess we will take it day by day like everything else.

Today I am grateful for:

  • Madison’s stomach ache this morning being nothing more than I minor belly ache
  • 4 ducks who landed in our pool last night (it was a sight to be seen!)
  • Hearing I love you Mommy from both as I put them to bed