Some people choose to keep their medical procedures private, and I completely respect that. I have been making a lot of noise about my own journey with a purpose: I want people to learn that we can be empowered when it comes to our risk of cancer. Genetic testing can provide invaluable knowledge that allows us to take charge and make life altering, and potentially life saving choices.
If there is a strong history of breast cancer or other cancers in your family, please talk to your doctor and consider genetic counseling.
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The procedure went well. The doctor removed all of the breast tissue, including my nipples. She tried to save as much skin as she could, because my poor skin doesn't have a lot of elasticity left from being so heavy for so much of my life. Saving the skin now will help with the reconstruction process.
The doctor said I woke up with a smile on my face, but my good mood faded as the anesthesia wore off. My first nurse in the recovery room was rather unpleasant and seriously lacked compassion. I was weeping because it hurt so bad, and she pretty much told me to be quiet. I was in a lot of pain, and frequently my body's natural response to pain is vomiting. My surgeon had told me that vomiting is like one of my greatest enemies right now, along with coughing and lifting.
The grouchy nurse rounded up some anti-nausea meds, and that stopped the heaving. The pain is still awful though, like nothing I have ever known. I gave birth to Patten with no meds; not on purpose, but because that is just how it happened. I am HEAVILY MEDICATED with Norco and Dilaudid in the hospital right now, and the pain in my chest is still excruciating... worse than my drug-free labor with P!
My understanding is that the pain isn't from the incision, it's muscular pain. The tissue expanders that will make room for my implants down the road sometime were placed under the muscle, and it's the muscular pain that is ridiculous. They gave me a muscle relaxer down in the recovery room 12 hours ago, and that knocked me out. That was the last time I felt comfortable. It's 4AM and I haven't been able to sleep for more than 15 minutes at a time all night.
I am scheduled to go home tomorrow (well, later today now, I suppose), and that kind of freaks me out. I do have a prescription for muscle relaxers there, so I am hoping that will make a difference. Know what else freaks me out? Both girls are sick. Coughing. Lol, great timing, right? Please pray that I don't catch their cooties.
And know what ELSE freaks me out? I don't have any nipples. That's just... creepy. Does anyone remember the TV show Kyle XY? The main character didn't have a belly button and every time they showed his stomach, it seemed so unsettling. I HAVE NO NIPPLES!!! (I am sure that random fact is courtesy of the drugs, lol!)
Thanks to everyone who has been so supportive. A few people have asked about stopping by. I have had visits from some of the people who are dearest to me, but really, I am not up for any more company at this point. If you want to help and are inclined, bringing by lunch or dinner in a couple days or early next week would be greatly appreciated. Coordinate that with Kimberly :)
Thank you all again, for being on this journey with me!
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