I had surgery on Wednesday, March 18th, 2020. It was a double mastectomy with sentinel lymph node removal. That means they put some dye into my veins and saw which lymph nodes were the most direct to the breast on both sides. They removed two nodes from each side, I believe, which is good because that means they didn’t see anything of concern. I also had a salpingo-oophorectomy and full hysterectomy the same day. They took out all of my reproductive internal stuff because that was at higher risk of cancer too. Go genetics!
I’m going to write a more complete update for you soon. I took notes in the hospital of everything I remembered from the arrival through my surgery, recovery room - the lady next to me fell asleep and snored, sounding like Edie beagle. It was very comforting, actually. And through the night. I am pretty sure I even wrote down what time I farted for sure because when you’re trying to escape from a hospital bed, the thing they care about the most is bodily functions.
Hoping to do that this week.
It’s taken me this long to write something to post. I’ve been tired. Everything takes so much longer than it should, and I’m glad I had been taking the time to remind myself constantly that I need to be patient. I’m already doing more today than I did yesterday. Like I sat outside for a bit and also was able to let the dogs out. The big one eluding me so far is, well… poo. Gotta get that function going ASAP or they’ll make me go back so they can poke at it or whatever.
I’m doing everything I can and taking all the stuff to help that. This too shall pass. Hopefully by noon tomorrow.
I’ve seen my scars. I will show them on here, maybe at various phases, and with fair warning. They actually look really good, but still might freak some people out. I totally understand. I’m very pleased with the care taken to ensure I am as flat as possible, including under my arms which is a tougher area to get flat. That’s where the lymph nodes are taken from. My scars span about 16 inches across my chest and under my arms with a gap in the middle.
So far, I’m comfortable and happy. Well, except the gassy part. They pump your belly full of gas for the lower surgery portion, and that’s honestly been the worst part for me. Looking 9 months pregnant, and feeling it, and unable to do anything that might strain that area. It’s made it kind of difficult to get up, but I have great help from my husband. We work together to get me up and moving about. I did get off the couch alone today, though, so hopefully I’ll be less reliant on his help soon. He doesn’t mind, but it’s good if I can do more on my own and prove I’m making progress.
That’s it for now. My life is get up, take some drugs - down to just Tylenol and stool softeners already - wander around, eat, sleep. Just be patient because everything takes so much longer than it used to.
See you soon. Thanks for being there for me through all this.