My Open Diary update
All 61 surgical staples were removed on Wednesday (9/12/12). I wasn’t worried about this part or expecting any type of pain. Actually, I didn’t know what to expect, except maybe feeling like a giant piece of paper. In short, the nurse removed the staples with a medical staple remover. Mark said it was like long hand held type of tool. It did not hurt at all and nothing to stress over. Some of them I couldn’t feel being removed due to numbness, most felt like a sticker being pulled out and a few towards the middle section felt like a BIG sticker, with a little sting. Easy peasy.
Doc said healing is still going well, but I have to stay off of my Ogen (hormone) - forever. When I was 29 I had to have a hysterectomy (have 1 ovary & 1 fallopian tube, everything else is gone) and went into a brief medical menopause at that time (boy was that fun), but didn’t need hormones, then. I also went through it again a couple years ago. Short version: I’ve been on this hormone for 15 years and while I wanted to go natural for years, I wasn’t able to make the switch for a variety of reasons. So, Mark & I are buckling up for this ride.
I FINALLY was able to start sleeping in the bed Wednesday night…boy did that feel great! I had pillows around me to not roll over. Mark looked at me, smiled and said that he hoped he could sleep during the night with me in the bed. I’m like, “what?” He said my smile was so huge that the gleam from my teeth brightened the entire room – lol, he’s so funny! Next step: sleep on my side. That will be in the coming week or so, but at least I’m out of the recliner.
Each day I’m slowly improving and while the below may sound like I’m stuck in bed and sick 24/7, I’m not. It’s just that some days/times are worse than others. I’m taking good care of myself and Mark is making sure of that as well. I’m not on any pain meds, just Tylenol when needed. These are the symptoms I’m having to deal with either related to surgery and/or going off hormones:
Exhaust semi-easily (has improved)
Bad burning sensation/pain in upper side chest area and under arms, especially after continued use
Right arm (node biopsy) hurts worse, feels like a cell phone to a golf ball under my arm
Swelling and numbness (swelling makes above it worse)
Range of motion about 60%
Tightness across chest is less and getting better
Nausea and sick feeling
Horrid hot flashes, major sweats and other related stuff
A little blue yesterday, but not too emotional (hormones I’m sure)
My hair looks like crap (yes, this is a symptom)
Okay so there it is in a nutshell. Now to fix a bite to eat and slowly start my awesome day.
Oh and for the last symptom, that will be remedied next Friday. My sweet hair stylist buddy will take good care of me as usual. I love you Chelsea!
Peace, Rocki
