I went in on Tuesday, Jan 18 for my Big surgery a preventative bilateral reconstructive mastectomy. The surgery is a result of being positive for BRCA2 a genetic mutation causing early onset breast and ovarian cancer. I am know considered a previvor.
The surgery lasted around 3 to 4 hours. The first 24 hours were very rough! I felt as though a horse had taken its foot and placed it on my chest and wouldn’t stop pushing. My sternum was pressing so hard I felt I couldn’t breathe very well. I was given my own pain medication pump that I could press as needed. I didn’t feel pain as much as the pressure and difficulty breathing, which no amount of pain meds seemed to help. Mark was with me through it all giving me the much needed ice chips and comforting me. The first night my friend and H.S classmate Jolene visited. I felt so bad as I could barely talk to her and my eyes were so heavy. The next morning the goal was to get out of bed and start walking. During the night any movement out of the bed, such as trying to go potty resulted in lots of vomiting. Two problems in one, 1 I could not pee, and 2 I would throw up. Day two, the walking was rough, I felt like my ribs were poking into my lungs and I couldn’t breathe. I made it to the hallway, turned around, and guess what, threw up. Still not able to pee, a catheter was used. Throughout the day, more tries to go potty and more walks. Finally the nausea was through and I began to walk a little farther. My parents spent some time visiting and Dad and Mark went out to lunch. Jolene made a second visit and this time we got to talk. The evening was more comfortable, still no going potty, so a second night stay was without question. Day 3, I was determined to go home. I walked more, ate more, and still no pee. I slept and watched so much tv. It was late in the evening when I was finally able to go potty. The nurses and Mark decided it was best to stay the night regardless. Outside the temps were in the negative teens, that wasn’t very inviting either. Early Friday we were ready for discharge and home by 9AM.
Home at last! After some rest, the kids came home. Luke was running wild through the house feeling pretty good. Jake was sad and wanted hugs and was feeling a little under the weather. Jayden was excited to see me and had been anxiously waiting. I am very surprised and happy to be able to do all that I can. I really am not as limited as I first thought. I can use my arms and move them quite freely to a certain extent. I have very little pain and am using only ibuprofen. I could somewhat hug the kids and had lots of kisses for them. It was great to see them, but I worry how I will take care of them in the weeks ahead. For the weekend, they all went with Grandparents and Jayden to a friends.
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