My surgery isn’t that far away now and Dick The Shit will soon be consigned to the incinerator trash where he belongs. I’m being injected with a blue dye again so Smurf SWMBO has been resurrected and I shall be peeing blue for a couple of days.
I have no qualms whatsoever about the surgery and the women I have spoken to have been more than wonderful. I spoke to another yesterday who had her surgery 11 years ago and is in her 80s now. Getting first hand knowledge is better than any books and I can ask questions, however trivial, and know I will get an honest response, not a textbook script.
My first MIL had a mastectomy in 1976. I remember seeing her falsie on the kitchen table and it was like a teardrop shaped chicken fillet. She never wore it, even if she went out, and never spoke of her operation. In the following March, she had a hysterectomy and two weeks after our marriage in July, we were told her cancer was terminal. She died in November 1978. So much has changed since then, in treatments, attitudes and research.
I’m sleeping OK, though the reflux got me last night as I’d pigged out big time on all the bad stuff simply because it was in the house and Hubby was out. The scales stuttered this morning as a result.
During my waking hours though my mind is working on the day to day mundane routines like showers/washing, washing my hair, and getting dressed. Hubby can help me with that, though a shower will be out as I have to keep the dressing dry and getting in and out of a bath could be an issue the first week. All over flannel washes sound fun though, and I’ll also need help brushing my hair so Hubby is looking forward to that. I just hope he doesn’t tie my glasses to it like he did before!
I’ve already practiced putting my tee shirt on without raising my arm above my head, and that’s quite easy as they’re really baggy. I’ve refreshed my memory with the exercises and putting on my bra can be included as one is putting my arms behind my back, though doing the damn thing up might prove interesting if I can’t grip tightly enough to hook up.
The softie fits inside, so I won’t need to buy a special bra and if it keeps riding up, we can either put in a little pocket or use velcro. Visions of a falsie flying out whilst I’m playing darts and hitting the board first had me in a fit of giggles.
The false breasts my lovely ladies have shown me are nothing like what my MIL had, but soft flexible silicone breast shapes that fit inside the bra and stay in place with no problem at all.
It’s silly little things that keep creeping into my mind though, the sort of stuff I currently take for granted and I’m racking my brain how I managed last time, though don’t remember any problems at all, AND we were on the boat. I slept on my left side but I only had a dressing, no drain, the wound being only a couple of inches long and actually mostly under my arm. Cooking dinner, lifting pots, washing up, drying dishes, going for walks, shopping, driving, tying my shoes, and how quickly I may tire are all unknowns and will remain so until after my op.
I should be able to play the piano OK when we get back though!
Wishing you an issue free surgery and a speedy recovery! We’ll be here when you’re back to blogging 🙂
Bless you James.
Hope all goes well for you Di ❤
Thanks Ruth.
It’s hard to know ahead of time what will be a challenge and what won’t. I needed tops that buttoned or zipped in the front instead of over the head because of radiation treatments. You always have hubby to help you out! One of the worst things for me was sleeping on my back for a month. I’m a side sleeper.
I tend to sleep on my side anyway an this wasn’t a problem last time. However, I tend to raise my arm above my head in my sleep, so that could be ‘twingey!’
Apparently I won’t be having chemo or radiotherapy as there’ll be nothing there to zap.
Sending you hugs.
thanks Gary
I think you are going to be pleasantly surprised at everything you can do. You are very fit and that is going to stand you in good stead.
I’m certainly not to going to sit around feeling sorry for myself. I’m not daft enough to rush it and will set my own pace. Planning to be up and at ’em by Christmas.
I think that’s a very realistic goal and I’m sure you will be.
I think so though hopefully it will be sooner than that.
If you listen to your body, as I know you will, you won’t go wrong. You are strong and fit, you’re used to being active and you take good care of yourself. That all bodes well for your recovery.
Thanks Fransi.
I am hoping that it all will go smoothly. As you said things in medical field are improving every day. Techniques and care both. I am so impressed with your pragmatic attitude. All the best Di!
Thanks Sadje. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t. My health is otherwise good and a lot of the stress is reduced thanks to knowing I have a good medical team , a good husband, friends and no need to rush thanks to MSM.
That’s indeed good. BTW, who is MSM?
Maggie’s Surrogate Mummy, a dear friend we met whilst on the boat who has been in a corner for everything.
Oh, now I get it. I always tried to work out what these initials stood for. 👍😉
🙂
My annual check-up is looming, and every year I wonder if this will be the one where they find something. I hope they never do, for once was quite enough. Wishing you a speedy recovery, Di…
I can understand and thank you for your good wishes. It’s so important to keep up with the checks whether they find anything or not isn’t it.
I’ll be fine and this should sort it once and for all. It’s a bummer, but we’ve found it early so it can be dealt with promptly.
I’ll be thinking of you!
Thanks. The more positivity the better! I appreciate it.
I am sending you nothing but many, many prayers and good vibes your way for a successful surgery and recovery period.
Di, I do have to admit though… Your attitude and sense of humor are going to be the force that gets you through all of it. God Bless You, Sweetie! 💗
Thanks Beckie. I can’t change matters though we’re both bloody annoyed another strain has decided to raise its ugly head. It was a shock as we didn’t expect such radical surgery, but it’s my second strike, so there you go. I won’t let Dick the Shit beat me anyway, and with all the support and positivity being sent my way from everyone and everywhere, the little bastard doesn’t stand a chance! (Excuse my language)
We all love you, Sweeite! Naturally, we are all going to have your back!! 💗 You’ll beat that bastard!
Too right!
We’ll be thinking of you, Di and waiting for news x
Thanks Sue. I appreciate it and the support is absolutely wonderful.
Keep us posted, Di x
I will. Feeling good anyway.
Good to hear.
🙂
Thinking good thoughts and looking foreword to your speedy return!
Thanks Susan. I’ll be here!