Friday, June 13, 2014

home...




Wednesday was a long day.  So much waiting.  I arrived at 11:45, a tad early, so we expected having to wait a bit.  At about 12:45 my pager went off.  We had been watching the Food Network Channel- which is just all kinds of wrong when you haven't eaten or had anything to drink since 8 pm the night before.  Rick and I were highly amused at the idea.  I was all prepped in no time,  as an OR sat waiting for me at 2.  But then I heard Dr. Antoniuk was actually helping Dr. Bouton with another surgery.  (Dr. Bouton is the one who did my first two surgeries with me.) 

Soon Dr. A showed up to mark me and said they were getting the OR all set up for me.  "It won't be long now," I thought. 

Could I be any more wrong? 

Sometime around 3:30, Dr. A came back to say, all of the surgical staff?  Was no longer there.  So they needed to put a new team together and it would take at least another hour.  She was clearly not happy- but what can you do?  So TWO hours later- they finally came to get me.  They graciously offered Rick a free meal for the inconvenience of waiting so long.  

I was alert and wide awake as they wheeled me into the OR.  I scooted onto the table, observing everything around me. Oh how I wished I had my camera.  

Then the mask went over my face and I was asked to take 5 big breaths.

And then the funniest thing happened.

The last part I remember hearing them say is- "Look!  She has one earring still in her ear!"

I can't believe I managed to get 2 earrings out, but the third one?  Apparently chemo brain helped me forget to even know I had that third one!  

We all got a good laugh out of that.  They taped it off for me…

And I was out.


But surprisingly, when they were done with the surgery- they told me I woke up in the OR and started talking right away.  I'll be very curious to find out what I said! 

I had a wonderful male nurse in the recovery room.  He has a son who plays hockey at the squirt level, so we had plenty to talk about. He also very nicely answered all my questions, and had Rick come sit with me.

The biggest surprise was when Dr. Bouton peeked in to check on me!  


At 9:30 they said they found a room for me.  The hospital has been overflowing with patients, and getting a room is monumental.  

But not only did I get a room- I got on THE floor- 2N.  

Its a women's unit.  And they had remodeled the rooms to try out various features and functions, as a trial run before they build the new hospital.

Seriously- it felt like a fancy hotel.

The bathroom was tiled.  There was hardwood look to the floor.  We had a large flat screen tv attached to a wall unit.  The room was huge!  

I felt so comfortable and had such good care.


But no matter sometimes, all the good, some of the hard stuff has to show up too.

My heart rate kept dropping, setting off alarms, at an alarming rate.  It would go down  to the 30's and then shoot back up to 100.  From bradycardia I would shoot all the way up to tachycardia- neither of which is very comfortable. 

I had also been instructed I had to sleep in a sitting up position.

So sleep eluded me that night.


But Dr. A came in early yesterday morning.

And I think because you all prayed so fervently for me- the surgery had gone smoothly!  Plan A worked!  She only had to move my pectoral muscle a little and then discovered she would not have to use any dermis at all.  She used my own tissue to pull everything together.  She said in surgical terms?  I was boring!!  I've never been so happy to hear that word used in regards to me.  And as a parting gift?  She collected a whole box of bandages for me to take home!  

You should see my incision now.  Much longer- from midsection of my chest all the way to my arm pit. Straight- no jagged edges- and closed with stitches, glue, and then clear tape over the top. It looks amazing.

I got a fancy new bra with velcro hooks that allow me to attache my JP drain to it.  

The only thing I truly forgot to do - was find some clothes to wear that will cover the big bulge of the drain.  I  just need loose tops of some kind.  I will have to look online maybe when I am up and around more.  Or I am open to suggestions?  

So yesterday I got to go home!  

I slept and rested well.  It wasn't until bed time last night that I truly began to feel the soreness/pain  settle in.  She warned me about this.  

I have a pulling and tightness- a tender ache, all around my ribs and chest- reaching around to my back and down underneath my arm.  

She said no driving, no lifting, no reaching, no nothing, with that arm. 

So I'm mentally counting my gifts- they are so abundant- and saw me through yet another big moment of my life.  

And the biggest gift? All the wonderful love and prayers streaming through to me on my phone yesterday! The strength, the fortitude it gives me is unsurpassed!  

To all the new friends finding me on fb- I was so honored!  

To the ones who sent gift cards for food, and the ones that brought food to our door- thank you! 

It all helps!  We're simply blown away by all the ways you continue to bless us so, 3 long years into my  ride with cancer.  

I can't wait to come visit my blogging friends to catch up soon!  

But for now I'm off to rest and recover- to heal that wound because the summer is fleeting at best- and I don't want it to slip past me in any way.


"We shall steer safely through every storm, so long as our heart is right, our intention fervent, our courage steadfast, and our trust fixed on God."
- St. Francis De Sales


































35 comments:

  1. So encouraging to hear that you are BORING!! haha And so glad the incision looks good and the healing can begin - TRUE healing! Thank you for updating us and thank Rick for keeping us in the loop on Facebook. Praying for good pain control and that you are in a swimsuit and lake bound before the summer is out. XOXOXO

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    1. Thanks Robynn- I am definitely encouraged! Pain has been minimal and happens when I absentmindedly stretch or reach a tad too far. But I am learning quickly! xxoo

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  2. How wonderful is it to be called, boring! I am so happy to hear that you have a wound that can heal now. Thoughts and prayers are being said now so that you can rest and not be in too much pain. Remember...summer is calling to you. So, the more you rest and heal now, the sooner you will be out and about enjoying all the summer has to offer. Hugs, my friend!

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    1. Such good advice Eileen- I am listening :) Resting and allowing healing. Am lucky to say not too much pain and each days seems a little better. Hugs to you friend!

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  3. Thanks for this update, I am so glad to know that it went so well and that you are able to rest and recover at home. The Lord is faithful. Blessings to you, and I will keep praying. Wish I could drop off a meal - I am in the wrong neighborhood!! Rest in the strong arms of the Lord.

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    1. Your encouraging words truly mean so much to me- and the beautiful cards you send pull me right into your world. xxoo

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    1. Francis- they truly are! I feel so blessed!

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  5. Thank you for taking time to let us know how your surgery, pre, and post went, my friend.
    I'm so thankful to our Lord for the tender care He takes of you and those you love.
    Rest.
    Hugs and much love,
    Jackie

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    1. Jackie, I always hope that if another breast cancer survivor needed encouragement- they would hopefully feel that if I could do it, so can they. Yes- tender care is exactly what I feel from Him- thankful to you for asking for just that-xxoo

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  6. oh so very happy to read this update from you!!!
    prayers continue for a full and complete healing!!
    xoxo

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    1. Thank you so much Tiffany! Love to you honey~

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  7. home....what a wonderful place to be. You rest and heal and take in all the love from others and soon your boring surgery will be far behind you.

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    1. So true Denise- boring will be a distant and yet a fond memory. Blessings to you Denise!

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  8. Another miracle. They seem to be all around you, Vicky. One after the other. I can see prayer in tangible form when I witness your life. It's incredible, and inspiring, and so hopeful. Thank you for being willing to risk it all so we can see God's hand at work. You are the best!

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    1. So true Roxane, I feel blessed beyond measure. I think my gratitude journal chronicles those very gifts and the seeds of the miracle are in the midst of it all. You're so sweet- thank you! Am grateful for all the ways you touch my life!

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  9. Such good news Vicky! So much love and care coming your way. No cheating about resting and not using that arm, now! Sending love across the miles to you and your dear family.

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    1. Hi Bonnie- I promise, no cheating with my arm- am propped up at the angle I am supposed to be and not lifting my arm at all. Thanks for the love- am sending some right back to you.

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  10. such heartwarming news! I can hardly believe that you woke while still in the OR. Do follow doctor's orders so that you can enjoy summer. Still praying for you daily.
    Nonnie

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    1. I have never had that happen either- usually don't even remember the recovery room. I am resting away and letting the others take care of the rest. Thank you for those prayers!

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  11. Praising God Vicky for such sweet news. Boring! Love it. Do exactly what the Dr ordered. No driving, no lifting, no reaching, no nothing. Rest and recover. Love you sister.
    Kelly

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    1. Kelly- I know- who would ever think that being called boring could feel so good? I am resting away and letting everyone do things for me. Love you too sister!

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  12. Oh my sweet friend,
    Just the word "home"... you are home... softens my heart and puts a smile on my face.
    And to hear, with a chuckle, that Dr. A found your surgery "boring". And the room was almost hotel like. You talking in the OR. And prayers, wonderful prayers, streaming through your phone to remind you how loved you are.

    Every little detail...prayers were being answered. You were held up and taken care of.
    I am more grateful than words can ever express that the surgery went so well and that you are home with your darling loved ones. I can only imagine Colton's smile! :)

    All is well. Thank you God, all is well!
    Rest, my friend, and we'll be praying for your strength and recovery.
    Love you to the moon and back again!
    Linda

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    1. So overwhelmed with the abundant blessings I have felt- so true! Each little piece, something has helped me along and my gratitude journal grows and grows. I am resting and taking it easy and so far have little pain. Love you sweet friend- to the moon and all the way back!

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  13. Cheering for you in GA--so happy for you that the incision looks nice and you had your very own suite! and even in having to wait all that time, I still sense His Spirit in your words. All my love!

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    1. Julie- when I find myself in deep surrender I feel like each little bit that happens, is His work. So if He needs me to wait- I will. Whatever is shown to me, is easier to do when I fully feel His loving touch behind it all. Thank you for that beautiful perspective! All my love to you!

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  14. well, there was a "little bit more" to the day than Rick's FB post indicated!!! glad the good Lord saw you through. I'm guessing you were famished by the time the following morning rolled around! how you keep your head is beyond me. again, so thankful things were "boring."

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  15. Oh thank God it all went well and you are home now.
    Everything is all closed up and now you just need to heal.
    You can look forward to summer and swimming and kids.
    I am elated.!!

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  16. I'm so happy to hear you are home Vicky. There's nothing like home sweet home!

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  17. YEAA! So glad you are home Vicky and that your surgery went well!!! Amoena 2105 Post-Surgical Camisole With Drain Management, worked great to hide the drains for me and they are super stretchy so you can put them on from legs in if that makes sense! LOL Also they material is super soft. I ordered on-line... Thanks for keeping us posted!!!! Hugs, Michelle

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  18. SO glad it went well!!! And I wish you speedy and uneventful healing.

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  19. I am so thankful that all went well! The blood pressure going up and down seems very spooky to me. I am glad it finally straitened out! PHEW! I pray that the healing will be swift without much pain and side affects. so that you can go back to enjoying summer time...with your beautiful family. one more hurdle behind you :) much love beautiful lady and many continued prayers.

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  20. So happy to hear surgery went well! As always, you are in my prayers!

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  21. You continue to be in my thoughts and prayers! I'm glad that it went well and it's so wonderful to "hear your voice". Hugs to you. xo

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I welcome what you have to say. Thanks for taking the time to grace me with your thoughts and words!

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