Friday, August 13, 2010

Surgery update

I am home, and all is well. Surgery went well, took about 2 1/2 hours. A few more lymph nodes, not all, were taken out on the right side. Then Dr. Lee put in "expanders" under the muscles in my breasts (aka my pectoral muscles). These are to hold the space in my breast cavities, for lack of a better word, until reconstruction.
Once out of surgery, I was in recovery for an hour and a half, then I was moved to prepare to be released, then I was home by 1:00. I was, and still am, in pain. I'm able to get around somewhat, but the pain in my chest and underarms makes it difficult/impossible to lift, push, pull, or be pulled with or by my arms. So I went right to bed for the afternoon. I made it down to dinner and have been up ever since!
My spirits are up, I feel chipper, and I so completely believe I made the right decision by having this surgery today. My post-op will be with Dr. Lee next Thursday morning, which will be after he will have met with all my other doctors and gone over the pathology report. So I won't really know anything about my next steps until after Thursday's appt. So after I find out, you'll be the 1st to know! I will be posting some this weekend about a few funny stories from the hospital today, I'm just too tired right now.

A final note, my sister, Jennifer, finished her last classes of Nursing School at Seattle University today!! She graduates tomorrow with her B.S.N., (Bachelor of Science in Nursing) which is her 2nd bachelor's (her 1st is in social work in 1991 from FSU). After 2 long years of working incredibly hard, she has done it!! I have no doubt she will make an outstanding nurse, and I am really, really proud of her, and really, really happy for her!!

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3 comments:

  1. UnknownAugust 14, 2010 at 9:07 AM

    Monique,

    This has been my summer of "one day at a time." Sometimes the quest for survival (physical or mental)dictates we adopt this way of thinking. What's surprising is we often discover we should have been thinking this way all along. Feel that positive energy coming your way. You are loved!!!

    Sharron

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  2. wgflgalAugust 14, 2010 at 4:05 PM

    Dear Monique,

    You are incredibly awesome! Not only have you endured many tests and surgeries, but you've been able to share your feelings and concerns with others. You are in my prayers and I mean that - you are being prayed for.

    Please, if you need anything, please contact me - 321-278-3211. I've emailed Dr. Adams & Ryner about helping in MC in the mornings, if you don't mind. My room is close this year and I'd like to help in any way I can before school.

    The Media Center looked AWESOME yesterday - and I look forward, as others do as well, to your return. What a strong example you are of courage! Thinking of you often!

    Lisa Dorman

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  3. UnknownAugust 14, 2010 at 11:28 PM

    Thanks for the updates, Monique. My computer crashed (or I thought it did) and I have not had access for few days. Tonight it uncrashed and I am caught up.

    You are doing a great job of facing all of this and using your mind and heart to do what is best for you. As I said before, I knew your were a woman to be admired, but you have proven beyond that.

    Hopefully, you have some pain medication and you should feel free to enjoy it.

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