We are home and it is good! I am so grateful to have wonderful daughters with wonderful partners who welcome us into their homes and take care of us. This operation and the recoup time would have been very very hard otherwise. I was well taken care of and felt very loved.
It is good to be home. I don't go back to see Dr. Beshlian until May 1st. I am just listening to my body and obeying. Each day I can tell some difference which is great.
Healing feels good!
Saturday, March 28, 2009
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
March 24th
I saw Dr. Beshlian today and am one very happy person. The last drain tube was removed and he doesn't want to see me for one month. He's very happy and amazed with my progress which, of course, is wonderful.
This experience has once again reminded me to be thankful for the things I so often take for granted - taking a shower without having to find a place to hang tubes, laughing and coughing without being in severe pain and just being comfortable in my clothes to name a few. This year has taught me so much - especially patience (which I will always have to work on). However, I do daily choose to believe Life is Good!!
I am so fortunate and want to squeeze as much happiness as I can out of each day!
This experience has once again reminded me to be thankful for the things I so often take for granted - taking a shower without having to find a place to hang tubes, laughing and coughing without being in severe pain and just being comfortable in my clothes to name a few. This year has taught me so much - especially patience (which I will always have to work on). However, I do daily choose to believe Life is Good!!
I am so fortunate and want to squeeze as much happiness as I can out of each day!
Saturday, March 21, 2009
March 21
I got out today with Reagen and the dogs for a fairly long walk - approx. 1 mile. The sun has been out here in Seattle which is fantastic. It felt good to be outside and to be in the sun. I am ready for summer and camping!!!
I am down to one drain and the pain is a little less each day. Today Dolly Parton (my new boob) hurts more than the stomach. Not sure what that is all about.
Once again I say thank goodness for my family and friends. Life is so good with them!!
I am down to one drain and the pain is a little less each day. Today Dolly Parton (my new boob) hurts more than the stomach. Not sure what that is all about.
Once again I say thank goodness for my family and friends. Life is so good with them!!
Thursday, March 19, 2009
March 19th
Today is my daughter Winda's birthday. She is 38. I can't believe it!! Where did the time go. It always goes fast or so it seems. She's a wonderful daughter and I am so grateful to be her mother.
We saw the doctor this morning for the first time since I left the hospital. I had thought I would just see the nurses and was surprised when he was there. He was quite pleased with his work and how I am healing. Two of the drains were removed and it hurt a great deal more than when I had my mastectomy. I return to see him next Tuesday. He checked "Dolly Parton" out and was quite pleased. There is still quite a bit of swelling.
Bob headed for the TriCities for a couple of days and the family is taking quite good care of me.
I finally got a good night's sleep last night which helped me today so much. Even at that, we returned from the appointment and took a good nap. I am back up and bugging everyone now!!
Life if very good!
We saw the doctor this morning for the first time since I left the hospital. I had thought I would just see the nurses and was surprised when he was there. He was quite pleased with his work and how I am healing. Two of the drains were removed and it hurt a great deal more than when I had my mastectomy. I return to see him next Tuesday. He checked "Dolly Parton" out and was quite pleased. There is still quite a bit of swelling.
Bob headed for the TriCities for a couple of days and the family is taking quite good care of me.
I finally got a good night's sleep last night which helped me today so much. Even at that, we returned from the appointment and took a good nap. I am back up and bugging everyone now!!
Life if very good!
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
March 18th
I'm sitting here with my Dolly Parton boob still amazed at what the human body can withstand. Yesterday was a bit of a hard day but today is better. I can feel a small change each day. Showering is a wonderful luxury even if it is an ordeal with the tubes. The list of things I am grateful for just keeps growing and growing. Even though there has been a fair amount of pain in this, I have felt very calm inside.
Tomorrow morning we go in to see the nurses. They will make a decision whether any of the tubes should be removed. Next Tuesday we see the doctor again.
I wish I could draw cartoons well. I could certainly draw some good ones from this!
This really sounds disjointed today; however, I realize that is the way I feel.....totally scatterbrained today!
Remember, Life is good!!
Tomorrow morning we go in to see the nurses. They will make a decision whether any of the tubes should be removed. Next Tuesday we see the doctor again.
I wish I could draw cartoons well. I could certainly draw some good ones from this!
This really sounds disjointed today; however, I realize that is the way I feel.....totally scatterbrained today!
Remember, Life is good!!
Monday, March 16, 2009
March 16th
It's a good day. I am sitting here with Bob's computer on my lap on the sofa, looking out the window at my husband work on a project he is doing to help out here at Reagen's. He has to be constantly doing something or I think he might burst into a million pieces. He has been my constant cheerleader thru this. We have been thru so many experiences since we met (dating, marriage, birth, death, sickness etc.) It definitely is comforting to have a longterm relationship, even with all the ups and downs, someone you can reach out to in the dark and feel so much better by just touching them!
Winda, Richie and Oz came over yesterday. Oz was so sweet and gentle. I wanted very much to grab him, hold him and smooch on him. I have that overwhelming desire with all three of my grandchildren because they are just so darn special!!!
I am feeling a touch better each day but still in quite a bit of pain. I am walking around in the house a fair amount and go up and down the stairs as my body allows. I also take naps when the bod says enough is enough. I feel so loved and cared for from all my family and friends. If you are reading this because you care then give yourself a big pat on the back!!
Winda, Richie and Oz came over yesterday. Oz was so sweet and gentle. I wanted very much to grab him, hold him and smooch on him. I have that overwhelming desire with all three of my grandchildren because they are just so darn special!!!
I am feeling a touch better each day but still in quite a bit of pain. I am walking around in the house a fair amount and go up and down the stairs as my body allows. I also take naps when the bod says enough is enough. I feel so loved and cared for from all my family and friends. If you are reading this because you care then give yourself a big pat on the back!!
Sunday, March 15, 2009
I am back on. You know you just can't keep me quiet!!
Life is definitely good. This has been a rollercoaster ride for sure. I managed very little sleep the night before the operation which is what I expected. The people at the the hospital were very kind and efficient. For me the operation went quickly. The day after I was definitely worried as I felt way too good. However, reality set in and we had to deal with a few problems; but, as Winda told you, I did very well.
I was released and sent home Friday afternoon the 13th. I was definitely glad to come home. For now we are at Reagen's house. I know I have said it many times and will say it many more. I have such a wonderful family and love each of them so much. They and my friends are what life is all about.
I am taking Tylenol and Ibuprophen. The heavy duty stuff makes me nauseated constantly. I don't handle nausea well. However, I am doing fine. I now have two boobs - one very perky (although scarred) 20ish and the other "very motherly" and definitely 63. "Motherly" sounds so much nicer don't you think? Anyway, this all does amaze me. Undressed I look as though I have been in a sword fight and definitely took a whooping!!
It's good to be heard again!!!!! HA!!
Remember........Life is good!!
Life is definitely good. This has been a rollercoaster ride for sure. I managed very little sleep the night before the operation which is what I expected. The people at the the hospital were very kind and efficient. For me the operation went quickly. The day after I was definitely worried as I felt way too good. However, reality set in and we had to deal with a few problems; but, as Winda told you, I did very well.
I was released and sent home Friday afternoon the 13th. I was definitely glad to come home. For now we are at Reagen's house. I know I have said it many times and will say it many more. I have such a wonderful family and love each of them so much. They and my friends are what life is all about.
I am taking Tylenol and Ibuprophen. The heavy duty stuff makes me nauseated constantly. I don't handle nausea well. However, I am doing fine. I now have two boobs - one very perky (although scarred) 20ish and the other "very motherly" and definitely 63. "Motherly" sounds so much nicer don't you think? Anyway, this all does amaze me. Undressed I look as though I have been in a sword fight and definitely took a whooping!!
It's good to be heard again!!!!! HA!!
Remember........Life is good!!
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Recovery: Day 3 & 4
Hello all. Here's another update on how my mom is doing.
Yesterday was a pretty good day for her. Mom was able to get up and go for a couple of walks. And although she was a little bit dizzy, she felt pretty good about it.
Today was a bit rougher. They removed the epidural that had been keeping the pain from the stomach incision at bay. And though she hasn't had much of a problem with pain, she has not felt well and has struggled quite a bit with nausea. The afternoon was pretty rough but after a good nap she's is doing quite a bit better.
The doctors still plan to release her from the hospital tomorrow, though it will probably depend on how she's feeling. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Yesterday was a pretty good day for her. Mom was able to get up and go for a couple of walks. And although she was a little bit dizzy, she felt pretty good about it.
Today was a bit rougher. They removed the epidural that had been keeping the pain from the stomach incision at bay. And though she hasn't had much of a problem with pain, she has not felt well and has struggled quite a bit with nausea. The afternoon was pretty rough but after a good nap she's is doing quite a bit better.
The doctors still plan to release her from the hospital tomorrow, though it will probably depend on how she's feeling. I'll be sure to let you know how it goes.
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Recovery: Day 2
Hello there. Winda here to bring you another Suzi update.
Day 2 in the hospital has been very good. Mom was moved from the Critical Care Unit to a less-intensive recovery room around 1 p.m. She is doing very good and has a great attitude. She has even been up for two short walks down the hall.
She sends you all her love.
Day 2 in the hospital has been very good. Mom was moved from the Critical Care Unit to a less-intensive recovery room around 1 p.m. She is doing very good and has a great attitude. She has even been up for two short walks down the hall.
She sends you all her love.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Post surgery update
Hello there. This is Winda posting an update on my Mom's reconstruction surgery. Firstly and most importantly, it went very well and she is doing good and resting comfortably.
She checked in this morning at 5:30 a.m. Her surgery started around 8:30 and lasted until about 4:30 p.m. The surgery went quite well. The only slight downside was that they ended up having to take a segment of muscle from her stomach so that they would have a large enough vein to give the reconstruction site good circulation. They had hoped not to have to take muscle and instead find a large enough vein in the fatty tissue. But the veins located there were not big enough. What this means is that her recovery may take a little bit longer and she won't be lifting anything heavy for several months.
Still though, things went quite well. My Dad and I were able to chat with her for quite a while and she was quite happy to have the surgery over with. She has had some nausea but seems to be feeling better than she did initially after her mastectomy surgery. She is in the Critical Care Unit, where they will keep an eye on things to make sure the tissue isn't rejected and make sure infection doesn't set in. She will be moved to a new room sometime tomorrow.
I know my Mom really appreciates all the kind thoughts and well wishes you've been sending her way. Thank you so much from all of us.
She checked in this morning at 5:30 a.m. Her surgery started around 8:30 and lasted until about 4:30 p.m. The surgery went quite well. The only slight downside was that they ended up having to take a segment of muscle from her stomach so that they would have a large enough vein to give the reconstruction site good circulation. They had hoped not to have to take muscle and instead find a large enough vein in the fatty tissue. But the veins located there were not big enough. What this means is that her recovery may take a little bit longer and she won't be lifting anything heavy for several months.
Still though, things went quite well. My Dad and I were able to chat with her for quite a while and she was quite happy to have the surgery over with. She has had some nausea but seems to be feeling better than she did initially after her mastectomy surgery. She is in the Critical Care Unit, where they will keep an eye on things to make sure the tissue isn't rejected and make sure infection doesn't set in. She will be moved to a new room sometime tomorrow.
I know my Mom really appreciates all the kind thoughts and well wishes you've been sending her way. Thank you so much from all of us.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
March 8th
We drove to Seattle today and came to Reagen's house rather than Winda's as Richie was not feeling well and we didn't want to take a chance. I did finally find my glasses the other day but not until late at night when I folded the bed covers back. I had made the bed right over my glasses and didn't even know it. That gives you an idea of how my week went.
So tomorrow is B (boob) day. We report in the morning at 5:30 AM. So here we go. I am nervous in general but at peace with my decision. Once again my husband, family and friends have been wonderful.
Life definitely is choices evey day. I have made mine and here I go!
P.S. Winda will keep this updated for me.
We drove to Seattle today and came to Reagen's house rather than Winda's as Richie was not feeling well and we didn't want to take a chance. I did finally find my glasses the other day but not until late at night when I folded the bed covers back. I had made the bed right over my glasses and didn't even know it. That gives you an idea of how my week went.
So tomorrow is B (boob) day. We report in the morning at 5:30 AM. So here we go. I am nervous in general but at peace with my decision. Once again my husband, family and friends have been wonderful.
Life definitely is choices evey day. I have made mine and here I go!
P.S. Winda will keep this updated for me.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Well, I am sooooooooooo spacey at this point. I took my glasses off this morning, put them somewhere and am now wearing my backup glasses because neither Bob nor I can find them. Hopefully they will appear sometime during the day.
I keep thinking that this time next week the operation will be over and I will be on the mend. I have found during this cancer experience that the hardest part is the waiting. I feel as though I have no control over my future when I am waiting. "Doing" gives me a sense of control whether it's real or not.
Today the girls come over for scrapbooking. We always do a lot of talking and they are so supportive! Bless them!!
I keep thinking that this time next week the operation will be over and I will be on the mend. I have found during this cancer experience that the hardest part is the waiting. I feel as though I have no control over my future when I am waiting. "Doing" gives me a sense of control whether it's real or not.
Today the girls come over for scrapbooking. We always do a lot of talking and they are so supportive! Bless them!!
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Well it is March 3rd and we are down to just days until my surgery. Life is good. I have decided to write again as I have all these conflicting feelings and need to express them. I want the surgery right now but am scared. It would be wonderful if I could have two breasts again without all the upset. However, I am not complaining. I am just sooooooooo grateful not to have had to have chemo or radiation. The pill I am taking has its' side effects but they are nothing compared to chemo.
I believe I have the most wonderful family in the world!!!! Everyone, family and friends, has been so supportive.
Bob and I have been working together, going to the gym and walking, so that I can be in the best physical condition possible for the operation. We keep each other going when we would rather be goofing off.
Life is good!!
I believe I have the most wonderful family in the world!!!! Everyone, family and friends, has been so supportive.
Bob and I have been working together, going to the gym and walking, so that I can be in the best physical condition possible for the operation. We keep each other going when we would rather be goofing off.
Life is good!!
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