It has been 5 weeks since surgery and I am healing well, although I feel like it is slow progress. My parents left last Thursday morning so that means I am actually able to take care of myself now! I can even raise my arms above my head and reach things on the top shelf!
So here are the updates on what has happened over the last two weeks.
Plastic Surgeon Appointments
It is so crazy to write that I am going to a plastic surgeon. Never in my life did I think I would say those words. Just another thing that cancer changed. My plastic surgeon, Dr Maxhimer, and nurses have been incredible through this process. I cannot recommend them enough.
They removed the drains two weeks after surgery and it was incredible how “normal” I felt after that. I still had very limited motion but not having to deal with the drains was wonderful. I could actually wear a tank top on walks with Callie and not worry about how to hide the drains. We also decided at this visit that I do not need any fills with my expanders. They were able to put in completely filled expanders thanks to the nipple sparring surgery. You honestly wouldn’t know I had surgery if you saw me. Everything looks normal. I decided before the surgery that I would like my breasts to stay the same size or be a little smaller so this works perfectly.
The next week, I had another follow up and they were thrilled with how everything looks. The scars are healing well. We even scheduled the final surgery for August 4! This surgery will remove the expanders and put in the implants. The recovery is so much easier and everything will feel more normal. In about 7 weeks, I get to return to more normal life (aka no cancer or surgeries) and I can’t wait.
Physical Therapy
My physical therapist is amazing. She actually specializes in mastectomies and has been so wonderful to work with the last couple of weeks. I have had 4 sessions and my range of motion is almost back to normal. I am slower to get to the range of motion, but better than nothing. She has lots of suggestions that have been incredibly helpful. It is nice going to someone that knows what you are going through and knows how to approach the situation.
Oncologist
I saw the oncologist again this morning. Cancer is gone at the moment but we want to ensure it stays that way. ….
Enough about doctors, how am I feeling?
These last three weeks have been harder than I expected, but not painful. If you know me, you know that I prefer to be active and doing things. I love tv, movies, and books, but there is only so much sitting around I can do. So I only took 1 week off work and jumped back into it. If I had to go into an office, I would have needed at least 2 weeks, but since my office is across the hall from my bedroom, it was doable. Work has at least focused some of my energy, which has been nice.
Despite all of the great doctor visits, I have really struggled lately. Not being able to run has really impacted my mood. Callie and I (and mom/dad when they were here) have been walking 2-5 miles a day, but it isn’t the same as a run. I struggle sleeping well since I need to sleep on my back. It is very disrupted sleep and I wake up exhausted. I am still sore all of the time, although thankfully this is getting better. The best comparison I can make is something most females understand. There are days that you get home after a long day and are just excited to remove your bra and release the pressure. It feels wonderful. Well I want to do the same, but removing my bra doesn’t release any of the pressure. It stays will me right now no matter what.
I think I actually handled the chemo treatments better than I am handling surgery. I was able to stay active and do the things I loved (minus a few days during the AC treatments). I was definitely slower at everything, but I could do it. I can’t do most of the things I love right now…no hiking, no running, no paddling, no camping. It is summer but I can’t do my summer activities and it is really wearing on me. This last weekend was really rough. It was a perfect summer weekend and I spent it mostly inside doing nothing. I know it will get better but I miss my exercise outlet. I am going to push a little this weekend to see what my body is ready for.
Finally, I am keeping myself in my bubble until after surgery on August 4. I really can’t risk getting sick and pushing the surgery back. I am also sore enough that sneezing and coughing really hurts. So on top of not being able to do much, I am still mostly sheltered in place with a few social distance backyard happy hours. So I try to keep myself busy with walks, enjoying a paint by number project (thanks Ryan and Amanda), and dealing with Disney fun (over 10 hours on hold over 3 days). If you are interested in a 2021 vacation, I finally understand all of the new rules so contact me!
Overall, I am trying to stay positive and it depends on the day you catch me if I am successful at that. I know this will pass soon so at least there is that.
Ending with some beautiful views from my sunset walks:
