Well, crap

Dear Susan..dammit, I hated to read that about you but I am sure glad that you are getting the attention and care that is required. Having just had my lumpectomy last week, I remember well how this journey cannot be something to look forward to. However, now you know and you can move forward.Please remember that a positive outlook is imperative. You have every right to be angry at the shortcomings and stupid mistakes me in this case. Twenty one years ago, I had my first lumpectomy and was told that it all "LOOKED" healthy so I was sent home...a week later, the surgeon called and told me that it turned out to be cancer and that I had to go back into the hospital for the armpit node surgery...two surgeries in eight days. My suggestion is to JOURNAL it all, and after you are done with all the surgery and the emotions of it, then go after them and insist that they review and reorganize their system so that NOBODY is put through that hell again!  Right now, you need to focus on the positive aspect- it has been found and WILL be taken out with quick healing! *hugs*Nancy B

Nancy, thanks for your kind (as always) words of encouragement. I have a couple of questions, if I may. How long did the surgery take, and do you think I'll be okay to return to work after 5 days? You know me, gotta keep working and taking care of those clients....especially with the holidays coming.

I'll probably have more. I'll get back at ya!

Susan...the actual surgery itself was to take one and a half hours.  However, there was so much beforehand. prep beforehand. Of course, this may not be the same for you.  

For me, I had to be there at 6:30 am....sat ‘til after 7am until the receptionist started work. Then was finally taken in to disrobe and get into a hospital gown (leaving panties and support stockings on) and climbing up onto a stretcher and laying down.

 

Then I was wheeled to another floor for the 2 needles and wire placement and CAT scan and ultrasound, followed by another stretcher ride to the nuclear imaging dept to get two more needles injecting the radioactive particles for tracking, then wheeled to another floor to “be admitted” (more paperwork – always checking to make sure that I am who I am and checking my wrist band to make sure they have the right person and asking me which side, always double checking), getting the IV connected and a sedative added to the chemical soup. Then wheeled to the operating room and transferred to the operating table at 10:30 am. In the recovery room, when I first became conscious that I “lived”, it was around three pm or so. I was to be sent home by 5 pm but, because I am in my own uniqueness, had to stay overnight until the following evening at 5 pm. Given that I am particularly sensitive to drugs, especially anesthesia, it has only been today (11 days later) that I really feel a lot more normal. But that is just me. I would hate to think of you standing on your feet all day just five days after surgery. I could NOT have done that. I am still very easily tired out. I’d say, give yourself at least ten days but then, you know better how you and your body react. I hope that you give yourself plenty of time to recover…your body is exposed to a lot of strong chemicals and stress, your breast and your body’s lymph system will be invaded…you may find mind fogginess, lymph fluid swellings due to the system being tampered with until the body finds a way to reabsorb it back. You may find the fatigue is a normal consequence as well. Drink plenty of water to cleanse those chemicals out of your system….I get the most bizarre my 1-2 hour segments of sleep. It has only been two nights now that I sleep right through again, still unexpected naps surprise me still.

…I still get strange dreams but less of them…it’s the chemicals.

 

I hope this has helped you, dear lady..but feel free to contact me anytime at [email protected] if you just want to communicate or ask me anything here as well. Blessings and hugs,Nancy B