Operation & Race for Life

Wednesday 21st June 2017 - continued
After arriving at the admissions unit and being seen by a nurse, a registrar, a doctor, a breast specialist nurse, the surgeon and the anaesthetist I finally went to theatre at around 1.30p.m. and arrived back on the ward after recovery at 6.40p.m. to be greeted by Reno and Sam. I felt well and was not in any pain at all. I have to be very honest, I felt relieved that the operation was over and I was actually thankful that I had survived surgery - this may sound dramatic but that was truly how I felt. I have so much to be thankful for. Reno and Sam were able to stay with me for quite some time before they left and I was settled for the night.

Thursday 22nd June 2017
Didn't have a very good nights sleep on the ward but there was a lot of activity! Two lovely nurses helped me have a wash and get dressed ready to go home. There was Iodine everywhere! Even on my bum which seems a little extreme when the operation was on my breast!!! Anyway I was all ready to be discharged by 11.45 I had a drain attached (actually stitched to my flesh which was great as I had been warned that they can fall out if they are taped in) and was told to attend the breast clinic on Friday 23rd to have my wound and drain checked. It was great to get home again though difficult to accept that I could do very little and needed to be waited on hand and foot! By 9p.m. I felt really tired and had an early night - Reno volunteered to sleep on the sofa (cooler than the spare room!!!) as we were both worried about knocking my wound or affecting the drain in some way, however I had to disturb Reno during the night to help me get out of bed when I needed the bathroom.

Friday 23rd June 2017
Slept fairly well last night and once we had dropped Sam at school Reno and I headed for the hospital for my wound and drain check. All was well and my surgeon confirmed that my stitches are dissolvable and the drain would stay in for approx. 10 days. The antibiotics the ward had given me have to be taken for 7 days. Three further wound and drain check appointments have been made for next Monday Wednesday and Friday. Returned home for a restful afternoon and evening.

Saturday 24th June 2017
My sister came and sat with me this morning as Reno had to take Sam for an early morning appointment at the hospital. I need help with most things at the moment as I am not allowed to move my left arm away from the side of my body. I am allowed to raise the arm (I was told I would be able to comb my hair! ) so long as it stays close to my body and I don't try to move the elbow outwards. I can also slightly shrug my shoulders but nothing else until the drain is removed! Bearing this in mind once Reno and Sam returned we all had a restful day other than Reno who is intent on doing the chores including car cleaning which I could not convince him really was not necessary in the scheme of things!! Bless him! We all went to bed fairly early in preparation to be up early on Sunday ready for the Race For Life.

Sunday 25th June 2017 - Race for Life!
We were all up and about by 7.30a.m. this morning excited for the day ahead! My sister came round at 9.15 a.m. and set up her ipad with whatsapp (and showing me how to use such technology!) so that those taking part and spectating could send me live pictures, videos and messages so I felt part of the event, I could also send them messages of encouragement. Reno's sister came to sit with me so I was not alone and once Sam & Reno had left we waited in anticipation for the first pictures. I felt so emotional as they started to come through and so proud of Sam, Anita, June, Tasha, Kerry and Caron for taking part, I know how much it means to them and to me to raise money for such a worthy cause as breast cancer. We all hope that in the future if cancer is diagnosed then perhaps a tablet to cure or take for a while will replace the chemotherapy that can do so much damage whilst it kills the cancer cells and that future patients will not have to endure such harsh side effects. Sam finished the 5K race in 40 mins and Anita Caron and Tasha all finished within minutes of Sam. June and Kerry walked the 10K course and achieved their goals of finishing in less than two hours. By the time all the sponsor money is in, as a family they will have raised around £3000.00!!! I am immensely proud of them all!
The photos and videos continued to come through and I really felt part of the whole event. At around 1.30p.m. those who had taken part and all those who went along to support them arrived back at ours for a few bites to eat which everyone had contributed to, and a general get together. Everyone was buzzing wearing their medals with pride, they were tired but none of them it seemed wanted to give in to it yet as they were just enjoying the moment. What a great day! Once everyone had left I felt exhausted but I didn't care all I felt was pride at what they had achieved.

Monday 26th June 2017
My sister arrived early this morning to take Sam to school and me to the hospital for a drain and wound check. The hospital were so pleased with how things are going they have cancelled my appointment on Wednesday and will see me as planned on Friday. The rest of the day I rested and as I can do a little bit more for myself I tried not to be to much trouble to anyone!

Tuesday 27th June 2017 - Thursday 29th June 2017
Quite quiet resting days with a trip to the shop to get me some exercise and keep me moving! My sister has altered my bras though! When I was first told about my operation it was suggested that I go to M&S and get fitted for a couple of sports bras with front zip fastening. This is because as soon as the operation is over you have to start wearing a very supportive bra for at least 23 hours a day for 6-8 weeks!! (To wear a bra 23 hours a day when I have not had surgery would be quite a task!) At first, it didn't seem too bad, but as time has gone on the bras seem to have got tighter and tighter especially when I am tired, and they have actually been cutting in under my arms which has felt quite painful where I had lymph nodes removed. However, sister to the rescue! I now have a piece of elastic stitched into the shoulder straps to give me extra space in the arm holes and OMG what a difference that has made!!! I still have the support around my bust but not the tightness under my arms! Hallelujah!!! Call it coincidence or whatever you like but since my bras have been altered I have slept right through the night!
Felt a little low Thursday morning as my finger tips continue to feel numb and tingling and I couldn't undo my blouse buttons! I had a telephone conversation with my breast care nurse and she explained this numbness could go on for some months! A little daunting but now I know what I have to deal with I have pulled myself together and realise I just have to deal with it! After all I have dealt with worse and since surgery I know things will improve and can only get better.
The only way forward is continued positive thinking - so that's the way I will go - Onwards and Upwards!!!!!!