As much as I had hoped for a call from the hospital telling me that my surgeon was stuck somewhere (due to the snow storm), and therefore had to reschedule the surgery. It went exactly as planned on Jan. 3rd., and very much on time. The last glance at the clock in the surgery room before I was knocked out read 7:55. My surgery was scheduled for 8:00.
Surgery took about 4 hours. Unfortunately my previously tested positive lymph node was still positive, so an axillary lymph node dissection was performed. If you don't know cancer terms, that means removing a lot of lymph nodes, i.e. bigger surgery, longer recovery and potentially more problems later on. Almost as expected, I got extremely nauseated after I woke up from the anesthesia, and eventually vomited. I was unable to hold any food or fluid for that day so they had to leave the IV in to keep me hydrated. After one night at the hospital I was discharged the following morning with two drains stitched into my incisions.
Starting today, a Home Care nurse will visit me every day until the drains are removed. I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon in 3 weeks, as well as the physiotherapist and the radiation oncologist. Yep, my cancer journey is still far from over but I have overcome the toughest parts.
Just as I was typing this blog entry, I received these beautiful flowers from my wonderful friend whom I've never met. But she has been incredibly supportive and kind to me before and during this tough journey. Thank you Sharon, for being there for me, always!
Surgery took about 4 hours. Unfortunately my previously tested positive lymph node was still positive, so an axillary lymph node dissection was performed. If you don't know cancer terms, that means removing a lot of lymph nodes, i.e. bigger surgery, longer recovery and potentially more problems later on. Almost as expected, I got extremely nauseated after I woke up from the anesthesia, and eventually vomited. I was unable to hold any food or fluid for that day so they had to leave the IV in to keep me hydrated. After one night at the hospital I was discharged the following morning with two drains stitched into my incisions.
Starting today, a Home Care nurse will visit me every day until the drains are removed. I have a follow up appointment with my surgeon in 3 weeks, as well as the physiotherapist and the radiation oncologist. Yep, my cancer journey is still far from over but I have overcome the toughest parts.
Just as I was typing this blog entry, I received these beautiful flowers from my wonderful friend whom I've never met. But she has been incredibly supportive and kind to me before and during this tough journey. Thank you Sharon, for being there for me, always!
10 comments:
So glad it went Ok and you are staying positive. Wishing you well in the New Year!
-Cece
With every day you are putting things farther behind you and one day soon all of this will be in your rear view mirror. You are awing me with your composure and grace through everything you've been through. You're pretty amazing.
You are amazing and so is Sharon.
I wish you a swift recovery. You are in my thoughts and prayers. Thank you for the update.
I found your site randomly one day when I was browsing through shopping blogs. I immediately found you inspiring because of your great style and coincidentally, we are both Asian women in our early thirties in the TO area. I also discovered a lump in my breast a few years ago that was fortunately benign but still so frightening at the time.
As the focus of your blog has changed, you continue to inspire me - and I'm sure others out there - with your remarkable bravery, incredible strength and beautiful honesty. I sincerely wish you a complete and speedy recovery. May each day that passes lead you into a brighter future!
You are so brave, thinking about you and sending you every ounce of positive energy I can! I hope that 2013 brings peace and healing, and can't wait until we get our first "cancer free" post! xoxoxo.
Reading about Sharon's gesture brought tears to my eyes. Wouldn't it be amazing if everyone on earth were like Sharon?!
I wish you a speedy recovery from your surgery. You are a fighter. Keep trying to move forward with hope and optimism. You will get through this!
Thank goodness you made it through the surgery and all was okay. (OK is relative, right?)
Really really rooting for you here! May 2013 wipe away that crappy no-good 2012.
thank you for updating during your recovery. i wish you all the best and happiness in the future.
I hope you are recovering nicely. Keep us posted and I'm keeping fabulous thoughts for you!!!
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