Saturday, April 4, 2009

Not So Easy This Time

Well, it's been a couple of days since I had my surgery and oh my goodness, I am ever in a lot of pain! The recovery from this surgery is definitely going to be a harder road than even what I remember my bi-lateral mastectomy was.

The latest surgery was an axillary lymph node dissection and it was supposed to take about 2 hours, 45 minutes to complete. Thankfully the doctor was able to get right in there and finish in an hour & a half. All the lymph nodes were sent to pathology and we should hear something within a week or so. I had to go home with a Jackson-Pratt drain tube that comes out from my left side, underneath my arm. It has to be drained several times a day.

I didn't know it ahead of time, but the doctor ordered a home health care nurse to come in a couple of times a week for the next few weeks. A very nice gal named Ann came over yesterday afternoon to fill out the paperwork, help drain my tube, take my vitals and answer any questions I had. She was quite helpful and I'm so thankful our insurance covers this service.

It's frustrating for me to just lay on the couch and flip through TV channels, to be honest with you. I'd definitely rather be up and around but I know I've got to rest and recover. Bobby and the kids have been great to help me out.

Just wanted to update you...have a great weekend :-)

8 comments:

  1. Oh Michelle ~ I'm so sorry this surgery is harder...you're such a strong and brave woman. Wish I could come over and keep you company!!! So glad that you have such a wonderful family!

    Take care and hugz,
    Michele

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  2. Michelle...We're so sorry that you're in pain...and finding recovery harder from this surgery! We'll continue praying...and sending you HUGS!

    ~Blessings,
    Jan & Tom

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  3. I wish I could be there to help you! I'm so sorry this one is worse. I will be praying extra hard for you and what you're going through. Just maybe? try to think of this time on the couch as a mini-vacation. Don't think of what you need to be doing, but just be calm and let your body heal. All of the other stuff can wait.

    Love you.
    Gena

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  4. Michelle, where my lymph nodes were taken out
    tis still tender.. Ask your doc about exercise for the arm after you are healed..and about Lymphedema

    I know you hurt..take meds..feel better.

    love ya girl

    Hope your drain is out soon.. We did that too..

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  5. Hi Michelle,
    I'm so sorry to hear this!
    Glad the Family is so thoughtful and so helping!:o)
    Love,prayers, BLessins',Lib

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  6. well YUCK! i hope the pain eases up SOON! take care of yourself.

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  7. MICHELLE,JUST STOPPED BY FOR A VISIT.BLESS YOUR HEART.YOU WILL BE IN MY HEART AND PRAYERS!I WILL BE CHECKING FOR UPDATES!SENDING YOU HUGS! BLESSINGS, FAYE

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  8. Oh you poor sweetheart. I'm so sorry the pain is so bad. I am praying right now for you to feel better. I'm so glad you have that nurse to help you. Oh I hope the medicine eases the pain for you. Bless you Michelle. Great big hug from me. Kathi

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