Sunday 2 October 2022

This Part's Over With -Sunday, October 2, 2022

 Good morning anyone who is reading this. On Friday, I had my surgery. Husband and I were on the road driving to "the city" by 5:00 a.m. I had to be admitted at 7:30 and my sentinel node biopsy injections were scheduled for 8:30. If you recall, I was beyond scared of this procedure as it was described in bold print on the handout as "a painful procedure" for which they do not provide freezing. 

I purchased and used the numbing gel, and my sweet surgeon actually called me and spoke to me on the phone and prescribed a very mild Ativan to take before the procedure. Long story short, the Ativan barely did anything but the procedure itself was so quick and so simple and due to the numbing gel, would for me have rated about a 2 1/2 out of 10 in terms of pain, so my euphoria at having it done and over with was overwhelming. 

I then had to wait about six hours until my surgery, hanging out on a hospital bed in a ward with other people waiting for their surgeries with a little gap in the curtain where I could see people wheeled out and back in. I played word games and "Hay Day" on my phone, tried to read a bit of a book, tried unsuccessfully to nap, and finally got prepped for surgery (lumpectomy and lymph node biopsy) and off I went. It's a bit of a party inside a sugery room, as I was wheeled in and people were introducing me to various individuals who would be there for my surgery. Who knew there were so many people involved? I actually don't even remember seeing my surgeon, but let's assume she showed up at some point.

Waking up was interesting. I think I was having a hard time coming out of it, as I was told a few times to remember to breath deeply. They assessed my pain and I was given some more pain relief. And then the nausea hit. I had NO IDEA this would be an issue. Oh dear lord people. Take your worst late teens, early twenties hangover and multiply it times 100 and that's how I felt. I couldn't even move. So unfortunately I took a few hours longer to leave the hospital and I was so worried by the time I was able to formulate the thoughts that someone needs to call my husband and tell him what's happening so he isn't worried. 

In the end, a sweet, incredibly patient nurse finally managed to get me into my clothes and put me in a wheelchair and wheeled me down so I could get loaded up in my vehicle and husband drove carefully to my sister's place in the same city and I spent the night there. There was NO WAY I could have been in a moving vehicle for 2 1/2 hours to get home. I managed to sleep there and in the morning, I felt like a human again. A sore human, but not a nauseous human. I ate some crackers and some toast and then we went home. 

So this part of my breast cancer journey is now over. I shall heal over the next few weeks and do my range of motion exercises and enjoy the beautiful colours of autumn and then the next portion of my treatment will begin. But in the meantime, I am grateful for good care and lovely friends and family, as well as my cat, Scooter, who brought me a bird this morning as a get well present. 

66 comments:

  1. I am so glad this part of the ordeal is over. Please try to rest, recuperate, and enjoy your puddy-tat and all that makes you happy while you heal.

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  2. So glad the surgery is over. I imagine you have a 'drain' in (or at least I did for 10 days - but that was in 2000). The nausea is something I didn't experience. In fact I believe they used Propofol - so when I woke up, I'd never been so relaxed in my life. Hope you heal well and life gets back to somewhat normal.

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    1. No drain for me, maybe because it was relatively small??? When the lovely anaesthesiologist (spelling?) spoke to me before my surgery, he asked if I’d ever had problems with anaesthesia before or with nausea before and I’ve really only been put under one other time and that was 20 years ago. I remember feeling a little nauseous the next day but nothing bad and that’s what I told him. Holy cow! This time was different but as I’ve said, I feel so much better now.

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  3. Glad you are home and that surgery is done. That nausea is awful but I am glad it is behind you. Wishing you a speedy, calm recovery! Thank you so much for sharing your story. This is so helpful to read what happens and see how you made it through.

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    1. Thanks- I just always work through things by writing…

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  4. I knew your time for this was coming up and have been thinking about you. SO very glad that scary bit is over...on with the next. Enjoy this beautiful sunshine. Cuddle Scooter and relax to his purrs. Good vibes are winging your way from Renfrew County.

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    1. Thank you. I will take all good vibes! It is very sunny today and I’ve been out with the other ( more cuddly) cat, Murphy.

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  5. I'm glad you made this post as so many of us have been thinking of you and wondering how the procedure went. Having pain and trying to handle it is one thing but that awful nausea is like a runaway train you can't get off of. So glad it disappeared as quickly (I know, "quickly" is not a word you might choose) as it did. My mom underwent several surgeries in her last years and the anesthetic always made her totally loopy for 2 or three days! She saw and heard things along with losing any kind of filter on what came out of her mouth. I guess that was better than what you went through. Try to relax now and heal. Let others do for you. Enjoy it if you can as it will make them feel better! Hugs.

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    1. Oh my- I would be quite terrified of what would come out of my unfiltered mouth!! Haha!

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  6. Great to read your experience and know you have come through it. Telling it like you do must help to make the prospect less scary for others and that is really appreciated. I hope your recovery is swift and thorough. Xxx Mr T and F

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    1. Yes, Hines the things I was most afraid of really weren’t that bad at all. I suspect that’s how it goes for many people. If it provides comfort for even one person, that’s a good thing!

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    2. That was supposed to be “honestly “, I have no idea where Hines came from!!

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  7. I'm so glad you're on the other side of this. Mine was many years ago, and I can tell you, you will put this behind you. And now the fall leaves will seem brighter, and your morning coffee that much better.

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  8. Thank goodness for kind people and family. I am glad for you that it is over.x

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  9. Thank you for the update, I've been thinking of you. With the exception of the scary anticipation (that we all feel when approaching surgery) and terrible nausea, you've come through with flying colors. The hospital, docs and nurses sound terrific. It is great to be on the other side of the surgery. Enjoy every day along with family and friends as well as Scooter and Murphy by your side.

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    1. Yes, on the other side of surgery is a good way to put it! Thanks!

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  10. I am so glad that this part is now behind you and you can start to recover. Take it easy and let family look after you and enjoy the cats company.

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  11. Add me to the list of those grateful and happy this part of your journey is done. I'd forgotten about the nausea, but that only happened with my 1st lumpectomy in '99, and I've probably chosen to forget. The docs may have told you, but a snug fitting, wire free, cotton athletic bra helps with the soreness. Rest and recover now. You're in the thoughts and prayers of many. --Elise

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    1. Yes I went out and bought a bra just for this post surgery time and am wearing it night and day. Thank you!

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  12. Glad this part is over, good luck with the next treatment. That nausea sounds absolutely horrid. As for Scooter...good for him?

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    1. As my husband said, it’s all he can offer me ( the cat, bringing me the bird). If things go as planned, the next treatment will be some radiation, which I think is preferable to chemo. But I’m happy just to rest and heal right now.

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  13. Thank you for the update. Hope you feel better soon and your body wins this fight.

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  14. I'm glad your surgery is done and went well, except for the nausea from the anesthetic. That's a bummer! Some people tolerate anesthesia very well (I do) and others don't, unfortunately. Also glad that the numbing agent worked so well for the biopsy injections. That's a relief! And as for Ativan -- feh, that stuff is crap. A doctor once gave me one to take before a stressful procedure and it did absolutely nothing. I might as well have taken a tic-tac for all the good it did. I hope you have a good recovery period -- rest and feel better soon!

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    1. Thanks, yes, I was hoping for better “ don’t care” sensation from the Ativan, but in the end is was fine.

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  15. Thank goodness for good nurses, and thank goodness for all the love and support here in the comments. Mend well !

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    1. I really appreciate good nurses! They’re the ones in the trenches with us scared, nauseous patients! Thank you!

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  16. I'm so pleased to hear that your surgery is done and that it went well! How awful about the nausea. That must have been exhausting. Rest, feel better and strengthen! Looks like Scooter is concerned and eager to take care of you in his own way. He did bring you protein, after all!

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    1. Thank you, Martha. I already feel better now on Sunday night. Yes, Scooter was looking out for me!

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  17. I am so happy that this stage is over. Home is where you will heal best. Take it slow.

    God bless.

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  18. Happy to hear the bumpy boat ride is over and you are embarking on the train ride in the two story observation car.

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  19. A step further on.
    Careful hugs sent virtually ((0)...and good to see that you have a feline carer! X

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  20. I have heard horror stories about nausea from anesthesia, so it is good that you weathered that. Wishing you speedy recovery from your surgery and best wishes for whatever comes next. Praying for your healing.

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  21. So glad for you .. that part is done...and Amen for kindness in family, friends and professionals...take care.

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  22. So glad to hear the surgery is over. What a relief to hear that the first part wasn't so painful and you had caring people around you
    May your full recovery be fast

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  23. You are on your way to full healing and recovery and I'm glad it is all over (and that the biopsy wasn't worse, though that nausea was a bad surprise). And grateful your sister was close at hand so you didn't have to travel right away. Gentle long distance hugs to you. Rest, recuperate and onward. You can do this.

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  24. Can only imagine how happy you are to be looking at this part of the journey in the rear view mirror. Here's hoping the road ahead is smooth--no bumps, no detours with radiation--just a straight road back to healing and good health. Thinking of you. x

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    1. Yes, smooth road would be wonderful. Thank you, Mary.

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  25. I just learned that Katie Couric (Journalist/newscaster) has a website on healthcare for women/breast cancer. She's advocating for awareness and her website is outstanding. I will follower her and thought you'd like to as well.

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  26. It is such a relief to be on the healing end of things. My lumpectomy was over 12 years ago, but I do have memories. I had a drain (those are awful) but it was removed after 3-4 days. Just take care, pamper yourself a little bit. Soon it will all be a memory.

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    1. I lucked out with no drain. Thank you for your reassurances!

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  27. Very glad to read that your procedure went smoothly & quickly for you. Yeah to the numbing gel & any & all medications offered. Best bit of this in Ontario is that there's no hospital bill waiting for you :) Keeping you in my prayers. ... Mary-Lou =^[..]^=

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  28. I'm very glad for you that the scariest bit is behind you now and you're safely tucked up at home with attentive and loving nurses. Yes, it is a bit of a party in the theatre and you were the guest of honour, in a way.

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    1. There seemed to be quite a comeraderie-I guess surgical teams must work together regularly?

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  29. I'm so glad this part is behind you. You sound good--ready for what comes next. My husband gets sick from anesthesia too. Actually, almost everything gives him nausea, so you can imagine how awful chemotherapy was for him. I don't think you'll have any issues like that with radiation, at least!

    Take care, stay cheerful, and keep us updated!

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  30. So happy this part is behind you! Wishing a speedy recovery and peaceful fall days ahead.

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  31. Oh wow, Jenn. What an experience. Thankyou for the update, I was wondering howyou were. I've been away from the computer for a fewdays so I was happy to come back and read this.

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    1. Thank you, at this point I’m now 6 days post surgery, realizing that while it’s not too bad, I’m certainly in healing mode and I can’t rush it. It’s all a learning experience. I’m touched by how many people have left kind comments!

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  32. and as usual, I am always the last. I had tears by the time I finished reading this. Can't tell you how happy I am that you are past the surgery, especially the part you were so afraid of and so worried about. Take good care. I've sure thought about you. Sending lots of hugs.

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  33. I don't know how you could describe such a terrible event AND make me giggle a few times.
    I AM SO HAPPY this part is over with and that the pain wasn't as much as you anticipated.
    I suppose the nausea is from the anesthesia? Who knew that would happen...I guess you didn't and I wouldn't expect it either.

    Continued healing and prayers for you.

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