GRATITUDE
“Everything went well. I’m optimistic.” -Surgeon
Next week the pathology reports will be in, and the following week we should have the oncotype score. For now, we are celebrating the first milestone of a safe, successful operation. I had two incisions: one to remove the tumor and one to remove sentinel lymph nodes. I’m home resting, icing, keeping pain at bay and completely taking advantage of lifting restrictions (no vacuuming for weeks! haha). (Okay, at least no vacuuming with my right arm…🤪) But, yes, A., I took a walk!
I cannot find words to describe the incredible PEACE I felt the ENTIRE day. Many, many prayers were said on my behalf and after expecting to be anxious, fidgety, irritable, and downright scared - this was a complete MIRACLE. Not even one second of nervousness. As a somewhat apologetic patient, I was instead confident in asking for what I needed (thank you daughter A.!). I boldly asked questions about medications and procedures and asked for help when I needed it.
I was - can you believe it - JOYFUL?!
And the best part? THE STORIES. Each time I had a new caregiver, I asked them to tell me their story. WOW. Such angels - all of them!
I remember the lights above me in the operating room, and then waking up feeling super dizzy with pain at the tumor site. No nausea! Yay! No sore throat! Yay!
My faithful husband J. stayed by my side as much as he could - I think he is actually more tired than me!
THANK YOU to everyone who SENT PRAYERS, texted, messaged, and prayed for me.
PRE-OP
Surprised by a lovely delivery from my kids ❤️
Drank lots of water and red Gatorade (hoping to mix with the blue dye to make purple p** 🤪)
Checked in at 10:35 am, found out doctor was one hour behind
Listened to my FAV author/narrator Anna McNuff as she described biking through Denali National Park
Was delighted to discover a heated hospital gown which just happened to match my hair
Lovely chat with our Nurse Navigator, L. while we waited for surgery
Having my surgeon prioritize me because “we are curing cancer here 👏🏻 not doing liposuction”
Received Versed (midazolam) and fentanyl right before moving to the operating room
POST-OP
Received two extra doses of Dilaudid (hydromorphone) so it took about three hours before I could stand and walk.
Lovely conversation with Nurse C., talking about mother-daughter relationships
Arrived home around 7pm, tried to eat something, tried to watch a movie and fell into bed at 10 pm
I set alarms every 3 hours to stay ahead of the pain (switching between Advil and Tylenol), waking around 8 am
Ice packs on both the tumor site and lymph node site (upper underarm)
Gradually moving my arm (regular exercises start at Day 3), wearing a supportive bra round the clock (gravity is not my friend)
“Keep putting into practice all you learned and received from me, everything you heard from me and saw me doing. Then the God of peace will be with you.”
BEHOLDING
Gorgeous flower arrangement (favorite flowers YAY) + red “We Love You” balloon from A. & A/M
SO MANY MESSAGES. Thank you mom/dad, V., SK., SJ., R., SM., F., S&S., K., J&P., J., M., E., J.
a PURPLE 💜💜💜 gown that was HEATED 💜💜💜
L. (nurse navigator) from Montana who we are forever bonded to ☺️
Safe travel despite a frigid day
SUNSHINE ☀️
SO MUCH PEACE 🙏🏻
learning the stories of my caregivers
excellent medical care and resources to pay for it
pre-made meals from K. - yum!
P. walking G. (for free!) while we were gone all day
Bragging about my mom and daughter being excellent nurses
Friends and family who sent written prayers, care packages (thank you SJ!), and encouragement
A supportive, present, loving and capable husband ❤️
(click to listen)
So I throw up my hands
And praise You again and again
'Cause all that I have is a hallelujah
Hallelujah
And I know it's not much
But I've nothing else fit for a King
Except for a heart singing hallelujah
Hallelujah
