Well, thank God, the pain is lessening.
I can not comfortably sit or lay down which means very little sleep. I am sleeping for just a couple of hours each night, sometimes only an hour. It is pretty crazy in that regard. But, thankfully the lack of sleep now is not due to unbearable pain – the pain I have experienced since surgery has been so intense – two and three hour periods at a time of continuous stabbing pain. I have never experienced so much physical pain in my life. Just incredible. And, I am writing about it because I want to have it here for others – who might consider the type of reconstructive surgery that I have had – to see so they can know what to expect.
I will write more about the specific type of breast reconstruction (there are several different options) later. But, I definitely wanted to capture now, while I am in the midst of recovery, just how difficult everything is.
Not so much to convince a fellow breast cancer patient to have a different type of reconstruction (although, if I could do this differently, I never would do it this way, and, would consider seriously whether I would have any reconstruction done at all) but, instead to prepare anyone who is going to go through this for what is really coming.
Knowing that I have to go through this very same procedure again in about three or four months is pretty tough. I mean I don’t have to go through it again, but, if I don’t, then I will have only one reconstructed breast. I have jokingly been referring to myself as Lisa – uni-boob. But, I really don’t want to have that name permanently.
I am very weak, have trouble getting around still. But, my nurse says that is more likely (at this point) due to the antibiotics I am on. I had never heard of that before. But, apparently the IV antibiotics I am on now cause muscle weakness, body aches and just a general not feeling good kind of thing.
What I have noticed is that everything I try to eat tastes awful – the drug (which I taste when it goes in and I taste for several hours after the administration of it) alters your taste. Things taste really different. Mostly, things just taste spoiled – really weird. But, this is all temporary. I think I only have another 6 days of the antibiotic (I hope so),
Well, I just wanted to provide an update and share some good news.
Thank you for your continued prayers, I really need it and I am very grateful for your prayers.
Love and peace,
Lisa
cancerfree2b 
Lisa,
I’m so glad you’re feeling better! Yipee! As for your next surgery, let’s practice some positive thinking! 🙂 Just knowing what to expect can help you manage the pain in the future. And, it may not be as bad, since our bodies aren’t symmetrical. Even if it is as bad, you have an extremely important bit of knowledge you lacked before: you can get through it! You’re doing it now, you can do it again, if you choose to.
Enough, I’m starting to sound preachy, so I’d better quit. 🙂
Love,
Sandy
Thank you Sandy,
No, you’re not being preachy. My recent frustration has simply been in not receiving the full story before I make a decision (for example, being told I would be able to drive about 10 to 14 days after surgery – and then, being told right after surgery that I had would not be able to drive for at least 5 weeks). I just haven’t found that I am getting the information I need ahead of time so that I can adequately plan.
And, I think, a huge part of this whole thing has to do with the fact that most patients are not single, most have a husband, so there is someone living with the patient who can drive, run errands, be a care taker etc. In my case, that just isn’t a reality and so going from 2 weeks of no driving to 5 weeks . . . and “then we’ll see” . . . well, it is pretty frustrating.
Anyway, I know it will all get better. I just wish I didn’t get the information from my surgeon so piece meal. It makes it very hard to plan – both personally and professionally, very difficult.
Thank you for your continued prayers and support!
Much love,
Lisa
Dearest Lisa,
I am so very sorry you were having such horrible pain and couldn’t eat or even comfortably sit, lie down or get any sleep. I understand and share your anger and frustration about the lack of information and guidance through this awful journey. There should be a Gilda’s club in every area for cancer patients to share concerns and info. And of course doctors need to give ALL information.
Lisa, I am offering a limited fast for you and your permanent recovery. Maybe others will consider adopting this practice.
Love and prayers,
Sally
Dear Aunt Sally,
Mom told me of your fast yesterday. All I can say is that I am honored . . . and that you should eat (be well and be safe). But, thank you for this, I truly am honored.
You have all my love always,
Lisa