Recap of my doctor's appointments... The breast oncologist didn't have my pathology reports yet, so she didn't have much to say to me. She gave me a hug though & looked really pleased at how well I came through surgery. She reiterated for me that she didn't think I had anything to worry about by skipping the last chemo or by keeping my nipples.
The plastic surgeon was pleased with my progress as well. He told me that the swelling will go down & that these expanders are not indicative of what my future shape will be. They removed one drain on each side and replaced the remaining drains with much smaller bulbs. They also filled my expanders with about 100cc more saline. Hopefully, tomorrow (Monday) he'll get in touch with his friend at U of L to be my 'local' doctor. According to Dr. S, the U of L doctor is head of the plastics section at their hospital (or something). The plan will be for me to get expanded weekly for about a month. Then once I'm all expanded, the expanders & my foobs will get to 'rest' for 2-3 months. The worst complication that could happen right now is if my expander comes out of the pocket b/c the mesh hasn't completely bonded with my muscle tissue. He's pretty confident I'll be fine though.
Right now the worst thing is that I'm almost completely helpless. I can't raise my arms/hands above my head both b/c of doctors orders & the pain it causes. I can't pick up Rachel or even lift her from laying to sitting for the same reasons. I'm shaky & weak from the medicine. I'm also really emotional. Its awful. I'm such an independent person and it kills me to need help with almost everything. Its probably going to be at least 2-3 weeks before I'm able to lift &/or do some more normal stuff.
Andrew is doing pretty good. He's stressed b/c this puts a lot extra stuff on his plate. He's also worried about me. The kiddos are doing well. I think Rachel grew another chin or 2 while we were gone. Simon is even worse/better at his parroting abilities. They're adorable though!
My brother & his wife moved in next door too! Its great - they have an almost 4 year (in March) girl, Abby, an almost 2 year old (in March) girl, Sarah, and a newborn (January) boy, Lukas. Laura, the wife, is a dentist for UK. She sees all the kids on state programs & such. My brother, Rowan, is in aeronautics. He owns his own business (partnership) called Ron Collins Avionics, now located in Henderson. Anyway, they're a lot of fun to have araound! It's going to be great for Simon & Rachel to have similar aged cousins right next door! Laura & my parents are also great cooks, so I'm looking forward to some AWESOME meals! Anyway, welcome home Jones family!a
Welcome Home! I think you're doing great, Erika, you really are. You have tons to deal with right now and yet you are staying very positive. To coin a sometimes popular but irritating phrase....this is a journey...a long one and you are on a particularly difficult leg of it right at the moment. Each day you are a little closer to having the whole foob thin over with! I know that not being able to pick up your baby must be a frustrating thing. You are in my prayers and I'm so glad that you are sharing this journey with others. I can pray for you in your struggles and celebrate with you in your victories!
ReplyDeleteHang in there!