I have had the port surgically removed from the right side
of my chest and am just waiting for the sealing glue strip to come off. The surgeon actually cut into the same place
as when they inserted it so there's only one scar from those procedures. Now when I turn my head it doesn't feel like
I'm going to disconnect a wire from the carotid artery in my neck. Such a relief!
I've also had surgery to insert a tissue expander. This was put into the hole where my left
breast used to live. Again, the surgeon
was able to use the same incision point used for my mastectomy so one scar
there as well. My job now is to massage
this area at least twice a day to move the saline from the top of my expander
to the bottom where the permanent implant will go. Today I went for a procedure and now have
what would rival Arnold Schwarzenegger's pec.
Gives new meaning to the term "pump it up"! My left breast is now situated close to my
shoulder. My right breast is much lower,
of course, due to age and gravity so trying to find a bra to fit that is just not
happening. To pump up the expander, I
was directed to lie on my back while the surgeon used a magnetic gizmo to
locate the internal port, bring it to the surface and then put a needle through
my skin. He pumped in as much saline as
my expander would take and that was it.
No pain, just pressure. When I
sat up, I could feel it all shifting and that was trippy. I thought it was going to squirt out but I
guess he knows what he's doing. That
area is apparently self-sealing. I asked
him how that works and he said, "It's magic." Finally, a medical term I can understand!
Yesterday I saw the radiation oncologist who said once the
pumping up is done she will schedule a "marking session". I will lie on a bed and get some blue marks
tattooed on my body where the lining up will occur each session. TeeTee told the doctor she'd been trying to
convince me to get a tattoo forever.
They will remove them after radiation if I want them to. Then there was a discussion about a patient
who expanded her blue dots into a bee and flower. Not sure that's going to happen but I've
learned through this process to not make quick decisions. Once the marking has been done, I'll be given
a schedule for five weeks of daily radiation therapy (excluding weekends). Turns out she's my favourite doctor
throughout this ordeal because she said I could actually have some alcohol
during this portion of therapy. So
tonight, it's Bellini time with some girlfriends! I should be a cheap date for sure.
Overall, I'm feeling pretty good. My ongoing challenge is brain power. I find my concentration is lacking and my
recall pretty bad. My emotions are all
over the map but that's more to do with my personal life than my chemo
brain. I've said all along that the
cancer may not kill me but my shattered heart just might. I try to stay strong and positive every day,
which is easier said than done, hoping for a brighter future with repaired
relationships.
So onward and upward (well except my boob which needs a
little downward movement). To say thank
you to all my friends who have supported me through this journey seems somehow
inadequate. You have all been amazing,
consistent, loving, understanding and available. So tonight some of us will raise a toast to a
happier, healthier future.
Kudos Karen! Cheers to your spirit and sense of humour! Love & Hugs :)
ReplyDeleteYou've come a long way, baby... keep on keeping on!! Lots of love... :)
ReplyDelete