Week 3 - Day 4

Since today is the day I will get my fourth and final tube out, I want to once again thank my medical team. (See "My Team:" at top of blog). My girls are going with us on this trip and are quite excited. They know we 'go to Boston', but they don't really know what that means, so on this trip they get to 'go to Boston'. They probably won't go in while the drain is pulled, but they will get to meet some of my wonderful team.

So today, let's see how I have changed. Well, when it comes to medical care, my experience has taught me to shop around. There is certainly nothing wrong with going local; however sometimes sacrificing the convenience of local for the expertise of a place like Boston (Beth Israel) is worth the trade off. I have learned to keep looking for what you want or need until you find it. Just because you have a consultation with someone and you like them does not mean you should stop there. Find out where they were trained and then have a consult with the person who trained them. Keep going until you feel comfortable. Don't settle. Again you will see photos of my medical team!! Dr. Tobias was prepared for the photoshoot this time!! And Maria straightened her hair for the event!!! We have an exceptionally long wait for the drain pull, but it was worth the wait and once again, Malika did a super job!! I felt a little twinge (not pain) on the opposite side of the where the drain was located and Maria said that it was the drain on the inside. That thing must have been a foot long on the inside!!! Soooooo glad they are gone!!

It's not like I have a crystal ball, but I am wondering what might have happened if I hadn't been at Beth Israel when I had the bad moments coming out of anesthesia and the whole day I was on morphine. I don't even want to think about it. I do worry about my next operation (Stage II) which is much shorter, but I know I have the best medical care in the world. They got me through the first operation and I am confident they can do it again.

So, yes, life is different. You can face life's challenges. You can be gutsy. You can choose your medical team. You can do it!!!

JieJie took lots of photos on Final Drain Pull Day. She is becoming a very good photographer. One picture I have been waiting to take is me with a chocolate frosted doughnut and a coffee coolata. The doughnut was delicious, but the coolate did not meet expectations. So, maybe I don't need caffeine after all.

We also got to enjoy a meal at Souper Salad. They had stopped serving beef potpies for the season, but the clam chowder was still good. It was very nice, so once again we got to enjoy a nice meal on the patio.  The last photo is of JieJie, our official photographer for the day!!!

Week 3 - Day 3

Today my post is dedicated to Mike, the unsung hero in all of this. This week I am looking at how life is different now. Again, most of the changes are subtle, but this particular one isn't quite so subtle. I can no longer look at my husband without seeing and feeling the love he has for me. Anyone who knows me knows that I have always shared that Mike is the most wonderful husband in the world, because he cooks, cleans, does laundry, takes great care of our girls, but he is so much more. He is genuinely caring, loving, tender, patient and gentle. Those are just the words I can come up with, there are other qualities that I just can't wrap words around.

During all of this he never waivered or made me hurry up with my decision or persuaded me in any way, he is caring is such an unassuming way. Protective even. The night in the hospital when he pulled the plugs off the machine I was hooked up to and got me into the bathroom is one thing I will never forget. He knows exactly what to do when I am in need!!! He has had to strip and clean my drains since leaving the hospital, he has been so gentle when doing this. It's really tough for me since the drain is coming out of MY body, but I don't have to worry that he is going to pull on it and cause me pain. When I am achy or tired or simply lazy he carries all the weight. He gets the girls dinner, gets them ready for bed, reads to them, then takes care of me, my drains, my bed (my pillows have to be just right for proper sleeping!). Over the years I have certainly tested his patience, but the depth of his patience seems unending. Right now he is living with 3 needy girls. AND he is hanging in there.

When you get married you don't always realize just how important that decision is until you are tested. Is this the person you can trust to walk you to the bathroom in your johnny? Is this the person who will endure night after night on a cot when he could be staying in a first class hotel? Is this the person who won't leave your side in the recovery room so that he can get something to eat after a very long night of waiting for you to come out of surgery? Is this the person who gives you backrubs when his back is the one that really needs it? Is this the person who gives you the last piece of his favorite pie? Is this the person who will take six weeks off from work to make sure that you are doing what you need to do to recover? Is this the person who will go out and get you new milk after you take a sip of milk from March 31st and it's now April 10th? Is this the person who can laugh with you when you are being dramatic or silly? Is this the person you can trust with your worries and fears? Is this the person you want to sit with on an old porch watching the sun set? When I look at Mike I can say, "YES!" to each and every one of these questions. I hope that I am never tested, but if I am I certainly have a great and caring role model. Again, my gratitude to his mom. He is my unsung hero. He doesn't get the cards or the flowers or the hugs or the phone calls. But he did have a friend come over to get him out to go golfing!!! And what a difference that made!!

"Love is patient; love is kind; love is not envious or boastful or arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice in wrongdoing, but rejoices in the truth. It bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things."

Pathology Update:

My breast surgeon called with my pathology report. Although I wasn't worried about having invasive cancer (yet), I still wanted to know. So, what I had was LCIS in my right breast, which is not the breast that had endured 3 previous biopsies. My right breast hadn't given me any problems and I had assumed that it would be clear of an non-invasive or invasive cancer. I know that my path is not the right path for everyone, but I am certainly relieved. It was a big decision and the recovery is big, but worth the peace of mind.

Week 3 - Day 2

I may have mentioned this "Brave Me" canvas before; but it certainly deserves mentioning again. As I reflect on the subtle differences in me as a result of my decision to choose a prophylactic bilateral mastectomy with immediate DIEP reconstruction, I can't help but think of this canvas and the friend behind the canvas. When she gave this to me it was two weeks before my surgery. I was 'almost' ready, there were a few puzzle pieces that needed to fall into place, but I was more ready than not. BUT one thing I didn't really feel was 'brave'. Another friend has said that I was an 'inspiration'. All these were before the surgery. I really just felt like it was my own way of dealing with high risk and that most people when faced with this would choose to do the same thing (sooner or later). I didn't feel special, or brave, or inspirational. PLUS I hadn't actually done anything at that point and knew that I could back out right up until they sent me off to surgery.

Well, now it's been two weeks since my recovery began AND I feel brave and proud and happy and at peace with my decision. And maybe in there somewhere is some inspiration. I can honestly say that once I came off the morphine (to which I have a sensitivity) I have never once doubted my decision. That day, two weeks ago, when I was dealing with the phlegm ball and thought I would never leave the hospital alive I had some doubts, many of them morphine induced. My body is different - which is still pretty uncomfortable and ultra-sensitive, but that's okay. I don't have to worry about my risk of breast cancer. I don't have mammograms, MRIs, ultrasounds, biopsies, etc. I sleep well at night, even if I am propped up on pillows so that I won't roll over.

In the end, I am at peace. Others could see something in me that I couldn't see until I had come through the surgery. I am proud. BRAVE ME! And I hope that through some of my blogging or my openess that I can serve as an inspiration to others who are facing a similar journey. I just got a get-well card from one of my beloved aunts and she called me 'gutsy'.  I like that!!!

Physical Update: Today is already better than yesterday. The only percocet I get during the day is in the morning, so when getting up and showering that eases some of the discomfort. For the rest of the day it is Tylenol and Advil. I do feel the ultra-sensitivity all day long which is rather bothersome, but can deal with it. MeiMei asked this morning when she could give me a 'real' hug. Right now they give leg hugs and shoulder hugs, but not belly hugs. Maybe when the drain is pulled. It stills feels so funky and weird and uncomfortable, but maybe a few good hugs with my girls will make it all feel better!!!

Week 3 - Day 1

This was me a few minutes ago. It's cold here. Or at least I was cold. Plus, if you look closely you can see that I am pained a bit. Uncomfortable is the best word I can come up with. The pain doesn't really rate the 'official' pain chart of 1-10. But uncomfortable works. It might be the 2 foot tube sticking out of my hip. It might be that I am taking only Tylenol and Advil during the day. It might be simply that it is cold out. I was trying to watch Mike put the SkyFort together, but decided it was time to blog. This week I want to talk about some of the ways my life is different.

Of course there are no major revelations, but some more subtle things that are different. From the beginning of this blog I have talked about how important my friends and family have been to me during this journey. I could never have gotten this far without their limitless support and encouragement every step of the way. I will be eternally grateful to them for all they have done for me and my family. I think I have the best circle of friends. When your friends become your family and your family becomes your friends you are truly blessed. And I have been blessed a thousand times over.

So just how have these wonderful people helped us? That's a great question since it is always hard to know what to do for others who are in a tough situation - UNTIL you have been there. It's the big things (thank you Aunt Dot) and the little things. It's thinking about what might ease the burden a bit, like preparing a home-cooked meal; offering to watch my girls; cleaning my house; sending a note or card or even a heartfelt message on FB; making a phone call or a special visit; sending a bouquet of flowers or fruit; creating art; or sending prayers. All of these things make a huge difference. And I am grateful to each and every one of our friends for all they have done to help us. I will certainly know better how to help next time I have the opportunity to help one of them.

Just this morning at 7am one friend dropped off tonight's dinner (chicken, mashed potato.... comfort food) for us along with some delicious blueberry crumb bars (I couldn't wait Marcy). I know how busy everyone is and I am so appreciative of what they are doing for me.

Last week I went in to get my long awaited haircut from Debbie (Options Spa) and she gave me the cut. I never would have expected that. She said that she couldn't make a casserole, but that she could cut hair and she did that for me.

I still get tears in my eyes when I think about all the thoughtful, heartfelt things that people do. You wouldn't believe the incredible food that my friends have sent our way. I am including the recipes at the top of the blog so that everyone can enjoy them.

So, today my life is different in the sense that I am aware of who my friends are and just how much they mean to me. Sometimes life gets busy and you lose touch with those people you truly care for, so this has served as a reminder not to let that happen.

Week 2 - Day 7

Okay, so it's been a few days since I have posted. Let me see if I feel any different from the pins and needles of Friday's post. No, not really. I think the whole numb feeling will pass in time, but it's a funky and wierd feeling and I don't like it. BUT, this feeling didn't hold me back from attending the annual auction at my daughter's school on Saturday night. Here I am all dressed up with my new do, while still sporting one drain, hidden under my size 2x top. I had a blast at the school auction; HOWEVER I paid the price the next day. I was exhausted, tired, cranky and very sore. Thank God, for Gary and Brenda, who came over with dinner all prepared and pitched in with the girls and helped Mike work on the girls' SkyFort!! I watched Brenda play with my kids and wished I had the energy to do that. I enjoyed seeing them happy and carefree. Here's a picture of Brenda doing some planting with them. One of the many things I am grateful for is my friends. I cherish them and could not be managing my recovery as well as I am without them (and Mike).

Week 2 - Day 6

I have been home for over a week now. Am feeling good, but also starting to feel lots of numbness in chest/abdominal area. From everything I have learned this is normal, but it just feels funky and weird. Numbness, I have learned, is not something you can actually convey to someone else with words. People will associate it with novacaine, or tingly feet (pins and needles) or an old scar, but really none of that fits this. Just odd. My assumption is that some of this will dissipate and the rest I will become my new normal. Right now it isn't my new normal and it's rather uncomfortable when clothing touches it.  Next week I plan to post each day on some of the ways my life is different now, almost 2 weeks after surgery. I also plan to include more real live photos to track my healing progress (no pictures of incisions or anything awkward so don't worry). Have a nice weekend.

Week 2 - Day 5

Last Week: Going home day!!! We knew on Thursday that we would probably be ready to go home on Friday. We told the girls first then called everyone else. Plus our friend, PA, stopped by on Thursday night when we Skyped the girls to tell them. They were thrilled and we felt ready to move out, even though we loved the staff. So, Friday morning started with a 5am walk around the nurses' station, a shower unassisted by nursing staff, getting dressed in street clothes, packing up and heading home. It was a very exciting day. We had requested that we leave between 10 and 12 and we were out the door by 10:30. I had always understood that discharge was this time consuming, very delayed event, so we were thrilled.

We did have to do some picture taking of Dr. Curtis, Maria and Petrya before we left. They were all so wonderful. I didn't say much about Tamara, but she was an angel too. When Petrya left on Thursday, Tamara took over, then Petrya returned on Friday am to help us get ourselves together. Hopefully each and every one of the nurses (as well as Maria and the doctors) who cared for me on CC6 know that they are always welcome to our home!!! I think I promised Petrya that we would find some very good hiking trails for her in Acadia. On my last walk around the nurses station the department manager (I think) stopped us and was shocked. She lit right up and said something like, "You look sooooooooooooo much better than when we met. I didn't even recognize you!" I may have paraphrased wrong, but it was a great compliment. I had on street clothes and no longer sported a johnny. I had on make-up, well under eye corrector (good-bye bags) and lipstick. My hair was clean and I was happy. Mike was by my side. A few minutes later he wheeled me out to the car and we headed home. On the way home we stopped at Aunt Sally's house in Freeport, where I felt a bit odd. It was sensory stuff....like way too much sunshine and movement. But that passed by the time we got back to Bangor. The girls were happy. Dot was relieved. And were finally home. This had been a year and the half in the making and now we were on the road to recovery.

The photos I have included: my last breakfast at BIDMC. It was oatmeal and English muffins. We didn't know we had to ask for brown sugar and butter. Every meal had been great, so when this one didn't hold a candle to the others, we knew it was time to go. Here's a picture of Mike working. Poor guy slept on a cot for three nights and never ever complained. Then there is me in street clothes. I was so so happy!!!! Next is the room number. Then you will see me with Dr. Curtis (Dr. Tobias's Breast Fellow) who will be setting up his own practice when he is finished with this assignment. I feel blessed to have crossed paths with him. In this photo is Maria, a true Godsend. No one can put you at ease like Maria. She is funny, caring, knowledgeable, helpful and always available. The last photo is with Petrya, who was outstanding in every way. My other 'team members' can be found under MY TEAM at the top of the home page.

This Week: Today I woke up for the first time in a week and a half with ONLY ONE DRAIN. I am thrilled. I am still quite sore and numb, but I assume that that will last for quite awhile. I will go back and post pictures from yesterday's visit with Dr. Tobias, Maria and Malika (my new angel) on yesterday's follow-up post. Today I am finally going to get my hair cut!!! I will post the new do!! For over a year I have been growing my hair out thinking that if I pulled it back in the hospital it would be easier and look better. The reality is that if I had had a short cut it would have been easier. Looking better isn't really a concern during those first few days when you are simply trying to adjust. Greasy hair, bangs pushed up to the side and the rest just hanging there is not a pretty picture, BUT they do not have mirrors in your room. And Mike didn't seem to mind how I looked. He was just happy that I wasn't seeing things or imagining things anymore. I plan to post more FAQ today. More pictures coming!!!

Mike's office staff had this fruit bouquet delivered today!! Wonderful. You will see MeiMei's hand reaching for it...... I also had my hair cut and my hair stylest 'gave' me the cut. She said that she isn't so good at casseroles or things like that, but she wanted to do something nice for me. Of course, it made me cry!! It is amazing how kind the people in our lives have been. What people do is across the board from cards, to flowers, to food, to phone calls, to visits, to Mass cards, to sending along special prayers and quotes, it all means so much to me. I have a much greater appreciation of the things I can do for others now that I have been the recipient of such a wonderful outpouring of love and support. Thank you all!!!

Week 2 - Day 4 (updated)

Last Week: Okay, so I am pre-posting this before I leave for Boston so that I can stick to my schedule of comparing each day last week with each day this week. Last Thursday was April 1st. Patty had called on Wednesday night to see if she could visit on Thursday since she had already planned to take the day off and come to Boston. I still wasn't up for visitors so Mike asked that she call back in the morning. On Thursday morning she called back, made the 3-hour one way trip and wasn't disappointed. Just after Mike left to take a walk to his hotel room for a shower, Patty arrived as did my entire 'plastics' medical team. She met Dr. Tobias, Maria and Dr. Curtis. I think Petrya was my nurse that day, so she also got to interact with her and help me take a walk around the nurses station. Thursday was a good day, a very good day. I wasn't ready to leave, but it was good. Petrya had helped me with my shower that morning and I felt a million times better. Remember I grew my hair long for the hospital stay, thinking I would pull it back or put it under a ballcap. Well, I can't lift my arms up to pull my hair back, but Mike did buy me a pretty BIDMC ballcap that he could help with. I am so proud of my 'team' at BIDMC that I wear my hat with pride!!! I must say that I am very proud of myself for being able to make the toughest decision of my life and have no regrets. Thursday was the day I got unhooked from the VIOPTIX oxygenation machine (hopefully I got that right). So I was no longer hooked up to anything that moved. I still had the drains and still had vitals taked every couple of hours, but was unattached. What a wonderful feeling.

I have posted pictures of me in my bed, where I spent much of my time, when not walking around the nurses' station. Here's another picture of where Mike spent most of his days. He did keep himself occupied with work, Suduko, Nintendo and some reading. I spent my time blowing into my spirometer 10x/hour. It did keep me somewhat occupied. Patty left some magazines which helped, but my eyes felt funky and reading was tough.  The calendar says that it is March 31st on the wall behind me, but it was really April 1st. I love my bouquet of flowers, too. They were nice and bright and cheered me up along with my visit from Patty.

This Week: This morning we are waking up in Boston at the Best Western, once again. Today I will see Dr. Tobias and Maria at 9am at Beth Israel. Since I am pre-posting I am assuming that I will be nervous and excited. Nervous because I have never heard anything short of dreadful when it comes to drain removal and excited because at least one or two of my drains will be removed. They don't really bother me, but this procedure puts me one step closer to full recovery. I will post pictures of today after we take them.

UPDATE:  So we made it to Boston on Wednesday evening just in time to get a quick meal at the cafeteria and then a walk down toward Fenway. I got a bit tired so we stopped to sit on a bench and watched everyone going to the game. I know how much Mike would have loved going the game!! Instead we watched people in 95 degree temps.

So, on Thursday morning we did a bit of a walk down memory lane. I will post pictures of the hotel, the hospital, the plastic surgery team!!  Here is the Best Western at Longwood. For the night before surgery, this is the place to stay (make sure you get a clean room with internet!). The next photo is of Mike with his cup of coffee. A week ago, he whe was trapped in my hospital room and didn't get out much. And, while he waited for me in surgery/recovery it was pouring so hard that he could't spend much time outside. Although I do undertand that he did take a long walk in the rain on one of those long days. The other photos are a bit jumbled and I can't seem to be able to move them to the right spots, so you will have match them up with the descriptions. One of the photos is of me (with four drains in my pockets) in front of the West Clinical Center at Beth Israel. That's where my surgery took place. That's were you go the morning of your surgery, sign in and wait with all the others having surgery that morning. You wait on a circular bench - reminded me of traveling with a tour group. There is also a picture of the hospital from outside my room. I had a great room (#620). From the inside I had great views and great sunshine pouring in.  Next are up-to-date photos of my "Plastics" Team: The first is with Dr. Tobias. It is actually taken in his office, oh, I am sitting in his chair!!! I am pretty sure most patients don't do  this, but then again most patients probably don't travel with a camera with the purpose of blogging either. Anyway, he was very gracious. I told him that the first picture with him the morning of surgery my eyes were closed so we needed an update photo. Next is a picture of my newest angel - Malika!!! Oh my!! She has always gotten me settled during each and every appointment to Dr. Tobias' office, but this was the first time she did something to/for me. I knew I would get my drains pulled today AND I knew it was supposed to hurt - like 20 seconds of torture. WELL, I DIDN'T FEEL A THING. Malika has magical fingers. On the first drain, after she clipped the stitch, I felt a little something, but nothing that would even it a pain scale. She had me take deep breaths, then told me it was out!!! On the next two, I didn't even feel anything. I took my deep breaths and it was over. Mike said that it looked like about 8 inches of tubing came out of me. How cool is that? Then there is a picture of me with Maria, Dr. Tobias' nurse. Again, I can't say this enough - she is a lifesaver!! She is able to diffuse anxiety and clarify, clarify, clarify when I ask endless questions and provide the kind of support only someone who has seen lots of other women go through the same thing can do. 

. And last, but certainly not least is Jean. Jean is Dr. Tobias' office manager. She was the first point of contact for me with his office and remains the voice on the other end of the phone whenever I call. She remembers me each time. I will post these 'staff' shots under "MY TEAM" as well. I can't say enough wonderful things about my team. It took alot of work to find them and I will forever be grateful for all that they have done and continue to do for me.

Week 2 - Day 3

Last Week:  Wednesday last week was a turing point for me. The paranoia had seemed to diminish, probably as the morphine left my body!! I had been moved to my room on CC6 (room 620) at Beth Israel late Tuesday and slept in the chair that night. Not the most comfortable night's sleep, but I remember not having it in me to move to the bed. They actually moved me from PACU to my floor in the chair, where I stayed until well into Wednesday morning. Then finally on Wednesday morning, I got to go on a walk with Jessica, the first of many wonderful nurses I had on that floor. Other things I remember from Tuesday night is my Aunt Kate calling, but not being able to take the call (sorry Aunt Kate!). I wasn't in any shape to talk coherently to anyone until Wednesday, although I do recall Mrs. Tremblay calling and having a nurse pass the phone to me and speaking with her. I am not sure what I said. It had been rough up until about midday Wednesday, which was the turning point. Later on Wednesday night, when Danielle was my nurse, a resident came in and told us that I would be released on Thursday morning. Mike and I looked at each other and asked if he was sure. Oh, he was pretty certain. That increased the stress level a great deal, until wonderful Danielle double-checked and said that I would NOT be released until Friday or Saturday. They would not kick me out!!!! I think they call that a teachable moment for the resident. Anyway, on Wednesday, I walked around the nurses station a few times and felt so much better. I also moved to the hospital bed in the room and was much more comfortable. Oh, plus the phelgm ball in my throat had dissipated and I was finally able to sleep. We all know how much sleep helps us to heal!!!! Let the healing begin!!! Wednesday was my first attempt at blogging. Mike had been blogging and when I go back and look at his posts I cry. I can't believe how tough his job was, not only with the waiting, but the worrying and then all the disturbing paranoia. He truly was my angel and still is. I could never have traveled this road without him by my side.

It seemed like the minute I moved into my room from PACU that I received a bouquet of flowers from Joanne, Jeff and Haley in Tampa. I can't remember if they arrived on Tuesday or Wednesday, but here is a picture. They made the room smell so wonderful.

This Week: We are headed back to Boston today for a follow-up visit tomorrow, so I don't have any hot off the press pictures just yet. I can only say that I am feeling 100% better than I did a week ago!! I will add photos of today after we take them and after we get home from Boston!!!

Week 2 - Day 2

Last Week:  Okay so last Tuesday was rough. I will post a picture from that day last week when I didn' think I would make it through the day - a couple of things were happening. First, I apparently have a sensitivity to morphine (long story) and I had a phlegm ball in my throat that I couldn't get up therefore I couldn't breathe. Not being able to breathe led me to not being able to sleep. Then between the lack of sleep and my sensitivity to morphine I had some pretty major fears. Mike just said that I did sleep on and off, but had such vivid dreams that I didn't think I had slept. Not a pretty picture. Here is a picture from last Tuesday morning in the PACU unit. Wow, as I look more closely at this picture I can remember everything about that day. The good news is that at least now I KNOW I have a sensitivity to morphine and with the best docs in the world we can work with that. I still another procedure coming up, but not for a few months or longer. The next procedure is shorter - maybe 5 hours, not 14 hours.

This Week:  Today is Tuesday, April 6th. I got up at 6am and got myself out of my own bed!!! Helped a little bit getting JieJie and MeiMei ready for school, then went to school to help out in the library. My regular day to volunteer is Tuesday and I wanted to see the Librarian, who has been so tremendously supportive throughout this journey. Her mouth dropped open when she saw me!!!! I do my best to tuck my drains out of sight, but that's pretty tough to do. Although I could help check books in, I still don't feel comfortable having lots of kids around me. One pull of the drain and who knows what might happen!!! Better not to test it. I was so happy to see everyone!! Here is a picture of me walking JieJie into school this morning. When we came home, Mike cleaned and drained my drains. Here is a picture of the drains from my perspective. The other picture is the fluid in the cups coming from each drain. I will get one or more drains out on Thursday!!!   

You remember the Feed the Flap party? Well, we are certainly benefitting from all the wonderful meals that we were able to 'seal and save' after the party. Last night it was Marcia's Beef Stew. Very Yummy. It's amazing how good it feels to eat food prepared by someone else when you are recovering or taking care of someone recovering. Thank you Marcia.

Week 2 - Day 1

This was me one week ago preparing for surgery. I had given the girls some prayer/wishing/meditation stones to hold and rub while we were gone. I also gave one to Mike and I had one too. Here I have put it in my eye just before they wheeled me a way. A bit of joking around lightened things up for Mike, I hope. And here is a picture of me yesterday at our Easter Egg Hunt!!! I was/am a bit hunched over, but not as much as I had been last week on my first 'walk' around the nurses station. This week I plan to post pictures from last week and a picture taken a week later. Today is Monday, April 5th. Last week this time I had been in surgery for hours and still faced hours ahead of me as well as night I never want to revisit. Today, I was told by my aunt that my grandmother had had serious reactions to morphine, hmmmm something to think about. Anyway Mike is home with the girls and I am going to go play!!!! Oh, I created a new page called "My Team!". You can find it at the top of the page, just under the photo of me with JieJie and MeiMei. There I have posted pictures of my fabulous medical team!!!

Day 7 - Happy Easter

Happy Easter!! This is almost a live post!!! I am writing it at 8:45pm the night before Easter. I feel great. Still needing pain meds, but it remains at a level 1. I am standing up much straighter. Mike is a whiz at draining my tubes. Showering is far easier than I expected. The marsupial pouches help alot with that.

The girls, Mike and Aunt Dot will head to church in the morning in their pretty new pink dresses. I plan to take some photos if my new camera isn't too heavy. I have weight limit of 5 lbs.  No driving for a while. I have been so lucky to have Mike's sister Dot, her husband Don and his sister Sally here all day. They have helped with the kids, food prep, ..... Mike says it's time for drains and pills so I can't make him wait. Happy Easter!!!!

Day 6 - Coming Home

If today is Saturday, I should either be going home or might even be home already. I think I can honestly say that this has been the longest week of my life. The toughest week for me, but also for two little girls who have been waiting for us to get home. If I am home, then I shouldn't have to go back to Boston until Thursday. The ride is a bear, but to get top notch medical care you do what you have to do (IT REALLY WASN'T A BEAR - THAT WAS WRITTEN EARLIER). This picture was taken with my new camera - a Nikon D5000 with a really cool lens. The camera does so much more than simple point and shoot and my game plan is to learn what all the little gadgets on the camera can do. Tomorrow is Easter and I hope to be up enough to get some nice photos of the girls - as long as the camera isn't too heavy!!

UPDATE:

First night at home was very successful! Slept well on the hospital bed. Mike again slept on the 'cot' in the playroom. Girls have been very very good. Jaelin was up to seeing my drains - she is so much like Mike and his sisters - nothing grosses her out. Dot has them out bike riding right now and Mike is getting me some more medicine at the pharmacy. My visiting nurse is coming by this morning to check me out, but I think things look good!!! Aunt Red is here....gotta run!!!!

Day 5

Today is Friday. Either I will be out today or tomorrow. Since we live four hours away they will probably keep me one more day. Plus the better shape I am in the better the ride will be for DH. At our pre-admission consult with the PS, he wished DH luck on the way home. I had just exhausted him and his nurse with four pages of questions from pain to breast size to pain back to breast size. He never changed his answers. It was only my questions that changed. I like that about him - never over promising. The deal is that he would rebuild my breasts with my 'fat flap' and the unstated, would do a remarkable job. Hopefully it all took.

UPDATE:  We are home!!! Mike just finished emptying my drains. Aunt Dot did a remarkable job of watching our 7 year old who seemed to grow up in just a week and our 4 year old who seemed to totally fall apart in just one week. We are all getting readjusted to the new mom. They've played on my hospital bed. They want to see the scars, but we are holding off on that for a while. I have to still get used to them.

The ride home was so much easier than expected. We stopped at Mike's sister's house in Freeport for a break then got home about 3:30. The girls and Aunt Dot had made a special cake for me with strawberries and we have been sitting in the sun on the patio.

We plan to continue to blog to recount some of the highs and lows of the whole experience. I am happy. I picked the perfect team at Beth Israel and other than a rough ride with anesthesia it was uneventful. Getting up for my first walk was the highlight along with the first shower and the first good night's sleep.

For now I am going to head out to catch the last few rays of sun before we all sit down for a lobster dinner!!! Thanks to all the doctors, nurses and staff at BIDMC.