One Week Out
It's one whole week since surgery. I'm at home, resting and recovering. Overall I'm doing well, I think. I'll give you a little insight into what has been going on, for some of you this might be too much information so just skip this update if you do not have a desire to read details of my surgery or healing and know that we are all doing good. I'm resting and taking it easy during the day. I'm able to get around the house when I need to and am getting stronger every day.
With my last update, I gave you a little update while we were still in the hospital. I'll be honest I don't remember everything I said, I didn't go back and read it again. I probably shouldn't have been allowed near a computer so hopefully, I made sense. There are parts of the hospital I don't remember too well and then parts that I remember way too well. I know that I slept off and on for 48 hours straight. I was checked on every hour and there was a lot of checking that had to be done to make sure everything was successful from the surgery. This surgery not only is long but it's risky too, even when you have normal labs. I was watched closely. The surgery I had was called a DIEP flap surgery. The flap is removed from my stomach area and then placed in my breast area with a major artery removed and reattached with microsurgery and then by sewing the tiny blood vessels back together. After that is done they have to make sure everything stays connected, flows with blood, and regenerates more vessels. The first 48 hours are critical because that is when most flaps die and have to be repaired or removed with emergency surgery. I praise God we didn't have any issues. The flaps are doing great! They are healthy and seem to be healing well. We were released from the hospital on Sunday. I was so ready to leave. I had been connected to so many wires the whole time I was there. I had a heart monitor, a pulse oxygen monitor, a blood pressure monitor, a doppler monitor for the flaps, and oxygen off and on. The effort of just using the bathroom was an ordeal. J & M had it down by the time I was discharged.
Speaking of them, I don't know if I mentioned it last time but the visiting hours were still in place so they were there from about 8 in the morning until 8 every night, then I was by myself. I know I told you, my nurses were incredible and they were. Each and every one of them, but they aren't my family. I really looked forward to 8 o'clock rolling around so that I could see my people. I was so thankful that they were there and I treasured the time they spent with me. I know it wasn't ideal for them as it's boring watching me sleep. But they were rockstars! And I'll never forget everything they had to witness or assist with during my care.
Now, I don't just have the flap area to heal from, I also have a hip to hip incision from where they removed the tissue they needed for the flap. That area is tight and I'd say where I feel the most pain. It's hard to move around. I also have to stay hunched over and walk like an old lady with t-rex arms as I use a walker. So there is a visual for you. I feel 80 instead of 45. But I know once this area heals more, as it is each day I'll be able to stand up straighter and straighter and I can't wait for that day. Each day I get a little better and closer to being able to walk upright again.
Another part of this surgery is JP drains, these are functional but probably the worse part of the recovery. They are long tubes that are attached inside and exit at the end of the incisions. I have four of them. They help remove excess fluid so that the body doesn't have to reabsorb it. You have to care for these each day, 4-6 times a day. I am so thankful that J helps me with these. I feel like an octopus and have to be careful not to catch them on anything. They aren't fun at all. And I really am praying they are removed at my follow-up appointment tomorrow.
This journey has taught me so many lessons and given me knowledge of things I never thought I'd have to know. But I think the most important thing I have learned is that I'm thankful for the people in my life. I strongly believe God places the right people in your life for each season and that they are the people that walk with you through that season. Some people are your lifetime people and I have amazing lifetime people in my life. The gift of J as a spouse is continuously one of my biggest blessings, as I know this must be so challenging for him but he loves me well. My parents bless my socks off, they are willing to do anything! My kids are amazing and handle this so well. They are awesome! And then my friends who have known me for a long, long time who know just when to reach out, with just the right words and encourage me by just knowing they are a phone call away.
Sometimes you have people in your life that are just there for a season. I have been blessed with some incredible people who fit that status as well. It's something I've been more mindful of as life has been a rollercoaster ride for a while now, but no matter what I've always got the right people in my life at the right time. I'll tell you, I have to look for them sometimes. I do have to nurture the relationships that I'm given, and I have to do life with them as well because I might be there for them and not for me. But it's a beautiful thing to watch the hand of God work in your life through relationships.
Healing is such a private, internal thing but knowing that my people who love me enough to do anything are always right there is a gift. It's important to treasure the relationships you have, say thank you to the people who are there for you, and tell them you love them! God doesn't want us to do life alone and He gives the most amazing people to walk alongside you when you need them. I couldn't imagine my life without my people!
Ok, I'm rambled enough for now! Thanks for sticking with me on my journey! Love you lots!! And appreciate you for your friendship and part in my journey.
