Hi All, am back at home. In case it helps anyone reading will give some info about the experience while still fresh in my memory. So, quick recap, i have had BMX and total node clearance ahead of chemo and rads to follow later in year. Hospital trip started well, arrived 7.30 and told I was first up. At 10 I was told that they were still waiting for a bed and at 11.30 my surgeon came to see me encouraging me to write to the chief executive about the loss of beds. I was told i had a window until 12 and would have to postpone the op if no bed available by then - that was probably my lowest point since my dx. Luckily a bed became available at the last moment. Some poor sods were only operated on if they could be sent home even if they should have had an overnight stay, so i was quite lucky.
Pre-op stuff was all okay, i could have done without the chat that anything i've seen on youtube about being awake during ops was very rare - i've never seen any of that on youtube!! Woke up in recovery about 3 and a half hours after going under. Felt a little nauseous but soon past. Worst bit was being desperate to need the loo but unable to use a bedpan. The lovely girl looking after me was obviously being trained and didn't know what to suggest, luckily a more experienced nurse got a commode and relief to my bladder was restored. I was taken up to the ward on a drip for morphine and oxygen which went through a tube into my nose which wasn't as unpleasant but was as unattractive as you might imagine. A drain either side, make no bones about it, they aren't subtle but they are there to do a job. Felt surprisingly well on the ward, able to eat, text and make phone calls. I didn't use the morphine, was on pretty strong oral painkillers which was enough for me, did try stopping the oxygen but felt very woosy so plugged it back in.
Not a great night's sleep, despite the earplugs. On a ward with a whiner, a snorer and a vomiter but i got my own back as i had copious flatulance. Next morning, i had been seen by the surgeon, his medical team and the BCN (for pinning of fake boobs into bra) all by 9.30. I could have chosen to discharge yesterday but i still had 2 drains at that point which were getting tangled so opted for a second night in hospital, with the slight hope that as i was such a good 'drainer' i would get both drains out by today. Felt really chipper all day yesterday, had RHS drain removed and drip and oxygen by midday. Drain removal was not unpleasant. Op sites sore but still manageable.
Started off a better night's sleep but woke up with tummy ache and have had constant and at times crippling indigestion ever since. The rennie with a use by date of 2000 provided by my husband has taken the edge iff of it but could do with a bit more of that early flatulance.
Was discharged this morning, still with LHS drain, artfully camouflaged by a very natty bag provided by the BCN. I'm guessing there is some lovely sewing circle assembling these up and down the country. The drain is a pain, i won't be able to have mine out until monday now, but despite being bulky and inconvenient they are easy to operate and you wouldn't need anyone to assist with keeping them clear. I have hooked the handles of the bag around a belt and this keeps it out of the way and more or less hidden by my pyjama top, also stops the dog jumping up and getting caught in it which has happened once already! He got shouted at, poor thing. Had to wait for several hours for my painkillers from the pharmacy which was frustrating.
Was tired and a bit emotional today. A combination of poor nights sleep and a bit of reality. The breast area isn't pretty, my surgeon has left some excess skin to assist with the recon next year so not very neat, for some reason made me a bit sad when i got dressed and not feeling up to trying a bra yet. Had a snooze this afternoon and have been well enough to potter around a bit this evening, just wish this heartburn would bugger off. Been sent home with paractemol and something stronger but haven't needed either yet.
wee i wouldn't give up on that football match yet. I have a birthday party for 12 teenagers planned for a fortnight and fully intend to be well enough to shout at them for giggling at 3 in the morning.
I didn't know much about the lymphodema risk before the BCN spoke to me yesterday, as with it all, it is manageable and a war wound of this particular experience. The movement in tgat arm is definitely a bit restricted at the moment but i will be following my exercises dilligently.
Sorry for the long entry, hope it might be of use to anyone about to go through the same thing and best regards to all of the rest of you at your various stages and challenges of this roller coaster ride.