End of the Month Update

I'm a few days away from my one year anniversary of my first (of many) breast cancer surgeries.  Time does fly.  It feels like yesterday, but also so long ago.  So glad to have all that behind me now.

Last Wednesday I had a follow-up with Dr. Chatson.  I had been applying the recommended ointment religiously according to instructions. It still looks somewhat scabby (and angry), but the threat of infection has passed. I have yet another follow-up in May. It's definitely coming along.

Today I had a pre-op examination in order to gain medical clearance for my cataract surgery in a few weeks.  I had a new nurse today.  Her name was Blanca.  While preparing for the doctor's examination, she indicated that I had not had my pneumonia shot.  I know I had often thought that it was a good idea to get one since many suffer (and die) from pneumonia as age creeps up.  I was told that the immunization consisted of two shots.  The first, pneumococcal conjugate PCV 13 was administered today. The second, (sounded like) pneu-mox will be administered during my physical next February.  Apparently, there has to be a at least a 6 month period before the second shot.  [In a conversation with the doctor, I learned that anytime after the six months and up to a year, the second shot can be administered.]

So agreeing to the first shot, Blanca said, "Your arm may hurt after."  I've had many shots, boosters, injections, etc., so I was aware of the 'sometime' after effects.  But as she pushed the needle, I almost saw stars.  She wasn't kidding.  It felt like she was in the meat and my arm was not happy.  Holy Cow.

When Dr. Rees arrived for my examination, I had asked about the pain.  He said, "Now?" "The pain is generally after.  I didn't see her administer the shot", he said.  "I'll have make sure she's not so aggressive."   Ya think?

I'm not a baby, but this still hurts.  It's not warm to the touch and it doesn't look swollen, but ouch.

At the conclusion of the exam, the doctor wished me luck and said, "Oh, you have a new nipple.  It looks good.  Where did they get the tissue to make it?"  I lowered my boxers and showed him my 'caesarean' scars and he said, "It's amazing what they can do."

More to come.

More stitches removed

Beautiful sunshine today.  The last few days have been kind of dreary.  That kind of weather really isn't conducive to one who has been restricted to shallow baths.  There's only so much magic you can do to your hair - especially when it needs to be cut. I'm too embarrassed to have the stylist work on it until I have a chance to do some deep shampooing.  Maybe today?

I had my follow up appointment with Dr Chatson to have the remainder of my stitches removed.  Upon removal of the bandages, I was given a hand held mirror so I could see his pointing out the scabbing I had.  He cautioned me that this could cause some scarring.  [Really? It looks like I had a C-Section and I'm worried about a little scarring on the nipple?]  I guess he just wants to be transparent and forthcoming.  Time will tell.

Because of the scabbing, he was also concerned with infection, so I'm to apply an over-the-counter ointment twice daily and keep a dry bandage over the affected area.  But, he did say I could shower.  YAY!

I have a follow up next week.  Please, please, no infections.

More to come.

April 2016 - Update

Mother Nature is definitely holding a grudge. So far we've had two snow storms.  First being more wind than snow, but the second dropped almost four inches.  And it's been very cold, more like late February/March weather.  I'm glad I had the foresight to keep my winter gear handy (shovels, boots, heavy coat, etc.).  Allegedly things will warm up sometime next week, but they are already talking about more nuisance snow this weekend.  It is what it is.

Since my last visit (post op) with Dr. Chatson, I've been relegated to taking shallow baths until my sutures come out.  I didn't know I had so many.  During my follow-up today, I was thinking all sutures would be removed and I could take that desired (and much needed) hot shower,  But I was proven wrong when the layers of (sutured) bandages once removed, revealed....wait for it.....more sutures.  While I was 'exposed' and waiting for the doctor to examine the surgical site(s), I was able to take a few selfies for the collection.  Things look angry, but are really starting to 'shape up' (pun intended).

Dr. Chatson said, "I want to caution you.  You may see asymmetry, but that is by design."  He continued, "the site is still swollen and generally the 'size' is reduced by 40%, so the new nipple/aureola currently appear larger than your other."  He said he was pleased with the progress and promised to remove the remaining sutures next week.  "Unfortunately", he said, "You are still restricted from getting the area wet, meaning no showers for another week." 

Not what I was hoping to hear, but next week will arrive too soon.  Plus, I've become an expert (of sorts) at taking shallow baths. Luckily for for me too, my hair has grown back wavy (versus straight).  This makes my hair act like I have a perm and it 'kind of' keeps its shape once combed back.  Prior to this, my straight hair would separate when it became oily and would drive me crazy as it hung down against my forehead.  Not a problem now.

I can tell that things are healing since I'm able to sleep on both sides.  The simple pleasures are the best.  I've been increasing the length of my daily walks, but am not able to do my exercises.  Those muscle groups will be really tight when given the green light.

I look forward to my first hot shower.  More to come.