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.