The Journey Begins - Sex~Kitten.net

You've met with all your doctors, and now they have given you all the options available to you. From needle biopsies to lumpectomies to mastectomies, to total mastectomies. By this time, I'm sure you've made a well informed decision on what is best for you!

Instead of a needle biopsy with sentinel node biopsy, I opted for the lumpectomy. The reason I decided this was because either way, cancer or no cancer, I wanted the lump out of my breast. Preparing for surgery, especially if this is the first you've ever had, can be quite scary. You might be afraid that you're not going to wake up, or that there will be some complication. These feelings are completely normal, and anyone who is going through any kind of surgery has these same feelings. So do not feel like you are the only one...you're not!

Generally you'll find that after the surgery, you'll wake up feeling pretty good. There really is not a whole lot of pain. Yes I know, the drain. That is a pain in the ass alright, but at least it's only in for about a week. I had my husband assist me in the care of it. It seemed like it was 'something' he could do for me, and I've found that it IS important to have your husband or s/o involved. Now there are some, who will refuse to become involved, and that's ok. Everyone, including family, close friends, s/o's and husbands, all react to your cancer in a different way. So please don't take their apprehension to heart. Some may be afraid that they will hurt you more if they try to help you physically, others are still dealing with their own feelings, that they may be fearful they will say the 'wrong' thing to you. It all takes time, and you must remember that we are all different.

It's a bitch to sleep, I know. I spent the first 4 days in the recliner with pillows under my arms. For me, it was difficult to lay on either side, and we know laying on the stomach is out of the question. So the only option left is your back. Now if you're like me and not a back sleeper, this was the most irritating aspect of the whole surgery. Didn't matter how many damn pain pills I took, it was still difficult to sleep in a position I was not use to sleeping in. UGH!!!! But again, within a week's time, I was sleeping in my bed again, on my side, but with pillows supporting me. You'll have so much damn padding on, that wearing a bra is out of the question, but within a week or so, that bandage will be coming off and things will begin to heal, and physically, you'll start feeling better.

I think that the worst part of all of this is the unknown. With all the padding and bandages, you really have no idea of what your breast looks like or how much is left. All this crap is running through your mind. You're still have outbursts of crying, even though you thought that would just 'go away'. This is all part of it. And there is nothing you or anyone can do to stop it. However, in your recovery, if you are feeling so depressed that you cannot function, please let your doctor know. With all the new technology and medicines available, you should not have to feel this way. there are support groups that your doctor and hospital can put you in touch with. They can even arrange it so that someone calls you. The American Cancer Society has a group of women and men who have all been where we are today. It's called Reach for Recovery, and your doctor or hospital can put them in touch with you. It's not a group thing, if that's not your style, it's a one on one with a person to whom you can feel comfortable talking to about what you're going through.

Again, the best advice I can give you at this time is to listen to your body. When it says rest, REST! When it says sleep, SLEEP! This time between your surgery and your next course of treatment is a time for your body to recuperate and recover. So take advantage of those who want to do things to help you. Take them up on babysitting, cleaning the house or preparing a meal for you. It not only gives that person a good feeling by doing something for you, it also takes the load off you, so you can concentrate on healing and feeling better so that you are in tip-top shape for your next course of treatment.

So go on, go lay down. Put that Lifetime channel on, or grab that book you've been yearning to read, or pop in that video or dvd you've been dying to see. This is YOUR time to rest and heal. Take advantage of it. Oh, and before I forget to mention it, remember to keep up on your research and education, and to write down ANY questions or concerns for when you will visit you doctor in a few days. Till then, rest well and heal fast. I'm here to support you in mind, body and spirit.

In closing, I leave you with this quote that a dear friend sent me;

Life's Journey Is Not To Arrive At The Grave Safely In A Well Preserved Body, But Rather To Skid In Sideways, Totally Worn Out, Shouting " HOLY SHIT.....What A Ride!!! "