A year later – and we have hopefully crossed the finish line in regards to this journey.
Last blog post - I was healing from the second mastectomy and had the drains in place. As is my stubborn way, the drainage did not decrease very quickly and I was left with one for over 4 weeks. I return to work
with a beautiful little 'purse' I wore every day to hide the drain.
Toward the end of the four weeks - I was feeling very ill. I thought I had the flu as it was going around the office. I went down for three days and then decided 'I am better' and took myself to work. On the way to the office - I threw up after suddenly becoming ill. I didn't even make it out of my poor truck.
We started to worry that I had some sort of infection and went into see Dr. Agarwal. As I undressed for the appointment, Alan pointed out that I was covered with a rash. Come to find out - the Sulfa based antibiotic I was changed to caused a delayed allergic reaction. I was so relieved not to have an infection and was soon feeling better again.
With the drama - Dr Agarwal decided to pull the drain out. I again had a seroma (collection of fluid) that had to be drained by needle a few times. This time it was a bit more challenging as the fluid collected almost under the expander. A couple of doctors and a nurse had to work on draining it and still had difficulty.
Eventually - I finally healed and was feeling SO much better! I was working and feeling strong - and even went on a trip with Brittany to Seattle for her job interview. It was nice to walk around the town and not get tired out. I felt 'whole' for the first time in a very long time.
With the challenges I had with the recovery from the second mastectomy - the doctor advised us to move up reconstruction to October 1st. This time the surgery took place at the U of U hospital (due to space issues with the OR). Alan again stayed with me overnight in the room which always gives me a great deal of comfort. The Dr. warned us that we might have a longer stay with this surgery due to the need to move the latissimis muscle from my back, pull it under my arm and across my left breast to ensure proper blood flow for the radiated skin.
It took a while to find just the right medications. I was on Morphine and Lortab in intervals and was awake most of the night, just waiting for the next dose. In the morning, we changed to Oxycodone with Morphine and eventually just Oxycodone and that worked very well. I was able to eat, take my walk in the hall and was released that afternoon.
That said - pain was something that was challenging to manage. Alan, of course, ensured I was on a good schedule and that I took them at night which helped me stay ahead of the pain for several days. For whatever reason - I always think I'm ready to 'wean off' earlier than I actually am and that caused some problems but after about a week, I was down to non-narcotic painkillers and doing well.
The surgery required three drains on the left side this time - and none on the right. I was able to have one removed at the one week check-up and another was removed today about two and a half weeks later. The one in my back remains but I'm hopeful that we'll see that one come out sooner than we have in the past. I'm being very good and trying not to move my arm in repetitive motions. I plan to return to work next week (with or without drain) and then hopefully real life will resume.
As long as the surgery recovery continues to go well and we are pleased with the 'results' - this should be the last one. There will be some decisions related to nipple reconstruction which will either be a minor surgery with tattooing - or a trip to New Orleans for 3D tattoos. At this point, I want to feel better and get back to being myself. Travel for work without worrying about my stamina or immunities. Working out and getting back down to my goal weight!!
Many thanks for all your love and support!! I was carried along by my friends and family. I've said it before - and it remains true today- I've been forever changed by the experience. In some ways for the better - in other ways - just changed but am grateful for what this experience has taught me. I'm hopeful I can remember the lessons and not repeat them in the near future. This will hopefully be my final post.
Much Love and Gratitude. Nannette
