The Mastectomy Express
I had been doing a lot of staring into space in the run up to 0900 today when I went into theatre. We had been at the hospital since 0700 but unfortunately as my pre-op had only been done yesterday and despite it being mainly typed into a computer, there didn't seem to be much of a record that I had even been in the hospital yesterday!! I was first on the list and embarrassed that I delayed the start of the team's list.
Everyone was on good form though. Shelley was smiling again and she and my anaesthetist were beyond reassuring and relaxed. I walked right into theatre and popped myself up onto the bed, no being wheeled in any more! There was some cannulation pallaver but eventually I felt the hard-stuff in my wrist veins, held someone's hand and was out. I came round quite comfortably; ate toast, three digestives, three cups of tea, several cups of water and some pain relief. I was able to call Jezz to come and get me after chatting with a couple of med students who had watched the proceedure it was only about 1300!
I had been fore-armed by Lorna my breast nurse with a heart-pillow, drain-bag and "softie" (a light weight fake boob for stuffing an ordinary bra), I was helped to get dressed and the softie totally stopped my bra collapsing over my newly flat chest ..result! The drain-bag hid away everything except the tube which comes out of me somewhere under my clothes. The bag and pillow (which makes sitting so much more comfortable!!) were made by Bristol Bosom Buddies, ladies who have undergone similar surgery and make these pretty and helpful gifts for others in the same situation ...I am sure I will be making a few myself, I appreciate them so much!!
So I am fine, everything they removed today will be biopsied and the pathology results of that will be two weeks tomorrow, at that session I will get a more firm plan with respect to my ongoing treatment.
Thnak you all for your messages and kindness, if anyone wants to own up to the beautiful Bloom and Wild flowers which arrived today, please do let me know as you didn't add a message! And now to rest and being waited upon.... 😜👍x
Thank you so much for including me in your blog. I am so pleased that the op went well. Keeping you in my thoughts and wishing you well for your recovery.... Liz Leylandxxx
ReplyDeleteHi Adele. Being such a modern man who embraces technology so readily, this is the one and only blog I've ever read! You're doing amazingly well and being so strong - an inspirational example to all of us. All the best for a speedy post-op recovery and I look forward.to seeing you soon. Cheers Parkie
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