Cody Updates by Mom

Hello everyone.  Thank you again for the notes of encouragement.  They mean so much.  First of all, we have not heard anything on the pathology of the tumor.  As soon as Dr. Fox gets it she will call and I will let you know.

Being at home is significantly better than the hospital.  Jim has been doing a wonderful job at taking care of me.  I am blessed that I have him.  I have been fed extremely well and he has been so good at taking care of all the drains and other apparatuses coming out of my body.  Cody has also been a huge help with helping Jim with dinner, dishes and my care.  I am very thankful for both of them.

I came home with 2 small tubes connected to the middle of my chest that put the numbing agent into that specific area.  I also had 2 drains on each side of my chest.  A drain is a rubber tube connected to a rubber suction ball that goes into my body where the surgery happened on each side.  These drains collect the fluid that my body is creating as a result of the surgery.  They have to be emptied and amounts collected multiple times a day and the tubes stripped once a day.  I also have two pages of fun exercises to do twice a day and a required walk a day.

My pain levels have been erratic at best.  The numbing agent they sent home attached to me ran out a good day or so ago.  I have been slowly getting feeling back throughout the incision sites.  Not necessarily a good thing.  I am working with the combo of meds they sent me home with me to figure out the best combinations that don’t make me too loopy but take the pain away.  I have had achy and sharp pain randomly and all at the same time.  Dr. Fox called the sharp pains “zingers”.  Yep, good word for them.

Today I had my post-op with the plastic surgeon.  Due to the diminishing amounts of fluid in two of the drains, I was able to have two of them removed. (one on each side).  Not a pleasant feeling since they are wound down through my implant and muscle that was stretched to make room for the implants.  I also had the two smaller tubes with the numbing agent removed as well.  Not as bad for those.  They removed all of the tape and dressings over my incisions.  The Dr. said that everything is looking good and healing well.  This is good.  However, now that the dressing are off I can see the extent of the surgery and it looks like someone took a hacksaw to my chest.  They also put more fluid into my temporary implants to continue to stretch the muscle and skin.  Overall the appointment went well but the after was not fun.  I was in a lot of pain, light headed and sick to my stomach.  Went straight home for additional pain killers and a nap.

So, how am I doing?  Well, I have had probably every emotion possible in the last five days.  I am happy to be home with my family, relieved that the cancer didn’t spread, scared that I will still have to have chemo, angry that this is happening to us and sad about how this has affected those I love.  People have been calling to talk and I know that there are a lot of people out there to listen.  I am going to be very honest.  Right now, I don’t want to talk.  I am sorry.  I am certain that is a disappointment to some of you.  I apologize for not returning calls or messages but I really just need to focus on getting my body to a point to functioning on my simple daily tasks without significant pain and needing a nap after.  Please know that when I need to talk, I will.  Quite honestly I have always been a better writer than talker.  Please be patient and know that it is not you, I just need to have space to heal in right now.

Thank you for your continued prayers and positive thoughts.  It is so very helpful to know you are all there.  I am fighting with all my strength and will not ever give up!

Caring Bridge Comments

Love and prayers..from mom|Apr 9, 2014 9:10pm
You are doing well and I’m sure that the pain will lessen as things go forward. You are in my prayers and my heart. I know that you will let us know when and if you need help. Meanwhile know that we love and are still praying for you. I love you. Mom