Surgery and First Week Post Op

All the preparation did not prepare me for the last week.

Last Tuesday, August 1, I got to the hospital at about 5 AM.  After all the pre-op stuff, I was wheeled into the OR at about 7:30 AM.

Next thing I knew it was about 9 PM.  The surgery lasted 12 hours, far longer than the 9 hours that had been estimated.  The mastectomy portion went very well but the reconstruction had some complications which I won’t go into—it has to do with the microsurgery to reconnect the blood vessels.  I was given the heads up that the longer surgery would likely mean a longer and more difficult recovery.

Unfortunately, the hospital was at more than 100% capacity so I didn’t get out of recovery and into a real hospital room until about 3 PM Wednesday.  Although the post-op staff was wonderful, post-op is not a great place to begin one’s recovery. 

On Thursday morning there was no way I was ready to return home, so my hospital stay was extended to Friday.  I was having blood pressure issues, blood oxygen issues, severe pain, and significant fatigue.  The physical therapist came 3 times before she was able to get me to walk across the room; the first time I couldn’t even get out of bed without getting dizzy.  So much for a quick recovery. 

I came home Friday afternoon with 4 drains attached, a booklet of physical therapy exercises, more meds than I have ever taken in my entire life, and lots of supplies.  I had been told to get certain things before I went in the hospital but MSKCC provided everything I needed, from meds to alcohol swabs to pages and pages of doctor notes, who to call when and for what, etc.  My first follow up was already scheduled for Tuesday, only 4 days away.

The past several days have been the most difficult I have ever experienced.  I’m still on the heavy duty pain meds but I may try to drop one or two of them in the next day or two.  Walking is very difficult and painful but I’ve managed to take a few walks on the deck or down the block.  Showering on my own was a huge accomplishment but takes about an hour start to finish.  After a week of others emptying my drains, I can now do it myself.  I have yet to sleep in my bed, but may try that tonight.  The recliner is just more comfortable.

Unfortunately, with all of this a complication has developed.  At the appointment on Tuesday, the PA saw that some of the skin from the mastectomy is not healing properly.  The doctor has prescribed treatment in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber.  This never came up in any discussions and I’m really thrown by it.  It is very intensive therapy—every day in a hyperbaric chamber for an hour.  We are going to start with 10 sessions, but that could increase to 30.  Each appointment takes 2 hours including prep, plus transportation time (about 25 minutes each way).  So much for getting back to work quickly.

And of course I can’t drive.  So I have an ask.  Anyone who has availability to drive me over the next two weeks, please email/message me.  These appointments will be daytime—I won’t know the exact schedule but it will be between the hours of 8 AM-4 PM, Monday-Friday.  Once I get medical clearance on Aug. 10, the first appointment is Friday, Aug. 11 (those two are covered).  No need to stay the whole time, and no need to do both ways if you can only do one way.   They also have a waiting room with wi fi.

Please let me know privately if you can help and when. Once I get the exact appointment times I can build a schedule.

Thank you so much to everyone who has sent meals, flowers, texts, etc.  It all means so much to me.  Please note that I am still very tired, my stamina is down, and everything I do takes longer so I ask your understanding if I don’t respond or ask you to postpone a visit.  I have a long way to go.