Last Tuesday I had surgery. My eighth cancer-related surgery, and the third one that lasted longer than eight hours. That's a lot of anesthesia, folks.
This latest surgery is called lymphovenous bypass, which is microsurgery done by a plastic surgeon. The procedure connects lymph vessels in my arm to tiny veins (the size of a human hair!), so the lymph fluid has somewhere to go. It's not a cure....there is no cure for lymphedema. But the hope is that it helps reduce my swelling and making it easier to maintain. Results vary and it could take up to a year to know for sure how much it will help me.
Click here if you want to see a photo of my wrist. I have 4 small incisions.
Ten days post-surgery, I have a love/hate relationship with the whole thing.
I love that I have had very little pain in my arm, even the day after surgery.
I hate that being under anesthesia gives me headaches, and being under for that long has given me a LOT of headaches.
I love that I am able to stay comfortable on our reclining couch day and night.
I hate that I have to sleep on the couch. I just want to stretch out in bed with Hubby.
I love that my mom was here to help after my surgery. She was SUCH a big help...a blessing.
I hate that except for one dinner out, we spent her week here with me sitting on my ass.
I love that my only post-op instructions (other than the usual no strenuous activity or lifting over 5 lbs) are to keep my arm wrapped and elevated.
I hate that keeping my arm wrapped and elevated is irritating the skin in the crease of my elbow and giving me a constant crick in my neck.
Click here for the photo of where my arm hurts. Ouch.
I love that I have the best friends around me, offering rides for K, bringing meals for my family and putting together the most amazing basket of goodies for me (the chocolate is already gone...LOL).
I hate that I am such a burden to everyone yet again. My son is being sent on errand after errand (and does them all cheerfully). My Hubby has had to pick up all of the "mom" slack including laundry, dishes, even washing my hair. I know my friends are happy to help out, but I hate that I can't even cook a meal.
I love that I am able to take a shower, dry my hair, brush my teeth and finally get dressed by myself (sweatpants are my friend).
I hate that I have to do everything one-handed and it takes me three times as long (I'm typing this with one hand and it's SLOW going!)
I love that the foam support for my arm is not uncomfortable.
I hate that I have to use my blue foam friend for four weeks. Non-stop.
I love that this surgery is even an option, and that I was a good candidate for it.
But I really hate that I had a reason to have it. Cancer really is the gift that keeps on giving.
No comments:
Post a Comment