posted Tuesday, 26 July 2005
Somehow I had convinced myself that this second surgery would be a walk in the park. Last time, the lymph node surgery under my arm hurt way worse than the lumpectomy, so I figured this would be a piece of cake. I went into the hospital like an old pro. The nurse who prepped me didn't give me any valium - and when the anesthesiologist offered me some, I told her I was doing ok...
It's interesting to watch the reaction of medical professionals when they meet me. Dr Cairoli (the oncologist) has seen other young women, but folks like the medical lab personnel, and even the anesthesiologist can't help but look surprised "How old are you?"... "Do you have any family history?".... But I am getting used to it.
Except for the fact that anesthesiology never returned my calls inquiring about my instructions (can I eat or drink anything), everyone I've met at Princeton Medical Center has been really great. One of my favorites: Kim, my "driver" who took me to the OR. His cousin is a blues singer (I can't remember his name, but he has a gold record and he will be playing in the jazz festival in Palmer Square on September 17th... I am so there!)
On TV, they always have the patient count backwards from 10 as they put them to sleep. All I remember is Dr D asking the anesth. to make sure that I was good and comfortable... and then waking up in the recovery room. To be honest, I feel a little bit jipped.
While the first surgery I had used general anesthesia, this time they used Diprovan (which causes a "conscious sedation" - though I fell right asleep). I woke up from the surgery much better this time. Fairly quickly, I downed 2 cups of cranberry juice (the little plastic juice containers, with the foil lids, that you got in grade school or when you give blood) and a packet of graham crackers (unlike last time, where when they finally sat me up, I thought I was going to boot). I got dressed and was out of there by 5:30pm (surgery was at 3pm - Keep in mind, last time, I was in recorvery for 4 hours and still booted on the way home). On the way home, I felt so good that we went out to dinner! Amazing in contrast to the way I felt after the first procedure!
We got home and got settled in bed to watch "Sweet Home Alabama", when I started to get really sore. I think the local anesthetic was wearing off and the pain came on quickly... Initially, I figured I would take percocet for the first night and then be all set, but man, I am sore. Even my ribs are sore - it feels like someone punched me. I'm fine laying down, but anytime I try to sit up, or worse, walk, I am in fairly significant pain. The hospital called today and said that the pain should subside by tomorrow, and if not, I should call Dr D. Let's hope it does!
Thanks to my friends for taking care of me after surgery:
• Bonny (for taking me to the hospital & for the pelvis push when I woke up from surgery really needing to use the bathroom... and for lending me Sweet Home Alabama, even though it paused every 5 seconds)
• Nancy (for babysitting me overnight - for waking up in the middle of the night to check on me... for making me breakfast and bringing me ice cream...)
• Maupin (for bringing me lunch and visiting with me)
• Heaton and Jess (for bringing me dinner... and my car!)
I've decided that with my free time I am going to re-read Harry Potter from the beginning and then check out the latest book. So, I had better get reading!
Links:
• Harry Potter Books: http://www.jkrowling.com/
• So... I was looking for a link to Diprovan and here is what I found... does this make me a "humanoid"? http://www.federationspace-rpg.net/medical/pharmaceuticalstype.html
Comments:
ANITA BROWN MADE THIS COMMENT,
Linda ~
Diana just sent us a note about you ... I was so sorry and sad to hear about it. I've read some of your blog - and you are right ... you are so young ~ and make sure to use that to your advantage and fight this.
My mother has just celebrated her 21st year anniversary. We found out almost 21 years ago today that she had cancer of the breast and lymphnodes. I know that since that time they have made such great strides in surgery, treatments.
My prayers are with you ~ please know your CDC family is rooting for you. Take care, and please keep us updated.
God bless, Linda ~
Love, Anita
comment added :: 26th July 2005, 19:21 GMT-05
ULTICHICK MADE THIS COMMENT,
Linda- memorable events/things I learned/things I want you to know from my stay: 1. not to watch "sweet home alabama" on your dvd player. ever. 2. We need to find a stick to put in the back sliding glass door. 3. Your ice machine works better without gross green mint chocolate chip ice cream in the way. 4. My back would probably like your goddess mattress better than the guest room bed, but my violent sleeping tendencies override my back problems any day of the week. 5. I didn't leave you in the middle of the night. I would never leave you!!
comment added :: 26th July 2005, 20:43 GMT-05
MOM MADE THIS COMMENT,
I am SOOOOOO glad that you have such great friends there to help you!!!! Tell them "Mom says thank you."
comment added :: 28th July 2005, 03:25 GMT-05
UNCLE VINNIE MADE THIS COMMENT,
I hope and pray you are doing well and thank you for this great update. I spoke to your Aunt Doris about this and she really thinks you will be fine but is too busy right now with her dad and grandparents but will look out for your well being. It is really weird when I talk to her but I feel she is not ready to welcome you yet to her world. I just hope you get this cancer over with and get on with a fabulous life without too much pain and suffering. Miss you and love you Uncle Vinnie
comment added :: 28th July 2005, 18:46 GMT-05
BONNY MADE THIS COMMENT,
Yeah, you are welcome for the bladder thrust. no one else would have done it:)
i will say, as a health care professional (i mean, as professional as i can get) it's not so easy being this close to the heart of the matter. i've never had such a personal relationship with one of my 'patients'- but it just puts things even more in perspective for me as a nurse practitioner. helps me relate more to what my actual patients are going through. and hopefully i handled things well enough for you, linda.
here's to sweet home alabama- with or without 5second delays. i feel like the 5 second delays actually made things better since i never want that movie to end...
and you definitely need a stick for your back door.
word,
comment added :: 28th July 2005, 20:38 GMT-05
JUDY PICARILLO MADE THIS COMMENT,
Linda,
Just wanted to let you know that I am praying for you. Was sorry to hear the news but I have been reading your comments, and I have to say it is pretty interesting to follow you all the way through this procedure. You are such an upbeat person and have such a good attitude. My sister-in-law went through breast cancer and was also upbeat and determined to beat it, and she did. Take care and keep in touch. It sounds like you have great support from family and friends.
comment added :: 29th July 2005, 15:24 GMT-05
GRAMMY & GRAMPY MADE THIS COMMENT,
Have been following your battle, and congratulate you on your attitude. We know it's not as easy as you try to make it sound. Remember that our prayers are with you. Love, Grammy and Grampy
comment added :: 2nd August 2005, 10:51 GMT-05
LEONOVICH MADE THIS COMMENT,
Thanks for taking the time to update those friends and family members who aren't close enough to be there by your side. I, too, am deeply impressed with your strength in this fight. You make me proud. Keep on posting...
comment added :: 2nd August 2005, 14:14 GMT-05
ALYSSA MADE THIS COMMENT,
Linda~
You have such a great attitude toward all of this! You are an amazing person. I love you so much, and really hope that we see you at the Hideout soon! You are always in my prayers!
Love always, Alyssa
P.S. I finished the latest Harry Potter book, and it is GREAT!! I hope you like it!
comment added :: 3rd August 2005, 14:07 GMT-05
PAUL MADE THIS COMMENT,
Linda, Mike filled me in on the news. I wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you! Keep being strong! Love, -Paul-
comment added :: 3rd August 2005, 21:21 GMT-05
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