The oncology nurse called me today to set up my first chemo appointment. I am going Monday, February 22nd at 9:30am. I get a blood test, then I see the onocologist, then I get the chemo. I will probably be there all day.
My belly is pretty sore today and I still have drainage from the open areas of the stitching. It was nice that the boys were home, so I had some help. The visiting nurse will be by tomorrow to check the incision and I see the plastic surgeon again on Friday.
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
No More Fred
It was nice to finally get rid of Fred, the sucking wound vacuum. He did his job. The plastic surgeon was happy with the healing so far. His ideal situation would let it close on it's own to prevent infection, but he did not want me to delay chemo because of it. I have to be healed to start chemo because chemo slows down healing. It took about an hour to close the wound. He cleaned the wound, numbed the area, sewed me up and left 3 openings for drainage. I am limited on lifting and activity for several days, but he said my body will let me know when I can do more. I am back on pain killers. My belly is very sore and tight. I got another tummy tuck from this procedure since so the wound was so wide. I have to go back on antibiotics for 10 days again and the visiting nurse is still going to come 3 times a week to keep an eye on the healing. I am going back to the plastic surgeon on Friday for them to check it as well. He said that we will probably have to do some fixing of the wound after chemo, but I still have to have my breasts finished as well. I knew that wasn't going to be done until after the chemo. I can't wait for the belly & breast to be healed to see how my clothing will fit and maybe have to get some nice new clothing. :) At least I have something to look forward to after the chemo.
Rob will now be home tomorrow since daycare is going to be closed for the snow. That will be helpful since I am having problems moving around again. Hopefully, we will get some snow tonight so the boys can play in it tomorrow.
Rob will now be home tomorrow since daycare is going to be closed for the snow. That will be helpful since I am having problems moving around again. Hopefully, we will get some snow tonight so the boys can play in it tomorrow.
Monday, February 8, 2010
Time to Get Closed
Tomorrow, I am finally having my belly sewn up so I can start chemo. They decided to do it in the doctor's office, so no anesthesia. The nurse said I won't feel anything, which I haven't when they were cleaning up the wound. I can't wait to get rid of "Fred" the sucking wound vac.
Here is a picture of me and Fred for the last time:
Here is a picture of me and Fred for the last time:
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Surgery & Haircut & Such
My surgery date to close my belly wound is set for Tuesday, February 9th. I had to change my haircut date to the following Tuesday. I am a little disappointed about the haircut, but at least I won't have to carry this wound vac, who I am named "Fred", around with me anymore. It will be nice to get rid of Fred.
After we got the pictures done today, I treated myself to some Godiva chocolate. I deserved it!
After we got the pictures done today, I treated myself to some Godiva chocolate. I deserved it!
Friday, February 5, 2010
One of Those Days
I feel blah today. I guess I should expect to have some down days. It being so grey and cold out isn't helping. I hate being stuck in the house and still having this wound vacuum attached. I can leave, but I still don't have a lot of my strength back to do it by myself. I try to think only about today, but it's hard not to think about how much longer I have with treatments.
My mom made an appointment for me for Tuesday to get my hair cut short. My Mom and sister are coming with me. Then we are going to a wig shop to pick one out for me before I lose my hair. At least my health insurance is paying for a wig and there is no price limit, so I can get a very nice one.
Tomorrow, Rob and I decided to get a family portrait done. He wanted a nice one of the three of us and me with my long hair. I know hair grows back, but a nice portrait will be nice. Hopefully the snow won't be so bad. We have a morning appointment, then Sean can play in the snow in the afternoon.
I called the plastic surgeon to find out my surgery time and found out that they are going to do the closure in the office. I am so happy that I don't have it done in the hospital. He is still going to make me sleepy, so I don't have to know what he is doing. That will be nice. They are hopefully going to call soon with the day and time for next week.
My mom made an appointment for me for Tuesday to get my hair cut short. My Mom and sister are coming with me. Then we are going to a wig shop to pick one out for me before I lose my hair. At least my health insurance is paying for a wig and there is no price limit, so I can get a very nice one.
Tomorrow, Rob and I decided to get a family portrait done. He wanted a nice one of the three of us and me with my long hair. I know hair grows back, but a nice portrait will be nice. Hopefully the snow won't be so bad. We have a morning appointment, then Sean can play in the snow in the afternoon.
I called the plastic surgeon to find out my surgery time and found out that they are going to do the closure in the office. I am so happy that I don't have it done in the hospital. He is still going to make me sleepy, so I don't have to know what he is doing. That will be nice. They are hopefully going to call soon with the day and time for next week.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Big Couple of Days
So where to start? This past weekend I did a lot. Saturday, I was able to do our errands with Rob and Sean. We went to Macy's, Target and Babies r us. I drove home from Macy's with Rob in the car for the first time. Then in the afternoon, I felt comfortable enough to drive myself to a much needed pedicure. It was nice to get out by myself. On Sunday, we visited Rob's mom, who I haven't seen since before the surgery. Rob had been to see her every weekend as usual.
Yesterday, I went into Manhattan by express bus by myself. I decided to walk from 3rd and 34th to 1st and 32nd to NYU hospital. It was far and tiring, but I did it. I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon since we had decided on doing the chemo. I needed to discuss with him our game plan. Since my oncologist wanted to try to start chemo by 8 weeks post-op, my plastic surgeon is going to get the ball rolling to maybe get me into surgery to close my belly next week. I am currently 6 weeks post-op today. He likes how the wound vac is helping my belly heal. He cleaned up my belly again. He said there is enough skin for closure, but his ideal situation is to let it heal naturally, but he doesn't want to interfere with starting chemo. The surgery would be out patient surgery and he said he would stitches that he would have to remove in 10 days. These stitches can keep the wound open slightly to help heal properly. The whole problem is having an open wound and doing chemo. Your body does not heal easily when doing chemo. My plastic surgeon is going to coordinate dates with my oncologist. He is still happy with how my breast is healing and the rest of the reconstruction will be done after my chemo is finished.
We then went to the NYU cancer center to visit one of Rob's friends that was getting chemo. She is getting the chemo treatment that I would be getting. I toured the center and it seems nice. You have a. choice of bed or recliner chair. Each area has a TV, phone and wireless access. She explained to me the entire procedure that she is doing. It takes about 5 hours total and I would have to go back the next day for a blood booster shot called neulesta. It was helpful talking to her and seeing the center.
We then went down one flight to let the oncologist know our plans. She gave me a few prescriptions that I would need and said that we will start either the week of February 15th or 22nd.
Yesterday, I went into Manhattan by express bus by myself. I decided to walk from 3rd and 34th to 1st and 32nd to NYU hospital. It was far and tiring, but I did it. I had an appointment with my plastic surgeon since we had decided on doing the chemo. I needed to discuss with him our game plan. Since my oncologist wanted to try to start chemo by 8 weeks post-op, my plastic surgeon is going to get the ball rolling to maybe get me into surgery to close my belly next week. I am currently 6 weeks post-op today. He likes how the wound vac is helping my belly heal. He cleaned up my belly again. He said there is enough skin for closure, but his ideal situation is to let it heal naturally, but he doesn't want to interfere with starting chemo. The surgery would be out patient surgery and he said he would stitches that he would have to remove in 10 days. These stitches can keep the wound open slightly to help heal properly. The whole problem is having an open wound and doing chemo. Your body does not heal easily when doing chemo. My plastic surgeon is going to coordinate dates with my oncologist. He is still happy with how my breast is healing and the rest of the reconstruction will be done after my chemo is finished.
We then went to the NYU cancer center to visit one of Rob's friends that was getting chemo. She is getting the chemo treatment that I would be getting. I toured the center and it seems nice. You have a. choice of bed or recliner chair. Each area has a TV, phone and wireless access. She explained to me the entire procedure that she is doing. It takes about 5 hours total and I would have to go back the next day for a blood booster shot called neulesta. It was helpful talking to her and seeing the center.
We then went down one flight to let the oncologist know our plans. She gave me a few prescriptions that I would need and said that we will start either the week of February 15th or 22nd.
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