It’s Me! Julie

Let me first start with this.

My breast surgeon called yesterday to tell me that the pathology report did show breast cancer markers of a different type of breast cancer in BOTH of my breast, so I feel really good about my decision to have a double mastectomy. I was certain that was the route I was going to take in the beginning, but I am feeling even better about my decision now. This increases the chance that I may have to have some chemo after all, but I won’t know that for certain until my appointment with my oncologist.

Please remember, if deciding to have a lumpectomy, a mastectomy or a double mastectomy is a decision that you or a loved one is facing, this is a very personal decision that only the patient can make, and the best thing that you can do as the patient is to go with your gut, and the best thing you can do as a friend or a loved one, is to be supportive of their decision.

Now……

Hi guys!! 

I can not tell you how good it felt to sit down this morning with a cup of coffee and start a blog post! I knew I’d be writing off and on all day, so it was a great way to start my day.

What a week!

I know that Tess filled you in so you have a pretty good idea of how my double mastectomy surgery went and the days that followed. Basically, I was surprised at how well I felt the day after surgery, then I was freaked out at how the narcotics made me feel, then I was surprised at the fact that Extra Strength Tylenol worked just fine for the little pain that I was having. Whew! I truly believe that eating healthy, walking and doing Yoga have helped me to feel this good so few days after surgery.

Wednesday

Tess went home Wednesday afternoon and while Mike took her to the airport,  I had a sitter. lol. (Thanks Becky!) I really wish Tess could have stayed with me for another week (or two or three). She was an awesome nurse. Before surgery, I wasn’t really ready for the role reversal of mother/daughter care taker, but she really made me proud. It was like she read my mind every time I wanted or needed something. I don’t know why that surprises me. We’re very similar.

I had to explain to Mike on Wednesday evening just how he needed to do things in the same way that Tess did. Boys just don’t seem to have that natural instinct. (I’m so hard on the poor guy sometimes) He is also doing a great job (because I’m a hard ass and I told him exactly what I needed from him) of being a nurse, taking care of the dog, keeping the kitchen clean, doing things and organizing things that need to be done at our daughter Kate’s house (they are still not in their home, but getting closer to being able to move in), and oh yeah, that job thing of his that pays our bills. The guy has a lot on his plate right now, so I really am trying to be a polite patient and I truly could not have a better husband. Hold on just a sec, I need to go tell him that. (He works from home most days…very convenient)

Okay, I told him he is awesome. He was on the phone, so I just got a nod.

Wednesday night I slept in the Healing Chair in our living room for the sixth night. This has been such a huge help in recovery!

At 3:00 am, I woke up to go to the bathroom. Mike was sleeping on the couch, which I told him wasn’t necessary, but now I had him scared that he had to do everything exactly the way that Tess did while she was here, so he slept on the couch. I went potty, got back in my chair, and pressed the remote to recline. I left my blanket on the floor so I leaned forward to grab my blanket. The ENTIRE chair tipped forward and I literally slid right out onto the floor! FREAKED me out and woke up Mike. It didn’t hurt at all, but of course I started crying because I was basically still asleep and I couldn’t really figure out what had just happened. I was fine. He helped me back into the chair. I cried some more. He played nurse and got me a cold wash cloth, (a cold wash cloth can help a zillion things) and we both went back to sleep. So much drama. Note to self: When sitting in an electric chair with a remote control, use the remote control. duh.

Thursday

We had an appointment with the Lymphedema nurse. It was super informative and now I understand the importance of what Lymphedema is and why I have a small chance at getting it. You can read all about it at BreastCancer.org.

I also complained at this appointment about my tongue feeling weird and wondering if it was just due to all the meds. She looked at my tongue and immediately told me that I have Thrush in my mouth, which is basically super gross. It can be caused by antibiotics. So now I can’t take the antibiotics, but I have some kind of swish and spit medicine for my mouth. You’re welcome.

I came home from my appointment with a list of exercises for my arms and shoulders and reassurance that I can do Yoga poses that feel good.  No planks or downward dogs or any weight on my shoulders, but stretching is one of the best things that I can do for my body right now. I’m just supposed to listen to my body and only do what feels good. 

It feels good to have a plan.

Remember how I’m a “to do” list person? Well, for now I’m a “phone alarm for everything” person. It’s like a list, but visually less stressful for the time being. I’m sure I’ll be back to my old school paper list in no time, but for now it’s nice to just hear a ding and know I have an exercise to do, Tylenol to take, or maybe just a swish and spit to do. 

I feel good enough that I want to do a gazillion things, but I’m taking it easy and resting when I think I need to.

My mom came over yesterday and I put her to work with a few simple chores.

My favorite mom chore is to have her massage my feet. I love my mom!!!

And…..last night I slept in my own bed! Not because I fell out of the Healing Chair or anything, but because back in February, for Valentines Day,  Mike and I bought a Sleep Number Bed for old people. No joke. The one that raises your head, or your feet, or both! Yes, we have separate mattresses and it makes cuddling very difficult. I refer to it as our geriatric bed but I could not be happier now that we have it! Smart move Mike!!

The Healing Chair is still awesome though for the daytime.

Friday

I really wanted to get out of the house, so my friend Becky came to pick me up to take me to the post office to mail a package. I tucked my drains in my pants. Clever, huh?

 

 

This look feels weird. I’ve always had large boobs. I know I need to focus on the important things, like the fact that the cancer is now out of my body and I’m in the middle stages of things. Still, weird to all of a sudden have a completely different looking body.

After a full day and a our dinner delivery last night, I went upstairs to my exercise room, did my arm exercises to prevent Lymphadema and then did some Yoga. It felt great.

I then took a shower. Have I told you about the shower chair I’m borrowing from my mom?? Well, it’s come in super handy!!

It’s been a really good day.

 

My Family

I mentioned that we are hoping to get Kate and her family back in their house soon! They are being such good sports, but they are more than ready to get back in their house!!! Paint and carpet very soon!

My other daughter Anne is getting very little rest thanks to new baby Kingston, but he is just about the cutest thing! He’s looking more and more like his siblings everyday!

 

My brother and his wife live in Ft Lauderdale and made plans to leave early this morning to head north, so we have been texting all morning. He sold everything he owned over two years ago and moved from Kansas to Florida to live a simple life in his camper and enjoy the beach. He lived in this for the first year……

….then bought a larger RV. They are heading north in his ’66 Chevy that has brought him many happy days, so hopefully all is good for them over these next several days. They assume the RV that they live in will be gone when they go back home. It’s going to be a really rough few days for so many.

Obviously my mother is a mess because she is a natural worrier and really wishes she could just go back to worrying about how much her chihuahua barks at flies and stop worrying about her kids. Prayers and/or good vibes for all impacted by this crazy storm are appreciated 

Food

Okay, I had some really yummy food today. A friend of mine organized a Meal Train, and I was hesitant to accept because it’s just Mike and I. Mike can run and get us something to eat at any time. I now realize saying “Yes” to this offer was a great decision and I am so glad that my friend Niki organized it!

Everything I had today was food delivered by friends that read the blog, so they know what I like and I SO appreciate the extra effort they made to make food that they knew we would love! We would both eat anything, but seriously, the extra effort is greatly appreciated!

Breakfast

A couple of these amazing Pumpkin Balls and Coffee. Thanks Becky! I NEED this recipe!

 

Lunch

This Butternut Squash Chili is one of the few recipes that I have on my blog and one of my favorites! This is a vegetarian dish, but it is also great topped with a little shredded chicken!

Thanks for making this for us Amy!!

 

Dinner

Thanks Stacey! Dinner was awesome! She brought over everything to make a Chipotle Bowl at home.

Chicken, Cilantro Lime Rice, Guac, Pico, Salsa, Black Beans, Sour Cream, Limes, Tortilla’s and Tortilla Chips!

 

My next doctor appointment is Wednesday, so I’ll fill you in then.

For the next few days I’d love to blog about what i’m eating and my yoga routine. That would make life feel so normal!!

I hope today finds you all healthy and happy!

P.S. I’m one of those Pumpkin People and I’m going to start talking about it a LOT!! Get ready!

 
2017 Goals
Make time each week to Meal Plan
Drink 100 ounces of water each day
Exercise 5 days a week
Eat three meals and one snack daily
FOUR 100 Mile Walking Challenges this year! (This goal has changed a little now that I have this fabulous Fitbit.)

“love the life you live, live the life you love”