Still recovering...

from my OT office at CoH in Duarte

I’m still in recovery mode… when they say 4-6 weeks, I now get it!

I’m coming up on 5 weeks and still not quite there yet.

However, I am doing what I’m supposed to be doing… taking it easy, not overdoing it, no heavy lifting, no strenuous exercises.

I have had multiple appointments… when you have a team of 4+ doctors, the follow-up appointments are plentiful. They all want to see how I’m doing, which is one of the reasons I’m grateful my primary care doctor referred me to City of Hope… they care! All of them… not only the doctors but their amazing support staff!

Anyway…

• After meeting with my oncology surgeon… she is super happy on how I’m recovering. I have another follow-up in a couple weeks just to make sure all is still going well.

• After meeting with my oncologist, she’s happy with my latest labs, plus gave me the green light to get my port removed! Hallelujah! This is a huge milestone as she said it is no longer needed! Sooo sooooooooo happy for this news!! Whoot Whoot!! I have another follow-up in 3 weeks just to make sure I’m doing okay.

• After meeting with my port doctor, I got my port removed last week and am still recovering from that surgery… similar restrictions I’m already under from my previous surgery, no lifting, etc. I just can’t get the incision area wet, so no showers, swimming or splash zones for a couple weeks!

• After meeting with my plastic surgeon… she said everything she did looked great, and I concur! My next appt with her isn’t until December!

• After meeting with my radiologist… I am all set up for my next phase of treatments… radiation. I got ‘fitted’ last week, and am all set to start next week. It’s a series of 30 sessions, M-F.

• And lastly, I’ve been seeing an OT for the pain in my arm from the surgery. It’s called AWS or ‘cording’… and unfortunately happens often after lymph node dissection. The lymph ‘system’ was disrupted and this is the result of that. It’s quite painful. The pain restricts mobility and range of motion, plus it just plain hurts!!! I have a ways to go, but will continue doing my assigned exercises, which seem to be helping, as it doesn’t hurt nearly as much as it did 3-4 weeks ago!

Just know how much I’ve truly appreciated the many gifts I’ve received… they’ve really helped me through these past few months, and especially these past few weeks! Thank you SO MUCH! I’ve used some amazing lotions (which will be so necessary with my upcoming radiation as well) and beautiful soaps, salts and scrubs. Love the candles. I’m reading books and magazines, doing puzzles. Love the blankets, robe and super soft jammies, the inspirational signs, pillows and books, the special treats and meals. The gift cards… perfect! Mostly your notes, thoughts and prayers… ‘thank you’ doesn’t nearly come close to my appreciation for every one of you! But please know I think you a lot… yes I do… I most certainly do!!

Here’s some special gifts, from some special people in my life...

GR the flowers are beautiful and I too am looking foward to coming back.

DF, thank you so much for the beautiful card and book ... I miss you!

NS, thank you and yours for the beautiful card, flowers (they're already planted) and the yummy candle.. wish I could drink it... salted pretzel milkshake!!

Part of my recovery last week was in Colorado… a much-needed visit! Seeing family is quite healing, and it’s been almost a year since I’ve seen some of them. Loved every minute of it! Even got to stay an extra day due to my flight being cancelled because of a computer glitch with Southwest! (oh darn…. NOT!) Miss you all already... thanks for the awesome hospitality and wonderful memories!

As far as how I’m doing... I still have neuropathy from the chemo. But as I’ve said before, it’s not painful, just a weird numbness.

My arm from the cording, and my incisions are still painful… but when you think about what they did, it’s not surprising. It'll get better!

My stamina is getting better.

My hair is growing (slowly)… but now it’s pretty exciting because I’m to the point that I’m using gel! lol

My eyelashes and eyebrows are really coming back, and almost obvious to the naked eye… and I’m super excited about that!

I’m walking more, hoping it’ll help me work out my aches and pains and get me back in shape!

So as I said above, my next phase of treatment starts next week. I understand it’s less painful, less side effects, than both chemo and surgery, so hoping ‘they’re’ right! Will keep you posted.

Until then, stay cool, stay hydrated!

Be safe, and stay healthy!!