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ScorpionQueen's avatar
9 years ago

Stand Straight and Tall!

Been having problems loading here....but seems to be OK for now so here's my blog from FB for yesterday....

Day 11 - after double mastectomy.

Yesterday was an icky day...felt pretty low, tired and really sore.

It felt like someone had put concrete in my chest and it was slowly hardening over the course of the day....I have also noticed I have to correct my posture constantly...

When I was young, my chosen sports were tennis and gymnastics. The gymnastics taught me to have good posture and I always stood straight and tall......Then I began to work at a desk...sitting for hours a day in front of a computer......this was bad for my posture, not to mention my eyesight!

You don't realise it, but over the course of the day and your life you become lazy when it comes to posture. Along with being "blessed" with having an ample chest all of this contributed to me having to have my posture corrected a few years back by tape being placed on my back to keep me at attention, but you can't have that tape on your back and shoulders 24/7...so back to my old habits I went.

I often find myself slumping around and sitting awkwardly. Well, having these expanders in is making me take notice of my posture again. The minute I start to sag, the area along the bottom of my scars feels like bra wires are digging in...except I'm not wearing one....Quickly my brain screams at me to straighten up! and the pressure is released.

This is going to take it's toll on my body as I will be awakening muscles in my shoulders and back that haven't been used properly for years....

So many things have changed since my diagnosis....the way I think is the main one...the way I eat, the way I look at myself, the way I see others....my body has been through the wringer and the effects are still showing.....my feet are peeling profusely and the "new' skin showing through is sore, especially on my big toes. My skin everywhere is super dry...I still have no hair....no eyebrows...no eyelashes...

I have my post surgical appointments this week and will discuss some of the ongoing issues I'm having with the Oncologist on Wednesday.

I got a phone call from the Plastic Surgeon this morning regarding the output of my remaining drains. I got myself all excited thinking the output was below 20-30 mls each time I emptied them (3 times a day) so I thought they would be coming out today.....NOOOOO!
the output has to be below 30 mls over a 24 HOUR PERIOD for two or more consecutive days! Arrrgh!

The drain sites are getting very sore now...but PS wants to see me Thursday, after I see Breast Surgeon that morning, to check and hopefully remove them then :/ ....fingers crossed!

I am feeling a little better today pain wise....but I'm getting stir crazy! I'm sick of watching TV and can only read for a limited time as my eyes get tired quickly....I can't drive and don't know how long it will be before I can yet.....I can't lift....can't stretch beyond a certain point either, so I am really limited to what I can do!

I tried to draw, but that takes to much concentration at the moment, so instead I have spent the morning preparing pieces in readiness for assembly should I need them.....

So, I will spend the day finishing the base painting off....probably watch some TV and take a nap.....pretty boring I know, but it's all part of recovery.....I have to take it easy...be patient....take care of me....so I can come back stronger than ever!

 

2 Replies

  • Just reading this brings it all back for me.. ..except my drains had to come out at 7 days regardless of drainage due to infection risk (diff surgeons) ...but the site was so sore. And I had skin rolling off from the tubing gripping my skin... it felt like a burn or a busted blister. Once out it will be so much better. I guess as my expanders were quite filled might have provided pressure and reduced the drainage...who knows.

    TV almost made me suicidal...those friggin ads. DVDs gave me a break. I also tried to have at least 2 outings a week.. someone getting me and just going for coffee...after this happy to rest. The company and scenery change did wonders. Hope you get those damn drains out soon.

    Kath x

  • You sound like your coping brilliantly!!! I'm 3 weeks today from unilateral mastectomy and I can totally relate to the pressure along the bottom of your scar. My hospital breast care nurse provided me with some thick dressings (not unlike sanitary pads) that I could slide between my bra and my breast and the difference it makes is amazing, and provides comfort when you are sore. I still have one drain in 3 weeks after surgery and found that my drain site was getting sore so my sister purchased some micropore tape from the chemist and I have strapped the drain so that its movement range is not as large and this too has helped. Good to hear that you are doing so well and it won't be long until both your drains are out and you can get back to a more normal routine. Xx Cath