So here goes my first attempt at blogging post-surgery.  Where to begin?  I might as well just go through chronologically.

1/29 Off to Baltimore for the blue dye injection.  OK, nobody warned me about this!! Holy Hell – this was the most excruciating part!  A fast and furious injection of what felt like burning liquid injected dead center (if you know what I mean).  No anesthesia allowed. The burning sensation lasted a few minutes and then dissipated; I about broke some digits on the tech’s hand.

Went back to the hotel and had a lovely meal (crab cakes...yum) and tried my best to chill.  I was really ready, and at peace by this point so I actually slept pretty well and woke up ready.  Oh and a little Xanax to take the edge off seemed like it was justified.

1/30  Got a shower, put on some mascara, called the kids and headed out for 6:30 am check in at the hospital.  I wasn’t going to include this next bit, but hey – it’s me I gotta share.  Sometimes I tend to umm... blurt out thoughts... just sometimes.  So we’re in the elevator all fresh- faced, bags in hand.  A guy joins us, likely on his way down for the continental breakfast… just making some elevator small talk.  “So, where you folks headed today?”  (Oh no you dit-int – you walked in to this one)  I look at Rustin, thought for just a second, and in a Tourette’s moment I answer, “Headed to the hospital – double mastectomy day!”  … awkward silence….  “How about you?”  I ask cheerfully.  “Got a meeting in town, just down from Damascus.”  *DING*  “Well, Good luck”.  I about peed on the way to the car. 

Check in went quick. I was first on the books.  Bombarded by every team. Wrist tags on, IVs in, anesthesia team explanation - check, plastic surgery authorization-check, final visit with surgeon,  antiseptic wipe down. Gown on, OPEN IN BACK!  Wheeled off to pre-op parking.  Get my epidural/nerve block and relaxation drugs. Said goodbyes to Rustin and off to la la land. Surgery started at about 10:30 and I was back in recovery by about 2:30.  Surgeon informed  Rustin that Lymph nodes were negative! 

Woke up in recovery feeling pretty good. Groggy, nauseous but in very little pain. That Epi/nerve block was amazing!! No feeling whatsoever.  Nurses checking my vitals, BP was low, but I seemed to be doing ok. . It’s a teaching hospital so several residents, many who were still in their twenties checked in and took countless reports.

The big reveal. I’m kind of afraid to look. Surprisingly, I had no bandages or gauze.  Just under the gown was the remaining skin. I thought I would be shocked, but I really wasn’t. It ain’t pretty, but they’re  gone; it’s gone.  The tissue expanders are bizarre. It looks like some strange body art. Imagine a small deflated ball under the skin. I can see and feel the lumps as they are very close to the surface of the skin.  Small vertical incisions secured with internal sutures and outside surgical glue – it’s really not as bad as I expected.  I have two drains on each side which feels little weird – fish tank tubing hanging out of my armpits.

Moved to a private room at  about 2 am.  This was much more comfortable.  More vitals and pain-management cocktails.  Got my epidural removed and pain was much more evident. That was an actual nerve block and without it I felt a huge increase in pain.  Note to self – stay ahead of the pain.  So, spent the day loading up on pain meds, drinking my meals, and using the big  girl potty. Then OK’d for discharge by about 6 pm.  Loaded with home care instructions and we were  on our way.  Ahhh. Home.

Greeted at home by my weepy, timid girls, and my mom.  Gentle hugs and a big  sigh of relief. They baked  a pink cake, and had balloons and a sign…so good to be home! 

First night sleeping at home was a bi%*#.  Thank goodness for the recliner. Finding the right combo of meds and staying on top of the pain will be key.  I actually feel pretty good.  Surprisingly better than I thought I’d be.  I’m up and about, but very tired, and of course sore. Taking thinks slow and moving very little. I can type :) Being waited on hand and foot by my very patient family.  Bless their hearts. 

I have read all FB comments and see the “likes” and I can’t explain how heartwarming it is to know I have so many saying prayers and wishing our family well.  Apparently it has worked so far!

Final labs can take up to two weeks and that will determine final after care.  Will share that update and protocol as soon as we know.  Still have a long road ahead, but I’ll get there.  Love to everyone!