Simple Joy

What  a week of recovery it has been!  I think I have gone through the whole gamut of emotions....

• happy.... that this is over;
• darn right angry..... that I feel so sore and tired (been there done that sort of thing),
• grouchy....just because 
• glad....to be home and not in a hospital

Again my nurse-maid and soul-mate, Bob, took wonderful care of me as he was back on needle duty for a few days while I found my bearings.  He also experienced the joy of helping with compressions sleeves and socks......wish I could have video taped that! Hahaha! And he was back on cleaning duties full-time cracking the whip with the kids! I am not sure if you watch Duck Dynasty or Not.....but here are a couple of pictures that Uncle Si would be proud of....I think! :-D  Karilyn and Earl just don't know what to think of this....it's been a long long year!

 

Bob's Maid Service Dec 2012

Bob wearing "Jenny"...
no further comment

As always, I try to look for the positives in this journey.  This week I had to dig really deep into the well of life's simple pleasures to acknowledge the following:

• Eye brows....man oh man, how I missed you! The Cookie Monster has nothing on me this Christmas season as I am finding it difficult to pluck them
• Eye Lashes....I missed you too! And they came back full and long!  I can use an eye lash curler for real!! 
• Chin Hair....I was actually happy to see you too!  And had no problem pulling you out!!
• Home...."there is no place like home" I love my home. I love my family.
• Hair....Bob calls me Silver Fox....more on that in another post

May God bless and keep each of you safe and healthy this holiday season and always! Enjoy the simple joys of the holiday season! Shelley xoxox

Road to Recovery

Yesterday's surgery went as scheduled and planned for the most part.  Dr. Aspe Lacero performed a laproscopic total hysterectomy and Dr. Kyle Korman worked his magic with anesthetics.  Discharge took a little longer than planned due to the spinal and general anesthetic I received so I was quite frozen. However, once thawed, I passed the tests of standing, walking, voiding, etc. So with pain medication in hand we were sent home shortly after 11:00 PM. We were the last ones on the day surgery floor to leave.

Once home the kids all greeted me which was so nice....but then I had to tell them to get to bed being a school night and all! And I was so hungry too.....jello tasted like a piece of heaven after two days of liquids.  Although sleep came easy, I was up at 4:00 AM and 7:00 AM to take some pain meds. Today I mostly slept and I am sore of course.  It's nice to be home to recover.

The road to recovery is double-lane and paved this time around...for that I am thankful.

Lots of Love, Shelley xoxo

Third Time's a Charm!

Tomorrow is my third surgery in 2012. 
I am ready.
I am thankful it's only 3 hours (or less).
I look forward to supper tomorrow as I sip on broth :)
Here's to tomorrow!
Please say an extra prayer or two around 1:00 PM...thanks!

~ Shelley xo

Panic Mode of Sorts

Well, here I sit blogging/procrastinating/ignoring the fact that I have 1 week to get ready for Christmas before surgery.....AAARRRGGHHH!! And I can't seem to get motivated!  On a subconscious level, I am hoping that this is a walk in the park and I will rush about with all the last minute shoppers on the 24th! .....if I had a $ for every "oh, it's laproscopic! You'll be up and running in days" I would hire someone to bake, decorate, etc. (Not really....just a bit of sarcasm.) However, my doctor told me to expect a 6-8 week recovery period because of recent surgeries and complications.  Anything sooner will be a bonus. .....panic mode really hasn't set in.....yet!  I am just thinking about it - hahahah!

I need to get exercising to  get those happy holiday endorphins flowing and to church for patience and more patience.

Eat, pray, walk! Shelley xo

2012 ending soon

Today I got the call for my upcoming surgery!  Waahoo!  Can't wait to get this done... 2012 started with cancer surgery and is ending with cancer prevention surgery...what a year!

2013 can only get better from here....I am looking forward to the new normal...one without doctor appointments, surgeries, and all that comes with that stuff!

Eat, pray, walk! Shelley xoxo

One more surgery....then "home free"

One day at a time.....I am starting to get this...one more surgery....

In order for me to continue hormone therapy to further reduce recurrence, I must be post menopausal.  The only way to guarantee post menopause is "one more surgery".....thank goodness it will be laprascopic. Although I was hoping this would occur in 1-2  year's time, it is recommended that this happen as soon as possible.  So I am to expect a call from the General Hospital in the near future to book for Dec/Jan. Yikes!  Just when I was hoping to start focusing on returning to work....This surgery is to allow for alternative hormone therapy due to my clotting issues.

Although the physio sessions have been really positive and scar tissue movement and arm swelling have really improved, my greatest frustration continues to be lack of energy!  For example, a good day consists of exercising, vacuuming/floors, laundry and supper with no napping OR exercising and grocery shopping.  Grocery shopping almost does me in for the day...this is crazy! I am soooo not used to this pace! After one or two of these days in a row, it's like I take a step backwards and struggle to complete one task in a day and I need to sleep...there is no gas left in the tank....not even fumes. Hahaha!  I can't believe I call a "good day" one that includes house work!! Times have most definitely changed! Similarly,  Patience is a virtue  - one that I continue to learn and pray for on a daily basis. On a positive note, the Reiki healings from my brother Trent have been awesome and energy levels are remarkably higher! I am now able to self-reiki on a "good" day and it feels GREAT!

Well, I hope to be "home free" after this next surgery.....well, almost home free.....reconstruction is still a ways away and I welcome that surgery with open arms!

 :-)

Love to all, Shelley

4 Weeks Post Chemo

Wow!  Where did the month go?? I have been busy but I really haven't accomplished a whole heck of a lot!

Every week there are two physio appointments....that and daily walks with a nap and the daily exercises for mobility, hand therapy and lymphedema pretty much take care of the day.....The odd load of laundry, vacuum and dusting are mixed in there too.

This past week there was more frustration than anything.....I need to find some more patience.  Initially my thought was "survive chemo - the rest is easy".  However, after 4 weeks of no chemo, I still struggle with energy, no eyebrows and no eye lashes.  Yup! They all fell off!! And I lost a couple of toe nails to boot!! These are all side effects of chemo and mentally I was prepared for this DURING treatment.....it has been a bit of a blow to have this happen one month AFTER treatment. At physio, the gals there tell me this is normal and I 'm not losing my mind....post chemo aches and pains are very common. The good thing is that I didn't have to do much for Halloween this year....there was a strong resemblance to Uncle Fester this year.  Remember him from the Addams Family? HAHAHA!Yes, things could be worse but really.....after 4 weeks?? I am really trying to stay positive here!

I am also please to report that I havent' craved a steak or hot dog since chemo ended! LOL!! Chicken is in!

The Sunday Leader Post had some great articles on Breast Cancer Survivors called Battle Scars  It puts into words what I cannot. 

Also, I finally located Jeff's picture on Bob's phone.....thanks for thinking of me!! xoxo

Run for the Cure 2012 - Kelowna BC

Stay safe as the weather is trying to decide what to do!  Shelley