Day 3 - mucho better

I made it through another night at the Bowmanville Palace, I mean Hospital.  Fabulous nursing staff I must say but the chef needs to be replaced LOL.

I managed to sit on the side of the bed to eat breakfast (scrambled eggs, pudding, bran muffin, coffee). It was pretty good as the first meal I've had in 24hrs.  stronger Gravol-stuff kicked in and I'm famished now.

Tracy was able to pop over with a Timmies and some muffins.  Thanks sooo much Sis!  she also brought some magazines since the Sony E-Reader I borrowed from the library has frozen (sigh).

I walked a bit down the hall and back.  I'm pretty sore now  but getting better every day.  Dr R was by this afternoon and she says the skin has taken remarkably well so I should be able to go home on Wednesday.

I do have a window "seat" in my room and it looked so nice out today.  I hope you all get out there and enjoy the weather.  TTFN

Day 2 - feeling gross!

Well apparently Morphine can make you nauseous.  I was fine for the first day, eating, pressing the magic button for more Morphine then all of a sudden (WHAM) the nausea hits! And let me tell you how excrutiating it is to vomit after major abdominal surgery! Worse than childbirth my friends.

I couldn't even look at breakfast and have stopped pressing the pump button for fear of more nausea.  Unfortunately the Gravol IV they gave me didn't help one bit either.  they left he Morphine IV running the whole time even though that was the likely cause of the nausea.

Dr. R stopped by in the afternoon.  I was out of bed and sitting in a chair. She was pleased to see how well I was doing and that I could get out of bed.  When she helped me to the bed to look at the wounds, I vomited again.  I told her I thought the Morphine might be the cause, so she switched me to Percocet and oral Gravol.

Day 1 - surgery went well

Saturday was just a blur. Was on Morphine pump and hitting the magic button for extra dose quite a bit.  felt tired and really doped up but not in much pain.

Surgeon stopped by to check the breast dressings and said she was very pleased with he results.

Back to sleep I go!

Prep Day + Spa Day

The THRONE

Today is my last day before my surgery and I'm doing a few last minute tasks - mail, banking, baking, pack for hospital, etc.  If it's not done by noon, it's not getting done!  That's it!!  No Stress Today!  My 45-minute massage is booked for noon at the Spa then I'm resting after that.  Visiting is allowed but you will have to step over the dust bunnies LOL.


My "THRONE" is ready to go.  I expect to be practically living in this throne when I do come home.  The post-op instructions indicate that I will have to sit semi-reclined with my knees up which will help with the abdominal incision healing. I'm hoping I don't need to sleep here though.  My new bed is so much more comfortable.


My Dear Husband (Bill) has booked off at least 2 weeks to stay home with me when I come home from the hospital.  What a sweetie!  He will do his best to keep you in 


Please visit the links I've posted for information on what the TRAM  flap surgery entails.  It is the "gold standard" for those who have radiation and want reconstruction.  My surgery includes a profilactic mastectomy on the right side, followed by a bilaterial TRAM flap (ie, rebuild 2 breasts). 


I'm actually looking forward to this final stage of my breast cancer journey.  I'm not all that nervous, but certainly NOT looking forward to the pain and recovery - who would!  I've quit smoking and tried to eat better/lose weight in preparation for this surgery.


I've been living with one breast for 9 years, having to wear a breast prosthesis.  I've had to change what I wear after the mastectomy to not show any cleavage and make sure that I don't bend over to show "the girl" when at work, etc. Special bras/bathing suits are expensive ($75+each), prosthetic not covered by my work benefits plan costs almost $500 (Gov't funding covers 75% though).  How nice it will be to be able to answer the door or walk around my house in pjs when my children have company over (one boob momma is difficult to explain...).  I think psychologically getting BACK TO NORMAL will be wonderful! 


Wish me luck.  I will update you via mobile link daily if I can.