A few months ago a lump was discovered in my breast and after further testing; a duct full of filling defects was also found. So the lump and the entire duct along with some normal tissue and ducts had to be removed for testing. As with any new experience I have a whole list of "firsts" from my surgical biopsy. I will spare my readers by omitting the more grisly firsts but some could be considered, in hindsight, comic. Of course I am not saying that the situation is at all funny; I have undergone a considerable amount of stress. Surgery aside, there is the potential issue of pre-cancer or cancer and all the concerns a diagnosis would bring for a young mom and caregiver. Looking back at the surgery though; keeping a light attitude was the best plan and laughter can be a way to cope. So here it goes; things I wish I had known before meeting a breast surgeon and before going under the knife.....
1. As for the initial consult with the surgeon; no wine and dine here it's all about second base...so just whip them out ladies. Not that you will have to whip them out very far; your attire will consist of a flimsy pink paper that opens in the front.
2. Take a pre-surgery shopping trip to stock up on your favorite comfort foods, a sturdy sports bra **** with clasps in the back****.... not the over the head type!!!, and a BJ's size bottle of pain killer.
3. Make yourself a sling; not the type for your arm.... (see pic LOL) Put on your super comfy bra and then bind that baby tight because every wiggle and jiggle will hurt. Make a sling for home and one for under your cloths (out of heavy gauze) for public. Really, I am not kidding here...most mommies can't afford to spend much time in bed even when sick or recovering.... SO MAKE THE SLING!!!
4. Limit testosterone in the pre-op room. Wayne is awesome and supportive but he would have been better off staying in the waiting room for awhile. When the surgeon arrived and made the move to untie my gown Wayne practically jumped in front of him crying , "I'll do it"....whoaaa buddy... no tackling in the pre-op room.
5. Here is a first; having someone initial and draw a "roadmap" on my breast. The initials have not washed off easily but I am glad he operated on the right one....pheww
6. Bring a good magazine, book, or your Nook to occupy your mind during pre-op... and don't let your husband steal it....
7. The anesthesiologist is your friend; communicate well with him/her but be prepared for him to laugh at the things you say coming out of the anesthesia. After waking up I lunged forward calling "William... where are you, are you ok??" .... after being pushed back down the anesthesiologist was laughing saying, " Hey, I thought your husbands name was Wayne"...
8. You may be wheeled into the operating room while still awake and very alert. Prepare to be de-gowned and surrounded. If that in combination with the bright lights and equipment make you anxious tell your friend to hurry it up with the IV drugs. Don't ask nicely; just add a little panic and he will act fast ;-)
If you are like me you will be lucky enough not to remember the actual surgery and have a very numb boob until the following morning. You will wake up with it hurting like hell but until then have yourself a feast then kick back, and sleep. Wear your sling and make everyone do heavy lifting for you....
Although I am trying to make light of the situation; of course I am still very apprehensive about the tissue results. The incision is also still bandaged I have yet to see it. The breast is very bruised and swollen. Even after all is said and done; I will probably cry when I see the 3-4 inch angry red incision; if he followed his "roadmap". I am not a stranger to scarring; I have a total of 15 inches of scars on my body but this is the first for my breast. Am I vain? I like to think I am not.... but I will still probably cry in front of the mirror. Hopefully though when good news comes back from my surgeon I can look at the scar as a symbol of good health and strength. Even if the results show cancer; I know I am strong and have plenty of fight in me :-)
I love the office supply section in stores. I take my time (when I can) and admire all the new styles of notebooks and journals. I even enjoy just a thick brand new legal pad....ohhh lala paper; it gets me excited.... strange I know but true.
