Week 2...

So, it has almost been 2 weeks since surgery! I know, it's CRAZY and it's hard for me to believe how fast time goes! It's actually hard for me to believe that surgery is DONE! Originally, I would be having surgery next Thursday but I am glad it is over especially before the holidays. So, week 2. Week 1 wasn't too bad other than the fact I had to get used to not doing everything on my own because I couldn't lift my arms above my head so I needed help showering and getting dressed, getting in and out of bed because I wasn't allowed to use my arms nor did I want to and well, I needed help with just about everything. Week 2, Jo Ann came to visit and stayed for the week which was really nice that way Ryan felt comfortable going back to work and I didn't have to be by myself since Dr. Nate isn't going to release me to return back to work for approximately 6 weeks from surgery which puts me at December 16 and Dr. Stalnecker doesn't know when he is going to release me yet. When I saw Dr. Stalnecker on Monday, he told me I could start trying to stretch my arms above my head. He said it is ok to feel a slight pull but it shouldn't be a sharp pain. So, I kind of took that and ran with it because that told me that I can start doing more for myself. I can get my left arm above my head with no problem, only that slight pull. My right arm is another story which I expected since they took so many lymph nodes out of that side. My armpit on the right side hurts so bad. It is like I have pulled a muscle and it just won't loosen up. Not to mention, where Dr. Nate had to cut a lot of the nerves when taking the lymph nodes, the back of my right arm from my shoulder to my elbow into my armpit and part of my back are numb. Now, I don't know if the feeling is starting to try and come back because the skin in those places is EXTREMELY sensitive. My skin hurts to just have anything, I mean ANYTHING touch it. I have however, graduated to showering and washing my hair by myself. I know that sounds minor but you don't realize how much you enjoy taking a shower and washing your hair on your own until someone else has to do it for you. You kind of take things like that for granted. I can also dress myself but I still have to wear things that can be buttoned or zipped in the front. I made the mistake this week of thinking I could probably try and be NORMAL and wear normal clothes like a t-shirt because hey, I'm allowed to work on getting my arm over my head and well I can wash my own hair so it should be fine. Well, not fine. I put on a t-shirt by myself and I was so excited only to realize that I had no idea how I was going to get it off. After thinking about this for awhile I thought it would be better to just go ahead and take it off because later my body would be more sore and it would be more difficult. So, I got Jo Ann and we had to figure this out. We did it but it took a couple tries. Realized right then that was a bad choice lol!! Oh well, soon enough! During this week while Jo Ann was here it was really nice to get out. I can't drive yet, not until all of my drains are out because I still have 3, not to mention, my armpit hurts so bad I don't think I want to drive. Anyway, we were able to go out and do a few things but it is crazy, you try to do things like you normally do and your body just says "nope, you're done, this is enough." It is amazing how tired I get so fast and how everything feels swollen and heavy and just sore. It's ok though because it felt good and I feel I got some things accomplished! Now, Monday I have 3 dr appointments. I see Dr. Stalnecker 1st so hopefully I will get 2 more drains taken out and just have 1 left which would be really nice so maybe I can try and sleep on my side and we will pump these babies up a little more. I then have my follow up with Dr. Nate and then I see Dr. Bhatia to talk about chemo like when it will start and how often and all of that. So, Monday I will update and fill everyone in!