The truth is, I feel like bleep, bleep, bleepedy, bleep. I sailed through the surgery, happy little bi-lateral mastectomy patient, wowing everyone with my positive attitude, minimal pain, no drugs and lots of comments like ‘you’re only two weeks out, you look amazing’.
But we all have our thing and my chickens are roosting with a vengeance right now. Of the two drugs I am on, the normal side effects are nausea, hair loss, fluid retention, reduced blood counts. No real nausea in this body and they give you the miracle drug that zips it right away. Less common side effects for my two beauties: fatigue, heartburn and muscle pain. Yes, yes and freakin’ yes. The heartburn was so bad, I called the on-call Dr over Labor Day weekend and am now one of the trillions of people that take Prilosec. It has worked like a charm, I must say. I take so many pills for the side effects of the side effects, that I rattle when I walk. Oh, and did I mention teary, draggy and generally feeling like I have the flu? The family is just loving this stage!
I have a date with hair loss between September 10th – 13th but with my trusty wig (nicknamed Twiggy) at my side, will have well coiffed hair for the world to see. Work sent me a wonderful care package, picture below, Cranberry, Banana Nut Mix already eaten, that put a huge smile on my face, particularly the beekeeping jacket. Upon arrival, I will post pictures of me wearing it. Luckily when I am gardening, I will have something to cover the bald noggin, thus avoiding both wasp stings and sunburn.
Am also off to the hospital twice tomorrow. Once so the Plastic Surgeon can pump liquid into my boob expanders to, well, expand them and later in the day, to the dermatologist. My BRCA2 gene thing increases my chances of melanoma apparently. Can’t wait for that appointment.
So I am thinking that patience and strength are the attributes I most need this week. If any of you have either to spare, or anything else that might be useful, please send my way, with bells on.
Love to all,
Amanda
Send me a private email, please… love to visit with you, if you’re willing. Let me know if you’re up to… Whatever you want to do: talk, listen, a cup of tea, stay home, go out… And if it’s not the right time, it’s also fine. I admire your strength!!!! Sending you lots of love…Laurie
I guess you liked the cranberry banana nut mix despite the heartburn! 🙂 Love your colleagues’ humor. Sorry you’re feeling punk. Sending you love and a virtual hug. Lina
Oy! Side effects galore….so sorry! Despite all the adversity, you still sound like your humor is intact and UP!beat. I hope the doctors’ visits go well today!
Much love, C~
Boy, your work friends are really paying attention. Brilliant care package! I appreciate their humor — as well as yours — and I’m sending you all the strength and patience I’ve got today. A big, awkward American hug to you, Laura