Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, let us be thankful, and so worship God acceptably with reverence and awe. Hebrews 12:28
I just had my breast surgeon and my plastics follow up appointments. They both say that I am healing well! Yay! It is a surreal experience to take off my shirt and stand in the room while my doctors and nurses look at my breast and smile. I am now cleared to get my heart rate up as much as I want and can ride a stationary bike! I will get my oncaprint next Friday which will determine if they recommend Chemo. I am pre-menopausal which means I still have elevated levels of the hormones that were feeding the tumor. Ugh! If I was post menopausal, than my prognosis would be better without chemo. I will go on hormone blockers either way.
As a physical therapist, I used to work with breast cancer patients and inform them about the risk of developing lymphedema, which is swelling of lymph that doesn’t go away like normal swelling. I have a small risk of developing it because they took out 2 lymph nodes and I will have radiation. I probably know too much but I was concerned about developing lymphedema in my R arm. I also have a friend who recently developed lymphedema after swimming with a long sleeve wetsuit. I met with a lymphedema therapist who was able to measure me and recommend a sleeve to wear when I fly or go up in elevation. She also recommended using an electric razor for my right side and not doing anything that could cause cuts or infection in my right arm. There are lots of other possible risks as well. When it came to ordering a sleeve, I had so many choices. They are available in flesh color or ones that look like tattoos or all colors and designs. It ended up costing $75 dollars but I settled on one that has a flower design of black on tan.
Something nice and unexpected that came out of this experience is my discovery of Dry Bar Comedy online and on facebook. Robert Mac is my favorite so far of these collections of clean comedians. Now more than ever I really appreciate laughter.
I have been meeting friends for walks on the beach or harbor and planning some short hikes. I find that wearing even a small back pack is uncomfortable on my chest. Range of motion is still painful at end range for my Right shoulder. I am still eating extra protein for wound healing and am wearing my tight jog bra 24/7. I am actually a little uncomfortable now when I am not wearing it. I check my scars at least daily to make sure they are not infected. I have been doing continuing ed courses and studying Spanish online. I pray often, do all the shopping, cook, run errands and even ordered a bike helmet. I follow up with bills and appointments. Maybe this is what it is like to be retired. It’s not bad but I will be grateful for my old life back, too.
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