But they who wait on the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; they shall walk and not faint. Isaiah 40:31
I received the best news possible from the doctors; that my pathology report shows clear margins for the tumor and lymph nodes (2) are negative for cancer! I am also recovering from my surgery better than expected! I can reach and do light cooking easily and I can tolerate gentle hugs:). I can walk for 15 min or so without difficulty. The most painful part of the surgery scar is where they took the lymph nodes out from the center of my arm pit. When I walk I keep my R hand on my hip so that my arm pit doesn’t rub when my arm swings. I have full complete range of motion for my L side and can reach full range of motion on my right side with gradual stretching and a light twinge of pain. I take a pain pill at night and can now lie on my side. I take Tylenol during the day and will try driving in a few days. My scars are less red with no drainage.
I went to 7 total hyperbaric chamber visits for about 90 min each which is supposed to help with healing and prevent infection. I crawl into a soft pod where I can sit or lay down and breath 10 liters O2 via a mask. The pressure inside the pod builds to 1/3 atmosphere and I feel my ears popping. (Like SCUBA) I thought I would get very board or do a lot of reading but I have taken to listening to podcasts and focusing on my breathing. I envision the extra oxygen healing my tissues from the inside out. It is a little difficult getting in and out of the pod without full use of my arms but doable. It is a 5-8 min walk from our condo to this “Hyper wellness” place so I don’t need a ride and love the excuse to walk a bit. I walk home in a bit of a haze.
Otherwise I have been mostly on the couch. I take naps or lie down when I feel tired. I had a few visitors and even went to a post workout gathering in honor of a fellow triathlete. I am able to visit with dear friends that have helped me on my journey and am able to share with them good news. I feel so grateful and relieved that my surgery is over and that I am healing up well. I have been reconnecting with old friends, studying Spanish, reading, doing continuing education for Physical Therapy, following up with insurance and doctor visits and praying. It feels odd to be on the receiving side of health care but I am learning to embrace it. It is the quickest way to being able to help others again. God is Good!
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