Post-op follow-up

keep meaning to update but I keep thinking about it at times when it's impossible.

At my post-op appointment last week, my surgeon said everything looked really good. I don't have to see her for 6 months unless there is a complication. She did not take the drain out at that visit, however, she did re-do the stich and it was so much more comfortable. She did say that she spoke with my oncologist and it looks like I'll be getting 6 months of weekly chemo followed by 6 weeks of radiation. So, about 9 months of therapy. I'm still waiting to hear from SCCA to schedule an appointment with my oncologist.

I went back to work on Tuesday which was a little daunting, but luckily all I have to do is sit in front of the computer or look up info in my building. All of my current files have been moved to the building I work in due to lack of space at the medical center. It's perfect for me this week to not have to shuttle over to the hospital and deal with everything there. Tuesday afternoon, I went back to SCCA and got the drain removed. It hurt like hell to have it taken out, but what a relief! I was cautioned though not to do anything strenuous (including pulling my wheeled laptop case) with my right arm for the next 1-2 weeks. It's very hard to be even more restricted, now that the drain is out and I can do so many more things! I also had a massage Tuesday night, which was so wonderful. I haven't had a massage since March when I moved. She just did a full body massage to get my circulation going and also did a little work on my shoulders and neck and my left hip, which was feeling very lopsided because I hadn't been able to sleep on my right side. Now that the drain is out, I have been able to lay on my right side a bit, which is very nice!

When I woke up on Wednesday morning, I felt so good.. having the drain out and getting a massage.. I felt almost back to normal. I had ordered some new bedding, which arrived Wednesday night and I could not resist putting new sheets on my bed! So much for taking it easy with my arm. I need to though, so that additional fluid does not accumulate under my arm where the drain was.

I'm going to take it easy this weekend and I'm sure everything will be fine. Does anyone know of any good books about dealing with chemo?