It's been a while since I submitted a post here - almost a month! After so many posts, it's hard to believe I didn't feel compelled to write something over so many days. But, it's that time of year for me... recital time. Much of my free time is spent creating and fine-tuning the assorted projects I have going on for Yanarella School of Dance.
This year's story ballet is shaping up nicely. Alice (in Wonderland) is a pretty complex story that I put together using primarly the soundtrack from the Broadway show Wonderland. Certainly NOT the Disney version! I love the score. There are so many meaningful and powerful messages in the songs that's its hard for me to believe that it closed it's Broadway run so quickly. I do feel lucky that we got to see it - me, Bob, Laura and Halley. It really inspired me to work on this story.
Year after year, I am surprised and amazed at the talent and effort that emerges. This year, we have a dedicated group of 13 dancers that comprise all the characters of story. We spend most Sundays in September, October and November learning and rehearsing over long 10 or 12 hour days. These girls give me everything they have... and we are all exhausted afterward. The effort is so worth it in the end. We all create nice memories and bonds that we share. These are important parts of our lives that shape us all - even me. Even now.
So, it's October. This time last year I was feeling some pain in my left breast at the site of a cyst that had grown. Nothing that was going to stop me from going about my day to day business. I planned on telling my doctor about it when I saw him for my annual exam. In the meantime, I would keep an eye on it.
I do feel like I've come full circle as I enter this first anniversay. I still take one day at a time... don't look too far into the future. Trying to enjoy life and appreciate what I have. And I have alot!!!
Showing posts with label recovery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label recovery. Show all posts
Monday, October 24, 2011
Sunday, May 1, 2011
Trouble Sleeping RECAP (sorry so long!!!)
I've been having some trouble sleeping this week ever since I had my surgery. I'm not feeling pain or anything like that, just a level of discomfort that keeps me up. I first slept sitting up in a chair. Next tried the 45 degree angle on the sofa. The bed was by far the hardest. I may sleep for a few hours but I'd be up and moving to a different venue to try to get comfortable all over again.
While I may experience some pain/discomfort at the site of my surgery and implants, it's really the drainage system that is bothering me at my sides. Just a few inches below my armpits, 2 tubes protrude. It's there that bothers me most. Very sore.
I weened myself off of the Oxycodone on day 5 after surgery - during the day. I really didn't need it then. This is something i could live with and did fine - until night time. I decided to continue with the medication before bed time to at least continue to get a few restful hours before moving to a 'new spot' just like my dog Bailey!
I had Sarah home and even though I was 'recovering' I wanted to do what ever I could with her - life as usual. Monday was our first visit back to Dr. Sepulveda. Things were going well but he wasn't ready to take out any of the drains... sadly... but that's ok. I was cleared to shower on Tuesday and that news was great to hear!
Tuesday we spent the morning doing some 'work' - school for Sarah and business for me. It was a beautiful day and didn't want to miss it. We met Dawn (and Barbara) for lunch and we were off to the Walkway Over The Hudson. I was moving slowly but I was moving! Dr. Keleher told me to keep 'moving and groovy' to help the healing process. We made it to the Ulster side and I sat for a few minutes to rest. The way back was much better; almost like we were walking down hill! Either way, it took us much longer than we expected and rushed home to rest a (very) little and head out once again. This time to the studio.
Yes, call me crazy but I went to the studio on Tuesday. I know my limitations and decided to go instead of sitting at home wondering what they were doing and what I was missing! Besides, I'm used to teaching from a chair these days and could do it again. The funny thing is now that my legs are working, my arms aren't! I sat on my chair and used my hands below my shoulders conveying what I could. It didn't always come out right the first time, but eventually they all got it. Even if things don't run normally, Tuesdays at the studio are a joy to me and I'm not willing to pass them up if I can help it.
After all my exercise that day, I saved the coveted shower for bedtime!! Bob was instructed by Dr. Sepulveda on how and what to do to change my dressings at the drain sites. They supplied a written instruction too and on the page it mentioned a possibility of 'lightheadedness'. (is that one word??) Anyway, I jumped into my luke warm shower and boy did it feel good! Not that I haven't been washing but a real shower trumps a sponge bath any day! Afterward, Bob had the task of putting dressings back on. Somewhere in the middle of the first side, I suddenly felt nauseous and lightheaded - just like the doctor said!!! Happily it didn't last long and Bob finished the other side while I layed down. Just sharing this information so others in my shoes realize the doctor knows what he is talking about!
That night I slept pretty well on the sofa. A solid 5 hours. I figured I was over the hump.
Wednesday and Thursday we did a few errands, worked a little and cooked. Both nights found me wandering around the house for a comfortable place to lay my head. Wednesday was difficult because I was wide awake for no apparent reason. I could usually fall asleep pretty easily. STAYING asleep was the problem. Not this time.
Thursday we went out to dinner with the intentions of stopping at the grocery store to pick up a few 'essentials' for our Royal Breakfast the next day. I think the excitement got the best of me as I spent several hours finding the silver and setting out the china tea cups and such. I slept a few hours before giving up and going down to the kitchen to make my scones. Time ticked by quickly and we had to dress in our wedding garb - the Queen, the Princess and King Margarine!!! We had a blast but I was beat before our guests Shelly and Britney arrived for tea at 8am!!!
A few hours later, we were off to see Dr. Sepulveda for another check. This time he removed 2 of the drains and I was very relieved! I was very proud to tell him about the activity level I had been enjoying and watched his face contort as I mentioned walking a 5k at the Miles of Hope event! He 'scolded' me for doing too much!! But, in my defense, I was told to 'move and groove' and that activity would be good for me, blah, blah... but, as he explained, he meant don't lay in bed all day not go out and walk 2 miles!!! Ooops... I think he should have qualified that! He obviously doesn't know me very well!!!
One last event for the day - Barbara's birthday dinner! We had a great time with great people and it flew by. It was not a late night and I was happy to be home to try to settle down and get some much needed sleep after a string of days with just a few hours each. But this night would be the worst of all!! My body was extremely restless and jumpy with very little hope of settling down anywhere - and I tried! I did a few laps around the house to try to release the anxiety in my muscles to no avail. The last I looked at the clock it was 4:30am.... and I had to be at Tymor Park for Miles of Hope at 7:30am - it's gonna be a long day.....
While I may experience some pain/discomfort at the site of my surgery and implants, it's really the drainage system that is bothering me at my sides. Just a few inches below my armpits, 2 tubes protrude. It's there that bothers me most. Very sore.
I weened myself off of the Oxycodone on day 5 after surgery - during the day. I really didn't need it then. This is something i could live with and did fine - until night time. I decided to continue with the medication before bed time to at least continue to get a few restful hours before moving to a 'new spot' just like my dog Bailey!
I had Sarah home and even though I was 'recovering' I wanted to do what ever I could with her - life as usual. Monday was our first visit back to Dr. Sepulveda. Things were going well but he wasn't ready to take out any of the drains... sadly... but that's ok. I was cleared to shower on Tuesday and that news was great to hear!
Tuesday we spent the morning doing some 'work' - school for Sarah and business for me. It was a beautiful day and didn't want to miss it. We met Dawn (and Barbara) for lunch and we were off to the Walkway Over The Hudson. I was moving slowly but I was moving! Dr. Keleher told me to keep 'moving and groovy' to help the healing process. We made it to the Ulster side and I sat for a few minutes to rest. The way back was much better; almost like we were walking down hill! Either way, it took us much longer than we expected and rushed home to rest a (very) little and head out once again. This time to the studio.
Yes, call me crazy but I went to the studio on Tuesday. I know my limitations and decided to go instead of sitting at home wondering what they were doing and what I was missing! Besides, I'm used to teaching from a chair these days and could do it again. The funny thing is now that my legs are working, my arms aren't! I sat on my chair and used my hands below my shoulders conveying what I could. It didn't always come out right the first time, but eventually they all got it. Even if things don't run normally, Tuesdays at the studio are a joy to me and I'm not willing to pass them up if I can help it.
After all my exercise that day, I saved the coveted shower for bedtime!! Bob was instructed by Dr. Sepulveda on how and what to do to change my dressings at the drain sites. They supplied a written instruction too and on the page it mentioned a possibility of 'lightheadedness'. (is that one word??) Anyway, I jumped into my luke warm shower and boy did it feel good! Not that I haven't been washing but a real shower trumps a sponge bath any day! Afterward, Bob had the task of putting dressings back on. Somewhere in the middle of the first side, I suddenly felt nauseous and lightheaded - just like the doctor said!!! Happily it didn't last long and Bob finished the other side while I layed down. Just sharing this information so others in my shoes realize the doctor knows what he is talking about!
That night I slept pretty well on the sofa. A solid 5 hours. I figured I was over the hump.
Wednesday and Thursday we did a few errands, worked a little and cooked. Both nights found me wandering around the house for a comfortable place to lay my head. Wednesday was difficult because I was wide awake for no apparent reason. I could usually fall asleep pretty easily. STAYING asleep was the problem. Not this time.
Thursday we went out to dinner with the intentions of stopping at the grocery store to pick up a few 'essentials' for our Royal Breakfast the next day. I think the excitement got the best of me as I spent several hours finding the silver and setting out the china tea cups and such. I slept a few hours before giving up and going down to the kitchen to make my scones. Time ticked by quickly and we had to dress in our wedding garb - the Queen, the Princess and King Margarine!!! We had a blast but I was beat before our guests Shelly and Britney arrived for tea at 8am!!!
A few hours later, we were off to see Dr. Sepulveda for another check. This time he removed 2 of the drains and I was very relieved! I was very proud to tell him about the activity level I had been enjoying and watched his face contort as I mentioned walking a 5k at the Miles of Hope event! He 'scolded' me for doing too much!! But, in my defense, I was told to 'move and groove' and that activity would be good for me, blah, blah... but, as he explained, he meant don't lay in bed all day not go out and walk 2 miles!!! Ooops... I think he should have qualified that! He obviously doesn't know me very well!!!
One last event for the day - Barbara's birthday dinner! We had a great time with great people and it flew by. It was not a late night and I was happy to be home to try to settle down and get some much needed sleep after a string of days with just a few hours each. But this night would be the worst of all!! My body was extremely restless and jumpy with very little hope of settling down anywhere - and I tried! I did a few laps around the house to try to release the anxiety in my muscles to no avail. The last I looked at the clock it was 4:30am.... and I had to be at Tymor Park for Miles of Hope at 7:30am - it's gonna be a long day.....
Sunday, April 24, 2011
Excuse the cliche
Easter - a time for resurrection and renewal.
I am feeling my body repair itself after the surgery of last week. Soreness and tiredness are the main things that are plaguing me now. Less so today than yesterday and I'm sure it will get better and better as the days go by.
I was very anxious and worried on Thursday morning... Showering and packing as the few hours I had left before I had to leave quickly ticked by. A lot of thoughts went flew through my brain - major surgery, anesthesia, life, death, etc. I expected life, but had to deal with death. What if something went wrong? What if I didn't make it out of surgery? I had to tell my family what I wanted to have happen should 'extraordinary' measures need to be performed and what those words really meant to me - a 49 year old, otherwise healthy, woman.
I asked them to sit at the table with me. My words were simple and, I'm afraid, not so direct. Emotions were flying high as I gave the kids my 2 possessions to hold for safekeeping. I tried to discuss where to draw the line if they had to keep me alive. Finally, I professed my love for the 3 that sat at that table. And secretly prayed for the day we'd sit there again. Hugs all around and Bob and I left and headed over to Dr. Sepulveda's for marking.
(All this is starting to sound familiar. I realized I better read the post I wrote early Friday morning to see if I had written any of this before - - - I had! My morphine-induced state caused all kinds of typos, which I'll go back and edit, and memory loss! I'll spare the repeat and jump ahead ...)
After the surgey, Dr. Keleher came in first to examine me. She was very happy with how everything looked and the actual surgery itself. She'd have the results of my lymph node biopsy from pathology within a week. In time for our next appointment.
I'm now wearing a tight fitting bra. This is not to protect the incisions at my breasts but to hold onto the containers at the end of the drains. I have 4 drains in all - 2 at each of my sides. Tubes come out of my sides and at the end are the suction containers that look like grenades. These fill up with fluid that have to be measured and emptied. Sarah and the nurses did them together in the hospital in preparation for when I'm home when Sarah will take over fulltime.
Dr. Sepulveda comes in about an hour later and does his inspection too. He is also very pleased with the progress and has started the reconstruction process resulting in an 'A' cup. He tells me to expect a rough weekend. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll keep him updated!!
My nurse Brooke gave me my last IV of antibiotic and we were out of there and homeward bound. Our hospital experience wasn't a bad one, by no means! I was just happy to be in our own environment - on our our turf. A bite to eat and meds every 4 hours was the call of the day. Go to the bathroom, sleep a little, take the meds, empty the drains. I spent the night on the sofa not moving. Moving would result in pain at the drain site. There was quite a bit of 'dressing' around that area and it was really bothersome so I learned to not move while I slept. I could feel the pectoral muscle soreness that Dr. Keleher described too. It is more like day 2 after 500 push ups if you ask me!
Saturday was more of the same but with better coffee! It was also the day everyone would prepare for the Easter Egg Competition. I did quite a few laps around the house to keep things moving as the doctors would say. Walking is the best way to relieve the swelling and promote healing so I did as much as I could in the morning when I had the most energy. I offered to help with the egg projects but spent most of the time instructing them on how to make my brisket. I'm limited to raising my arms just to the shoulder and no heavy lifting, so my 10 pound brisket had to be handled by my 'assistants'! I did rest and recharge for the afternoon before we ordered pizza and watched The King's Speech. This night, I found my way to the lounge chair for another night of un-moving sleep.
Big fear - rolling over. You see, I'm a stomach sleeper and the urge to roll over when in bed may overcome me. The chair and the sofa have stopped me from doing that. But, I'm totally numb at the incision site and I probably wouldn't notice it anyway!! We'll see. I'll move to the bed on Monday.
Before I knew it, it was Easter Sunday. The irony of my surgery and recovery over these days - Thursday thru Sunday - did not go unnoticed by me. I do feel like I experienced a resurrection of sorts. Like my life is renewed at a different level. Each day a new one for me to look at and experience with new 'eyes'. A truly humbling experience.
I am feeling my body repair itself after the surgery of last week. Soreness and tiredness are the main things that are plaguing me now. Less so today than yesterday and I'm sure it will get better and better as the days go by.
I was very anxious and worried on Thursday morning... Showering and packing as the few hours I had left before I had to leave quickly ticked by. A lot of thoughts went flew through my brain - major surgery, anesthesia, life, death, etc. I expected life, but had to deal with death. What if something went wrong? What if I didn't make it out of surgery? I had to tell my family what I wanted to have happen should 'extraordinary' measures need to be performed and what those words really meant to me - a 49 year old, otherwise healthy, woman.
I asked them to sit at the table with me. My words were simple and, I'm afraid, not so direct. Emotions were flying high as I gave the kids my 2 possessions to hold for safekeeping. I tried to discuss where to draw the line if they had to keep me alive. Finally, I professed my love for the 3 that sat at that table. And secretly prayed for the day we'd sit there again. Hugs all around and Bob and I left and headed over to Dr. Sepulveda's for marking.
(All this is starting to sound familiar. I realized I better read the post I wrote early Friday morning to see if I had written any of this before - - - I had! My morphine-induced state caused all kinds of typos, which I'll go back and edit, and memory loss! I'll spare the repeat and jump ahead ...)
After the surgey, Dr. Keleher came in first to examine me. She was very happy with how everything looked and the actual surgery itself. She'd have the results of my lymph node biopsy from pathology within a week. In time for our next appointment.
I'm now wearing a tight fitting bra. This is not to protect the incisions at my breasts but to hold onto the containers at the end of the drains. I have 4 drains in all - 2 at each of my sides. Tubes come out of my sides and at the end are the suction containers that look like grenades. These fill up with fluid that have to be measured and emptied. Sarah and the nurses did them together in the hospital in preparation for when I'm home when Sarah will take over fulltime.
Dr. Sepulveda comes in about an hour later and does his inspection too. He is also very pleased with the progress and has started the reconstruction process resulting in an 'A' cup. He tells me to expect a rough weekend. I'm not sure what that means, but I'll keep him updated!!
My nurse Brooke gave me my last IV of antibiotic and we were out of there and homeward bound. Our hospital experience wasn't a bad one, by no means! I was just happy to be in our own environment - on our our turf. A bite to eat and meds every 4 hours was the call of the day. Go to the bathroom, sleep a little, take the meds, empty the drains. I spent the night on the sofa not moving. Moving would result in pain at the drain site. There was quite a bit of 'dressing' around that area and it was really bothersome so I learned to not move while I slept. I could feel the pectoral muscle soreness that Dr. Keleher described too. It is more like day 2 after 500 push ups if you ask me!
Saturday was more of the same but with better coffee! It was also the day everyone would prepare for the Easter Egg Competition. I did quite a few laps around the house to keep things moving as the doctors would say. Walking is the best way to relieve the swelling and promote healing so I did as much as I could in the morning when I had the most energy. I offered to help with the egg projects but spent most of the time instructing them on how to make my brisket. I'm limited to raising my arms just to the shoulder and no heavy lifting, so my 10 pound brisket had to be handled by my 'assistants'! I did rest and recharge for the afternoon before we ordered pizza and watched The King's Speech. This night, I found my way to the lounge chair for another night of un-moving sleep.
Big fear - rolling over. You see, I'm a stomach sleeper and the urge to roll over when in bed may overcome me. The chair and the sofa have stopped me from doing that. But, I'm totally numb at the incision site and I probably wouldn't notice it anyway!! We'll see. I'll move to the bed on Monday.
Before I knew it, it was Easter Sunday. The irony of my surgery and recovery over these days - Thursday thru Sunday - did not go unnoticed by me. I do feel like I experienced a resurrection of sorts. Like my life is renewed at a different level. Each day a new one for me to look at and experience with new 'eyes'. A truly humbling experience.
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