The first week after my mastectomy I had to go see ALL of my doctors. I was not excited. Not because I had to leave the house, but because I really just wanted to be. I didn't want to be poked and prodded, etc. However, I understood the need and went. I'm a rule follower like that.
First up, plastics appointment on Monday (4 days post op) Instead of meeting with my PS, I was now meeting with his PA. This appointment was ROUGH on me. She came in and was a lil on the aggressive side. While "helping" me take off my surgical bra, she was all sorts of quick and rough. My TRex arms were not up to bending the way she wanted them to. Then, she, without warning, ripped (yes ripped!!) off the tape covering my incision. I was thisclose to smacking her. It was awful and I wanted to cry. Leaving the appointment, I told my mom and Jay that I refused to let her touch me again if I came in and she was my person. Well, she became "my person" and I ended up LOVING her. She must have been having a bad day....
On Wednesday, I had my first physical therapy appointment and my post op appointment with my oncologist. Both of these appointments were a pain as well. Partially because I was just plain over doctors and appointments...
Physical Therapy - located in the "Cancer Pavilion" and located right next to the chemo and radiation wing. I saw that and it was like I was punched in the stomach immediately. Crazy how a few words can affect you. At this appointment I met my PT, who is super nice, but a bit of a close talker. I also met her current two interns as she gushed "I remember you from the board meeting!" and "This is a rare case, so you are going to want to be in here!" The better part of my appointment was spent being a teaching tool of sorts. I didn't really mind, but can see how some people would loathe it. My feeling is if they can learn something from me to save someone else, then by all means - study away!! After the lesson, she began stretching and doing exercises with me. I have never been so frustrated with my body. Simple things had be on mt verge of tears. But still..stubbornness won the battle and I vowed to be better by the next week. I left there sore.
Oncologist - this appointment went pretty well. I had a fever, which led her to realize that no one had given me antibiotics when I was discharged. This was a problem, as I had two drains (basically open holes) in my side. She brought out the final pathology report from the mastectomy and began to read it and explain it to us. She said that there were still tumor cells in the tissue, so it was the right decision. She also said that the report said the margins used in this last surgery were clear. I am all clear! Afterwards, my Mom told me she almost broke into tears at that point. Confused, I asker her why. She quickly answered "Because it is all gone." I guess I never really allowed myself to wander that road of thought, so when my oncologist said it was clear, in my mind it was just confirmation. It wasn't until later, much later, I realized that the report really was a big idea.
With those appointments behind me, it was time to continue the recovery process.
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