After the surgery was completed, I was taken to the recovery room. I don't really remember anything that happened while I was there. I was then taken to a regular room. I would be in the hospital for two days. Making sure there were no complications from the surgery. Monitors were attached to my breasts and, of course, my IV.
It was nice to see the family there. It was encouraging to know they cared enough to be there. Even though I don't remember everything. My youngest granddaughter was busy doing her homework, or so we thought. She just loves to milk time and hates schoolwork. I know it was hard for my oldest granddaughter to be there, since her ex-boyfriend and the father of her baby lives across the street. She has always been my angel since the day she was born. I suffered from depression most of my life. When she was born, she brought hope with her. I felt a new purpose for my life. We spent a lot of time together. I couldn't wait to get home from work and hold her. She was my lifeline. I didn't acknowledge God at that period of time, but looking back, I believe God sent her to save my life. Life has never been easy for me, but having them there brought a sense of peace. I truly felt as if God had answered my prayers. I was also surprised to hear from my sister, the one who wished I had never mentioned having cancer. She called the day before I was admitted to the hospital and every day I was there. We had some good conversations, and she made me laugh. She never came to visit me, even though I was close to where she lived. Of course, my mom didn't come because the hospital was far from her house, but she at least called. I know she was concerned and prayed that everything went well.
The time in the hospital didn't seem long. This could be due to all the drugs I was taking. The nurses were friendly and communicative. I had a visit from my first surgeon, and she stated that everything looked good. A visit from my second surgeon's physician's assistant also stopped by and said the same thing.
I had one drain attached to each side, which removed any fluid from my breast that could cause any possible infection. I'm guessing the nurses were surprised I didn't have four. The nurses would come in twice a day to check my drains. There was not much drainage while I was in the hospital. I did ask the nurses and doctor if this was normal, and they said "yes". When it was time for me to be discharged, the nurse showed my husband how to drain my drains.
Everything looked good, and I was released from the hospital and on my way back home. My son had stopped by the house to rearrange the room, making it more easily accessible. I was to use a walker for a few days.
As the days passed, I found it extremely difficult to sleep since I could only sleep in an upright position. I had purchased a wedge for my bed to help me sleep. That didn't work well.
My husband continued to check my drains each day. There was still not much drainage. When I went back to the doctor the following week. He removed my drains. I was surprised and could not believe this was happening so soon. I've heard breast drains are usually left in for two to three weeks, and most people have more drainage. I wondered if this was a good or bad thing. I certainly was not looking for any complications from them being removed too early. Although I was ecstatic at the news. He also told me I needed to start walking one mile every day.
I am amazed and happy that everything looked good. I still believe that the preparation of diet and exercise I undertook before the surgery was helpful. Most of all, the prayers I received from my church family and friends. I could really sense their prayers. I feel so blessed over how everything has gone. God is so so good!!!
Scarlett
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