Monday, March 26, 2012

T-Minus 8 Days

For the past month, I haven't thought about my upcoming surgery much as far as the actual surgery and recovery goes. I was too wrapped up in getting my finances in order, making arrangements for school pick-up and drop-off for my daughter, and figuring out work details.

But this morning, I had my pre-op appointment and it suddenly became real again - as well as a tiny bit scary.

My doctor said I'm one step away from endometrial cancer, so I'm very glad we're getting this taken care of now. But on the other end of the spectrum, there is a lot involved. Not being able to get out of bed by myself for a few days. No work. No exercising. No driving. No going up and down stairs. No wearing jeans (though really, that is not a big sacrifice!). No crunches! (Oh, the withdrawal I shall suffer...just kidding.)

And the pain. The last time I had surgery, I hardly had any pain. That was nice. The time before that, however, when they had to remove an ovary was very painful, indeed. I have an inkling this surgery is going to be similar in nature to that pain - and probably worse.

Then there's the pre-surgery stuff. I still have another post-op appointment to go to where they'll check my heart, take x-rays of my chest, take blood, and so on. Then I have to do that nasty bowel prep (gag!) the day before my surgery. Y'know what? After it's all said and done, I'm looking forward to them knocking me out!

Thank goodness my mom is coming to help for a few days. Sometimes, you just need your mom. Since she, too, had a hysterectomy, she'll know what I'm going through.

And thank goodness there is an awesome website online called www.HysterSisters.com that can answer all my questions. There's tips on what to bring to the hospital and how to cope those first few days, as well as lots and lots of other great information. It's been a lifesaver.

17 comments:

  1. Mom's are awesome. I hope the surgery goes well. Just remember that every day will get better and you won't have cancer. Glad you found a website that offers support.

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  2. It's so true. Sometimes you just need your mom.

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  3. Anonymous8:51 PM

    So glad your mom will be there with you. My friend recently had your same surgery and she said the procedure went very well but it's the slow recovery time that makes her crazy. She wants to be at top speed and doesn't want to wait for the gradual healing. She also said the stairs thing sucks. But she thought the medicine, the doctors, the surgery itself went better than she thought. I'm praying the same works for you.

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  4. Sounds like you're taking good care of yourself by being well-prepared! I hope all goes well, and it's great you'll have your mom with you.

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  5. Be thinking of you Melissa, but as the others have said, you are very well prepared. Best of luck x

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  6. Bless you. May God surround you with His loving presence and give you a quick recovery!

    Linda

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  7. Melissa, I'll be keeping you in my thoughts and prayers too. I'm glad your mom will be there to help out, and I'm glad you found the web site-it helps to know that there are other women out there who have been through what you are going through:) You aren't alone in this, my friend:)

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  8. You're so right. There are times when a girl needs her mom. So pleased yours can be there for you.

    Hope everything goes well and painlessly for you. Concentrate on the positive bits - like no crunches. ;)

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  9. Elizabeth Parker1:54 PM

    I'll be thinking of you, Melissa. Here's to a speedy recovery!

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  10. There is a lot to consider, so true! What I found interesting after my husband's surgery was how quickly each day passed and the amount of improvement that occurred. Still it is a day-to-day process, and the more information you have, the better. So wonderful your mom will be there, with an understanding perspective. Prayers are sent your way for these days to be calm and preparatory!

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  11. Thanks for all your good wishes, thoughts, and prayers. The day is looming closer and my brain has been completely scattered! I'll be glad when this is all over. :-)

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  12. I have asked Elvis to come over and talk to you while you are under the anesthetic. He's pretty entertaining, should help pass the time etc.

    He has been taking piano lessons specifically for this. He claims already to be able to play most of Elton John's early hits, without sheet music.

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    1. LOL!!! I'll let you know if I see him!

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  13. I'm sorry I missed this and praying you are better now and it is over??

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  14. good luck, Melissa. I had a hysterectomy last May. Also felt nervous. Treat yourself to lots of relaxation for the first few weeks.

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  15. Thanks, Mary Tod. I am making sure to be kind to myself and allow myself to be pampered!
    :-)

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