24 Hours Later

At the time I write this, it's Valentines Day at 11 am. Just 24 hours ago I was in recovery after my single mastectomy. The day started early at 5:30 as we got up and got ready to go to the hospital. My bag was packed the night before with the few things I would need for my overnight stay. Steve drove me to the hospital in a light snow flurry and we arrived at my appointed check-in time of 6:30. 

Within minutes, I was taken back to the pre-op area. My breast surgeon came in and initialed my breast and went over the procedure. She then asked if it was okay if she prayed for me. Of course! I am blessed to have a surgeon that is not only highly respected in her field, but also a Christian. By 7:30 I was all prepped and my mom showed up to wait with me and Steve. I got my radioactive isotope injection and my plastic surgeon came by to draw all over me. I felt like an art project. Then my favorite person showed up, the anesthesiologist! I love the man that keeps me totally unaware of what the surgeons are doing to me. 

Soon I was whisked away for my 8:30 surgery. I was told it would take 2-3 hours. They started the happy juice and I was out. I woke up at 11 am in recovery feeling pretty good, but a little groggy. By noon I was in my room. 

The surgery only took 90 minutes. Unfortunately, the volunteer that was sent to get my husband from the hospital cafeteria was not the best at communicating. She just told him he needed to hurry back to the surgical waiting area to talk to the doctor. Poor guy thought something had gone wrong early in the surgery and had a few minutes of panic. The surgeon was quick to reassure him that everything was fine and he could go to my room soon and see me.

The pain level was quite tolerable. The only problem was a queasy headache from the anesthesia. I was able to eat a piece of toast and some broth. There was some nausea later, but not too bad. However, around 5 pm, I got quite sick. Apparently that was what my body needed because I was able to eat a small dinner after that, and keep it down.

I had the typical mostly sleepless night that you get in the hospital. Though Steve said he had his best sleep in weeks. Probably due to the reduced stress of waiting for this surgery. By 7 am, my surgeon came in, looked me over, and said "go home." Steve was there to pick me up by 9, and now I am home, with my husband and mother trying to get me to rest and behave myself. 

The nurses and all the staff were amazing. Two of them at the shift change thanked me for having, "such a great demeanor." I was grateful to keep up my testimony during the grogginess, nausea, and pain adjustment. Though I was only able to have one faith conversation, I played some Christian music on my phone that the nurses could hear when they came in.

Overall, everything went better than anticipated. Now to just wait for the lymph node biopsy results. God has been good. I look forward to seeing how He will continue to bless in this challenge.