The Surgeon

February 9th, 2008 Julie

January 28, 2008 we went to see the surgeon for my cancer. We waited in her office for a whole hour before she came in. It was an agonizing wait. Once she came in we discussed the options. After examination she said a mastectomy of my right breast would be the best rout since the cancer was so large. We were given a surgery date that was just two days away.

We called my parents and luckily they were able to get a flight out the next day. Their plane was late, but they made it here the night before my surgery. I think the news of breast cancer was very difficult for both of my parents. I can only imagine how I would react if I were told today that one of my babies had cancer. I would be devastated and ready to do what ever was necessary to make sure that they would live.

Wednesday, January 30th my husband and I left for the hospital. Our kids went to school while my parents waited at home for them and for news from us at the hospital. Before I knew it, I was in a hospital room being prepped for surgery. They started an IV and wrapped my legs with sleeves that were intended to massage my legs for the duration of the surgery and there after to prevent blood clots.

A male nurse came to retrieve me from the hospital room to take me into the operating room. He held my hand so tight as we made our way to the operating room. He continued to hold my hand until I fell in a deep sleep due to the anesthesia. A few hours later a nurse woke me in the recovery room. I was in immediate and excruciating pain when I awoke. I could barely speak, but the nurse gathered from my crying and expression that I was in a lot of pain. She gave me some medication and when the pain was under a bit of control she rolled me back into the hospital room.

My shoulder hurt something special. I was later told that they probably lifted my arm above my head to get it out of the way and taped it there. I don’t think they are especially careful how they treat you when you are out. It took a long time to get the pain from my shoulder under enough control for me to feel comfortable with going home.

Yes, believe it or not, they send you out the door the day of your surgery. It reminds me of when I had my first child. They couldn’t get me out the door fast enough. It is ridiculous. This revolving door surgery. If cutting off an entire breast does not constitute a hospital stay, then what the hell does?

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