Reconstruction Begins

May 1 – Surgery

Let’s see, it’s been about six months or more since Randy found the lump that sent our world into a tizzy. Decisions were made, biopsies were performed, news was shared, and surgery was completed. I thought the mastectomy surgery was painful, but let me tell you, this one has it beat all to hell.

My surgery was scheduled for 7:30 am and the hospital is an hour’s drive from our house. We, of course, arrived about 15 minutes early. The wind was blowing so hard that we thought we woke up in Oklahoma.

I was told to wear something comfortable with buttons down the front, so I bought a new set of jammies and wore them. Very cute. Very comfortable.

I was checked in at the insurance station. Randy was given a card with my patient ID number on it and was told that he could watch my progress on the monitors using that number. Someone would update the monitors every time I was moved, so he knew where I was.

The thing I appreciated more than anything about this waiting room is that there was no coffee, no coffee smells, no water, and no food courts. Since I hadn’t eaten or drank anything in over 12 hours, I appreciated the concern of the hospital for the patient. The cafeteria was in another building and after I was in surgery, Randy and Amy found their way there for food.

From the literature, we assumed that once I was taken back to the prep area, Randy couldn’t go. But, thankfully, they let him come. They gave me a robe and new booties and got me all settled in a bed. The first nurse asked me questions about allergies and such. The second nurse put a warm blanket on my hand because I’m a red head and veins are hard to find with red heads. Since my red hair comes straight out of a bottle, I wasn’t too worried. Veins are hard to find on me, but not impossible. Until now.

I asked to go to the bathroom where I could have a minute alone to thank all my angels for coming and give myself a little pep talk to calm down. When I returned, all the nurses were gone and Randy and I waited…..and waited…..and waited.

Soon, an anesthesiologist student arrived to administer sedative when he noticed that I didn’t have an IV. Let the games begin. Apparently, I threw their schedule all out of whack when I went to the bathroom and now I had to get back in line. The nurse arrived and tried to find a vein in my hand. After much poking and proding, she gave up and tried for the other hand with the same results. The student tried the vein in the crook of my arm, but couldn’t find it. If you’re keeping score – that’s red head veins 3 – medical professionals 0.

Finally, the anesthesiologist arrived with an ultra-sound machine and got a vein on my inner right arm to accept the needle and started the IV. First time ever I tasted the saline solution.

Everyone came in to introduce themselves – all the surgical nurses, all the students, all the anesthesiologists and finally the surgeon. He sat me up in bed and asked me to turn towards him. Then he took a navy blue Sharpie and drew lines and circles all over my chest. He concentrated so hard on his creation that I was reminded of a first grader drawing his first picture. When he was done, he helped me back into the prone position and said “Let’s go!”

Randy held my hand as I was being wheeled away until we reached the crossroad and he kissed me. I hate the worry in his face that shows even though he tries to hide it. I hate that he will spend the next few hours pacing and talking with our daughter and worrying. I hate that he has to go through this yet again. I love that he is willing to do it over and over.

I was wheeled into the bright, cold operating room and moved to the table. After everyone said it would all be fine, a mask was put on my face. I was told to breathe deeply and when the oxygen changed to the drugs, I was out like a light. My part was easy.

Do you remember the monitors where Randy could watch my progress? Well, they didn’t work so well. One of the nurses called when one of my breasts were done, but never called again. And my number disappeared from the board before anyone told Randy I was in recovery. He was just a smidge freaked out.

I woke up looking at the ultrasound monitor again while the anesthesiologist was yet again searching for another vein. Apparently, the one made it through surgery, but had given up and they needed a new one to administer pain meds. I didn’t really care this time, but everyone seemed to be very excited when they found the new one.

Randy and Amy had arrived. Amy bought me a teddy bear and I held onto him as I slipped in and out. Finally, I was given ice chips – then asked if I wanted a Pepsi. Good, googly moogly! Nervana in a small can with a straw!

The nurses all said I didn’t have to leave any time soon. Just relax. But soon, I had to pee, so I rang for the nurse who had to disconnect me from the machines. Randy and this tiny little nurse helped me to the bathroom and back. After I got back in bed, I asked when I could go home. The answer was “Anytime you want.” I said I was ready.

This time I remembered putting my clothes on and getting into the wheelchair. I remember going through the outside door and feeling the wind on my face – still blowing like I was in Oklahoma. I remember being assisted into the Jeep and my daughter’s kiss on my cheek.

I looked down to see a huge purple bruise on my arm and several greenish bruises on my hands. I felt my chest and said “I have baby bumps!”

Finally home and in bed, the first day was over. I was soon to learn that rebuilding what has been taken away is way more painful and the purchase of a good recliner would have been a great idea.