Back in the saddle
Posted: March 6, 2011 Filed under: breast cancer, Surgery | Tags: breast cancer, cancer battle, DIEP, hospital, microsurgery, new boobs, plastic surgery, Quasimodo, recovery, surgery, tennis 7 CommentsWell, sort of. I’m sitting at my computer but feel pretty fuzzy-headed. At this time on a Sunday morning, I would normally be on the tennis court, earning my beers after 3 sets, but there’s a new normal nowadays, and tennis will have to wait.
I figured I’d better get back to blogging before my guest bloggers took over permanently, making me a redundancy. Big thanks to Trevor and Amy for filling in for me while I was unable to think straight or type coherently.
My handlers have established some boundaries for me, which I apparently need. Visiting hours today are 2 to 4 pm, and tomorrow from noon to 1 pm. Bring a brown bag and visit awhile, but don’t get your feelings hurt if you get kicked out. My handlers are determined to make sure I don’t overdo it; I have no idea why they think I need that.
It’s pretty great to be home, and while the nursing care at Methodist was the best I’ve ever had, nothing compares to home sweet home. No one woke me up last night to check the new skin or peek at the incisions or take my temp and blood pressure. I’m pretty mobile but still walk all hunched over. I think Amy compared me to Quasimodo. I’d agree with that characterization, but must note that I don’t have a hump on my back! 
Dr Spiegel said not to push myself to straighten up; the incision on my belly is pretty tight, and if I try to straighten up I run the risk of tearing the incision. I also need to be careful to limit my arm movement and not raise my arms above my head, because the microsurgery requires such tiny stitches that they’re easily ripped.
It sure would be nice to have a non-complicated recovery this time around. Fingers crossed.
The Pink Underbelly 
Well, you continue to rock my world with your optimism and grit. I doff my hat to you, m’lady. Now, here’s the important question: what movies are you watching while you’re confined to bed? If you haven’t seen every one on the Info section of my FB page, then you have your assignment.
Netflix streaming! Go!
“Handlers” You are such a rock star.
Nancy.
Is this the surgery that took shoulder/underarm muscle? The one that would forever limit your tennis, or are you just temporarily “out of the game” as you would be after any major surgery? I knew you had a couple of reconstructive options, but I can’t remember the one you chose and if it came with long term limitations. I know your children are glad to see you and I am so happy this is over! BTW, I think you have the prettiest little girl in the world! 😉
So good to have you back online! The recipe for a complication-free recovery is simple: do as you are told! Hahahaha! I crack myself up. Lean on your friends, which should be easy in your Quasimodo state.
I guess having Handlers is better than ManHandlers…..You are doing great!! Those boundaries are what sprung you from the joint and outta those hose ahead of schedule!
Well, we may not be able to play tennis, BUT we can still drink that beer!! I’m a good ol’ Texas girl…I’m up for a cold one any old time! 🙂
Well first I would like to say….trevor your amazing and I never even met you. Your compassion and care shine through yours voice and words. I truely appreciated your phone call to tell us about the successful surgery. Janice and I adore nancy. We were so relieved to hear the wonderful news. So thank you again for taking the time to call us. Now as far as our little nancy is concerned…. I just wanna hug you so tight and tell you how very impressed, proud and amazed I am by you.(ouch that would really hurt) You rock! You are an inspiration to all women and you need to know that. Your tenacity is applauded. You should write a book. I love you nancy, take time to recover properly, be patient will yourself and don’t forget to deep breathe. All my love, tammy