Update...

Hi everyone!
What a difference a day can make. I just re-read my last post and it took me back to where I was mentally and physically last week. I pretty much hit rock bottom last Wednesday (1 week post surgery). This was due to a variety of physical and emotional issues. There is no handbook for recovering from a major surgery like a mastectomy, and I had to learn the hard way that there are some important things to take care of to improve the process.

I'm sure many of you have heard of the children's books "Everybody Poops", "Everybody Farts", etc. They are great little lessons in bodily functions for kids. I was going to title this post: "Everybody Poops....Except Me," but thought that might be a little much. :) I'm sharing this with you all because it really is important, and can really make you sick if not taken care of. And, a little humor goes a long way! My last post was the beginning of a few days of hell that I wouldn't wish on my worst enemy. 

I woke up Wednesday morning (8/15) with a sore throat, cough, ulcers all over my mouth, and a colon that wouldn't work. It has been 8 days without "going." Nothing...nada...not even the urge to go. I was nauseous and couldn't eat. Not in a good place. I finally broke down and texted my wonderful family doctor, Tim Lindsey (how great is it that I have my Dr.'s cell number?), with all the details. He wanted to see me that morning. My mom drove me to the Dr. and I had a complete emotional breakdown in the room. Dr. Lindsey is so wonderful...he listened to my breakdown, helped me calm down, made sure my vitals were OK and I wasn't dying (I wasn't ....just felt like it), and sent me home with some prescriptions to help me get back on my feet. Z-Pac for the cough, Magnesium Citrate and Dulcolax for the colon. 

For those of you that have had a colonoscopy,  Magnesium Citrate is what they use to prepare you for surgery. Let's just say it has a definite "cleaning out" effect. After chilling the innocent looking, clear liquid for an hour, I choked down half a bottle as prescribed, trying not to hurl. I was so excited to think there would be an end to this ordeal!  An hour goes by, two, four...nothing.  My poor colon must be in a sad state if it wasn't budging with this stuff. Exhausted, I went to bed after taking a few Dulcolax in desperation. 

Finally, 19 hours post MC, I had success. I was literally a new woman. Rainbows appeared in the sky, choirs were singing...life was good. Every day since has gotten better and better. :) So, my lesson for this post is: take care of your colon! (not going to put that in the title, though)

I had my final drain removed on Monday (8/20) and post op appointment with Dr. Christian Tuesday (8/21). I have Stage IIB cancer, which is still considered early stage. We are meeting the oncologist, Dr. Millitello, today at 4:00 PM. I don't think we'll have a plan of action today, but we will probably get a lot of information and have to make some more decisions about the next step in treatment. 

So, that is where I am today. Apologies for the detailed info on my colon health. I never realized how bad that could make you feel...and wouldn't want anyone else to go through this. I'm feeling great and ready to take on the next phase of this. 

A friend and co-worker told me breast cancer is like a triathlon...and it is a very apt analogy. The first phase (swimming) was the diagnosis...short and intense. I'm now in the bike phase...tough but steady. Next will be the grueling part: the hard run to the finish. I have no doubt I'll be in the clear by this time next year. My support system is incredible, the prayers are felt and my faith is strong. 

Love to you all-
Angie