I’m thankful today for drinks after work with colleagues, healing sore spots, high heels, laughter at work, and licorice.
July 12, 2022
I’m grateful for a busy workday, the breeze that made it seem less warm, gauze that stayed where it needed to, a glass of wine after a hot dog dinner, and puppy bellies.
July 10, 2022*
Sunday! I’m trying not to get into the typical Sunday blahs, where Monday seems too close for comfort. It helped that my sister and brother-in-law were in town and stopped by for a short visit. We were able to have lunch and a quick tour of Patrick’s garden, which is getting quite abundant already. Even though I saw Jenny and Jim last weekend, it was good seeing them again today.
After they left, I spent a lot of the afternoon out on the deck where it was warm but breezy. It was great sitting under the pergola and drinking lemonade. Even the pups were happy to hang out in the sun for a while. I’m thankful for a beautiful summer Sunday.
*Dang it! Once again my draft didn’t upload on Sunday like I thought it did. I need to do a better job at double checking. And Patrick needs to do a better job at telling me sooner. Ha!
July 11, 2022
I’m calling a moratorium on white shirts. The last few I tried on had very faint stains on them, most likely coffee. I threw one out today. Then just before I left for my doctor’s appointment, I changed into a cute one in an attempt to feel cooler. Thankfully, it was stain-free. After my exam, I put my shirt back on and noticed—in the exam room mirror—a spot on my shirt. Somehow, I got a stain without eating or drinking or doing anything other then sitting. What the actual heck. I’m a mess.
To be fair, I did have to wait almost an hour and 45 mins for my plastic surgeon who was running behind. Maybe I fell asleep and someone spilled something on me. But the big news is I no longer need to put silicone tape over my incisions. Apparently, it’s breaking down my skin a little in spots. And the sore (my doctor called it an ulcer) isn’t too bad yet, even though it’s bigger than it was. I now need to cover it with gauze and leave it be. I can’t even tape the gauze. If it’s not healed by next week when I go back in to have stitches removed, then I’ll need weekly checks on it. I’m hopeful it will heal.
I got most of my other questions answered. The hard spots I’m beginning to feel are from the fat grafting; I can massage them to help soften them up. The tight muscle in my neck is from the implant pulling on it; eventually it should feel better. The pain along my side is most likely from nerves damaged from radiation, not from the surgery. That should also get better. Once my ulcer is healed, I can stop wearing compression bras, but I can’t swim or soak in a tub for several more weeks.
I’ll probably need more fat grafting in a few months to the area that was too thin for him to work in much before. I mentioned that the skin felt so fragile there that I was worried I would damage it if I scratched too hard. He said I probably would. EEK! He suggested going back to using Vitamin C/E serum on my skin to help with the healing. Man, that radiation may have helped save my life, but it did no favors to my skin.
However, I’m really thankful that things are healing well overall, and I’m so close to being completely done. In a couple weeks I can wear a bra that won’t squeeze my ribs. Each week I’m feeling more like my old self. That’s a good thing.
July 9, 2022
Patrick went to a farmers market this morning and brought these sunflowers and dark lilies home. I love how they look like summertime. I’m thankful for the warm yet breezy day we had and the extended sunshine that makes the days seem so much longer than normal.
July 8, 2022
I’m thankful today for a lazy morning, a quick trip out of town, the light rain, puppy kisses, and laughter.
July 7, 2022
I’m super disappointed today. My follow-up doctor appointment today was rescheduled to Monday. And all because they inadvertently scheduled me with the wrong doctor. Grrr.
I wouldn’t be upset except last weekend the tape came undone over my incision and a spot of skin above it was rubbed raw before I realized it. (Stupid nerve damage.) Of course, it’s on the side of the radiated skin, which is healing way slower. As if I need or want anything more to worry about.
I was looking forward to having my doctor ease my concerns as well as answer some questions. Like why some areas hurt more than others. And whether I’ll need more fat grafting over the spot that feels very thin and fragile. And when I’ll be able to wear something other than bulky sports bras that squeeze my ribs. I’m hoping my fortune cookie message isn’t an ominous sign. I was hoping to be over the battle.
Although I’m disappointed, I’m thankful that the incisions are still healing and my raw spot doesn’t seem worse. I’m also grateful my appointment was rescheduled for Monday and not a week later. I’m going to remain positive this weekend!
**Apparently this didn’t actually upload last night, but I swear I wrote it on the 7th! 😕
July 6, 2022
I’m thankful today for this cute, new addition to our family. My niece had a baby boy she named Atlas, and everyone is healthy and happy! I hope he never has the weight of the world on his shoulders.
July 5, 2022
It was my first day back into the office after about a month working from home—2 weeks before and 2 weeks after my surgery. It was rough putting in 10 hours. I was up at 5 am and didn’t get off work until almost 5 pm. Boo.
My co-workers had put this sign on my office door and had my office filled with empty boxes and extra furniture. There was also a spider taped to my mouse. It was pretty funny. They obviously missed me. Ha!
Even though it was a long day, it was good to see folks again and work without the dogs barking every hour. And I wasn’t too uncomfortable by the end of the day, just tired and a little achy. The good thing about 10 hour days this week is that I only have 2 more working days left. Woohoo. I’m thankful my day went well.
July 4, 2022
Happy 4th! We didn’t watch any big fireworks display this year, but did catch a few random ones folks set off close to us. Barley barks at the noise, but luckily, neither of our dogs gets too worked up over it.
We did go to our friend’s house for lunch—burgers on the grill. Yum! And this great, homemade cheesecake. Double yum! It had been a while since we had gotten together, so we really enjoyed hanging out for a while.
I’m thankful for this Independence Day and for our friends. And of course, the day off work. Bonus.
melissagratitude 