Saturday, October 17, 2009

Big, Tiring Day...

I've pretty much been a slug for the past week, but yesterday I had to hide my bizarre figure enough to leave the house for my first post-op appointment. I say first because I guess there are a whole bunch of them. Two more next Friday. The doc had to do several things that took quite a while and involved blood, stitches and other gory stuff that caused my poor husband to flee the room. The good part was that he took out two of the four drains. The two most annoying ones, as it turns out, so that was good. After that Rob and I walked over to the Huntsman Cancer Center at IMC to make an appointment with my new oncologist. (I seem to be collecting doctors the way I used to collect shoes.)

We got side-tracked in the lobby where we discovered a little library and resource center. I asked about wigs, and it turns out I'm eligible a free one. (You're jealous, I know. I'm just special that way I guess.) They took me on up for a fitting right then. Kind of disturbing. Okay, super disturbing. But I now have a wig. It's pretty much like my own hair, except styled the way mine should look if I did it properly every day. I don't know how often I'll wear it--I guess it'll depend on how itchy and miserable it is. But that's just one of hundreds of mysteries I won't know until I get there.

Anyway, we'd been doing the doctor thing for four hours by the time we finished with the oncologist, so we bought a sandwich, then decided we really ought to grab some milk before heading home, since neither of us would want to leave the house once we got there. (I think the appointments were as draining on Rob as they were on me.) Costco is right by the hospital. But it's not possible to just buy milk at Costco. Not with all those free samples and great deals on giant cheese blocks and such. By the time we straggled home I was ready to never move another muscle again.

On the upside I slept really well last night. And today I was able to lift both my arms above my head, (progress from the day before) so I guess the day wasn't too damaging.

7 comments:

Singhappy2 said...

Oh sweetie. I remember when I had surgery on my stomach my hubby had to help me with my drains. That's when I KNEW how much he loved me. =) I love your blog - thank you for writing it. WHAT CAN I DO FOR YOU??? I really would love to do something... really I would. I am glad you are starting to sleep well....but I know you must be exhausted...

I love you girl!

Dana

marianne said...

Suzanne,

I'm sitting here in shock, and cannot think of the right thing to say. You'd think I might have a leg up on saying the right thing, but I feel wordless. I had seen a few comments on FB that got me wondering what was going on. Then today I saw someone say they follow your blog, so I jumped on. I not only discovered that you're an author (I had no idea), but that you're going through all this cancer crap. Your post on the 14th brought up tons for me. I'm so sorry that you have to go through this, but at least you have the hope and high possibility of surviving this. I'm so happy for that fact. All I feel I can say is I love you. I'm so grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with you. I love your girls and still think about them and wonder how they are doing. I will add my prayers to the many others being offered. You clearly have a positive outlook and upbeat attitude. Thank you for sharing your story.

All my love.

Your friend and sister always,
Marianne

Suzanne Reese said...

New friends and old--both precious. Dana, stop by any time. There will be plenty to do in a while, for now I'm just in a lull.

Marianne, I think of you often. Your strength is such a wonder. Bless you, and thanks for your kind thoughts.

Ronda Gibb Hinrichsen said...

Hang in there, Suzanne. Faith and prayers going your way.

Unknown said...

Suzanne, you remain in my thoughts and prayers. Both the Storymakers and Blogger Babes keep you uppermost in our minds. Hang in there and I pray you have a speedy and complete recovery.

To the House and Back blog said...

Thinking of you today, Suzanne. You are never alone. Please know you are surrounded by many people who love you. And yes, I believe you will beat this thing. You have too much to do for so many; the Lord needs you here. Just wish I were closer so I could bring you some chicken soup on the days you feel like hibernating!

Taffy said...

I'm getting emotional reading all the love and prayers being sent your way, Suzanne.
You are so amazing and strong. Keep your chin (and sometimes) arms up!