Hey there, been a while! Can you believe that this friday (13/11) it will be six whole weeks since my hysterectomy? Six (plus) weeks of being a mega hot mess!
Remember how in an earlier post I mentioned that my haemaglobin levels were up the creek, and I needed to visit GP to figure out what to do next?
Well, on Friday 9th October I did indeed go to GP and had bloods taken...
Then, on Monday 12th October my GP called and said that I didn't need a blood transfusion as my haemoglobin level was steady at 85.
My iron level on the other hand, was so low it was not even registering (yes, despite supplements). Given this, an urgent request for an iron transfusion to be done at the BM hospital was sent.
Still smiling despite feeling like crap!
On Tuesday 13th October, despite my GPs pleas, the BM hospital could not do the infusion for me as I didn't fit the changed covid times eligibility (by 5 freaking points; need to be 80 or under); remembering the hospital administration is in Melton (metro).
Anywho, it was a good thing I was at the docs when they called as even though she couldn't get me on the list, she could fax a new urgent referral to Ballarat.
Another day, another medical waiting room.
Here we were all hopeful they would get me in the following week..., um nup - the urgent wait list was weeks long. Sigh, patience is not my strongest attribute!!!
Whilst waiting ever so 'impatiently' I spent my time resting, resting, oh and yep, resting! Yes, yes, I know that is exactly what I needed to help with recovery!
Mind numbing rest!
In all honesty though, if I could have gotten up without feeling like crappola, I would have. But almost non existent iron levels equals very little oxygen to blood, which equals fatigue, and dizziness, and nausea, and general blahness!
Thank goodness for netflix, social media and my fur babies is all I can say!
Anyway there I was resting away when BAM, massive toothache! So on Thursday 22nd October, I visited the dentist next door. 45 minutes and $350.00 later my tooth was extracted OUCH!
Anywho, the tooth pain finally settled and things were going okay...well as okay as can be considering iron levels blah blah. Then on the morning of Saturday 7th November I woke up to the room spinning at warp speed. Fast forward to Sunday 8th where I ended up in the BM ER diagnosed with Vertigo...eeewwww so sick!
After getting it somewhat under control (another pill to add to my collection FARK ME, thank goodness for probiotics), home I went!
The next day Monday 9th November I had to go into the Woman's hospital to see my breast surgeon.
All is okay and I'm on track for next breast op (liposuction/sculpting/grafting/scar reduction) within the next six months.
And here we are, finally iron infusion day - Tuesday 10th November. Considering I have been looking forward to this day for 4 weeks (longer really) I was ultra bloody nervous; once candula was in I settled down though!
Oooh I forgot to mention that on Tuesday 27th October I had my final Psych appointment with Leah, whereby she revealed that she had nicknamed me 'Trooper'. Have to admit, after writing this, (and thinking back on my year) I think its quite fitting!
Well thats that, now I wait a week or two for the iron to kick in. Have to get bloods taken again around 6-12 weeks and go from there.
I do have to say though, as much as I am still not fully pain free and back on my feet from the hysterectomy, I am hoping that my lapband operation (unflip port and take out fluid) happens sooner rather than later *fingers crossed*..., as I am so sick of spewing after every meal. LOL, that is a turn up for the books coming from the (ex)bullimic huh!
OK thats enough for now, thanks for checking in, LLP Me aka Trooper Tash, not to be mistaken for Tripper hehehe xo
For those unaware, I am now waiting on three, yes '3', different operations!
1. Lapbad port revision
I discovered in January 2020 that my port has done a 180 degree flip. This means that they are unable to get the syringe in to draw any fluid out, or put any fluid in. I got called in to have the operation done only a few weeks after the mastectomy, but for obvious reasons said no!
2. Additional Breast Surgery
More tissue transfer to get the breast size even, and provide fullness. As well as fix and smooth out the scarring.
3. Hysterectomy
This has been recommended by both the team at the familial cancer centre, and the gynecologist due to previous abnormal checks, high risk and various issues. Paperwork has been submitted and I am on the 90 day waiting list as Category 2.
Waiting isn't so bad...
In saying that though, due to Covid-19 putting a hold on elective surgeries, when they will happen is anyones guess.
As much as I'd love to get them all over and done with, this waiting period is allowing me the opportunity to focus on getting in tip top shape and becoming 'op-ready'.
Confession Time...
Unfortunately, during my recovery time, the sedentary lifestyle has seen me put on a whole 8 kilos eeekkk, and I have reached a point where I am ultra uncomfortable in my own skin. I am thankful that I realised my downward spiral before I entered triple figures...just!
My Goal...
- To be op-ready; mentally and physically strong, healthy, and lighter!
My plan...
- Move more by walking (aim of 10,000 steps per day) and doing physiotherapy exercises. Not only will this improve physical stamina and strength, I am hoping that coupled with the next goal it will see the scales and tape measurement numbers go down.
- Be more mindful of my unhealthy food choices, and make small gradual changes to improve nutrition. e.g. drink more water, reduce sugar in cuppas, cut back on crappy carbs!
- Keep my mental health strong by attending psychology appointments, and keeping it real!
- Most importantly, I will listen to my body, and not get down on myself if I don't reach my steps, or am too sore to do my physio session.
My thoughts...
I am pissed off at myself, and totally embarrassed to be here in this place again! But, I will forgive myself, and I will show myself love by working hard to reach a place where I will stand tall with pride. I've done it before so I know it can be done, even with the restrictions that I face.
When I get there, I will share my before photo, so be sure to stay tuned!
I was supposed to go for my pelvic scan today. I was also meant to accompany Mum to her cancer check up (which was a-okay, back again in 1 year). Very convienient they were at same place on same day! But alas, I am instead in bed feeling like crappola!
Thursday 2nd
If you read the June post, you would already know what happened today.
But for those that didn't, firstly here's a raspberry!
Secondly... Great news, the Covid-19 test results were NEGATIVE!
But on the not so great side, I'm still coughing up my lungs and struggling to breathe, despite preventers and regular ventolin.
It's got me thinking you know, imagine if I was still smoking!!! How the heck did I used to do it?!?
And on that note, I am now 7 months smoke free. Do I still feel like one, you betcha! But, I won't, because I'm strong enough to withhold, and besides they stink LOL.
My quit buddy stats for today!
Monday 6th
Feeling a bit better so I finally managed to get my pelvic scan done in Ballarat hospital today. Can't say it was a pleasurable experience.
Holding onto a litre of pee for a bumpy 45 minute drive was hard enough LOL.
Monday 13th
Had Gyno appointment via telehealth today. Bottom line, he agrees with the recommendation from my oncologist (Prof. Bruce Mann) at the Familial Cancer Centre to remove my ovaries and tubes. I have a face to face appointment on 5th August to fill in paperwork and get the ball rolling. When in there we'll discuss the cervical follow up stuff too.
Term 3 started today (for regional kids only)! I however, have decided to keep the boys home. I just don't trust what is happening with Covid-19 at the moment - especially considering we are all classed as high risk. It just doesn't make sense to me that metropolitan areas are in lock down and yet, metro people can attend/teach at our regional school. I mean, no offence to them, but my Mum (a metro) can't visit for at all, but the students/teachers can be around my boys for 6+ hours a day...go figure right!?!
Tuesday 14th
My fur babies had their boy bits snipped today. They did really well, although have been acting a bit cray cray since returning home - nutters!
On the way to the vets, curious kitties.
Back home again! I think we either need a bigger carrier, or a second one. Mindyou, they love snuggling close together.
Wednesday 15th
Today we were up and on the road bright and early, to make it into the RMH ready for an 8.40am appointment.
It may have been just a little bit chilly, and foggy too; a beautiful masterpiece of orange haze.
Have to admit that we were nervous about going into the RMH, but saftey proceedures were in place which allowed us to feel a smidge more relaxed.
I saw Satomi this time (female surgeon). The lump in my leg was again drained with a huge ass needle, although it was a completely different experience to the last. No lollypop, and leg held by doctor while nurse drained the leg. Talk about gentle!
The lump in foob is necrotic fatty tissue. Have to say it is a major head f%@& to find a lump after removing breasts because of lumps eeekkk! I should say, find another lump; this one is at the side near my arm pit and I found it because of the deep shooting pain that goes through it.
Talking about pain, the nerve pain I'm experiencing in my foobs is called Post Mastectomy Pain Syndrome. Ofwhich, I am already pretty much doing all I can for it, but if it gets too unbearable I can be referred to a specialist.
For most part every thing looks great and recovery is going really well given the bigger picture!
I have to say, it was nice being asked how I am doing, and feeling as though I was really heard.
The Covid-19 check point at the Bacchus Marsh exit. Quite a few cars were pulled over however, we were the lucky ones who were waved through. I did tell you that Melbourne is in lock down stage 3 yeah? Regional is not, hence the check point to make sure only locals come into town - other than those who have medical reasons, or work commitments.
Thursday 16th
I had a psychology session today. Something that is really synchronistic, is she summed everything up for me in one word...resillience! I told her all about my blog and how I had chosen that as my word for myself also, she was as 'blown away' as I.
I worked through 9 modules on helping health anxiety before the session, and there were a couple of key points I took from each, but nothing earth shattering. Anyway, I have one session of my six bulk billed left; we have scheduled it for three months time. Maybe I will have something to talk about and need help with, maybe I won't.
Friday 17th
I had physio today, but due to feeling like crappola (TTOTM) it was more like a debrief. Nothing added, or eliminated from my exercise prescription, but a slight modification made. Which reminds me, I will blog about my physio exercises one of these days, if for no other teason than to document it. I should have remembered to do before and after videos...oh well, still lots of improvement to be made.
Monday 27th
As we are regional the department will not approve the school assisting with remote learning (some teachers did and for that I am thankful). Also the boys need to achieve a certain attendance percentage to pass. So, basically my hand has been forced to send the boys back to school today! Not happy, but I don't think it will be for long...stage 3 or 4 coming our way I feel, I hope!
Have to say I did have several sleepless nights grappling with whether it was actually best to just send them back to school, or not! But I decided to focus on the pros, such as: they get a proper education, and get to participate in the hands-on subjects they like and have been looking forward to doing. They will pass the year they are in and won't have a fail looming overhead, due to not achieving attendance percentage, and completing assessment tasks. My guilt of not being able to adequately homeschool will be reduced.
I will be honest, I'm still not 100% at ease with my decision, but I've decided to take it day by day. In all honesty, Moorabool cases are low, so my cons are more fear based but real all the same.
Tuesday 28th
The boys had the day off to do course counselling interviews today to pick their subjects for 2021. With all this covid-19 stuff it is so hard to visualise anything other than what we are experiencing in the now. Regardless of this, we plan ahead. Ace has decided to take the vcal route and do a certificate II in Building and Construction. Jazz surprised me by saying he wishes to become a mechanic.
As long as both live with good moral standards, I don't mind what they choose to do as long as they are happy.
Wednesday 29th
I had a telehealth appointment with the RMH plastics team this morning. Seems that on top of the surgery Dean has booked me in for, Satomi wants another tissue transfer op. Hmmm I'm a little confused. Not like its going to happen in a hurry though, as Covid-19 has put a hold on elective surgery here in Vic, unless emergency (life or death) category 1. It's a little disappointing, but the positive is I get to fully recover and hopefully drop the recovery kgs I've gained from being a sloth!
Besides that, with everything going on at the moment its scary enough going to hospital for an appointment, let alone being in there for a couple of days.
Friday 31st
And just like that another month is behind us. I've not really expressed my 'feelings' much in this post, but believe me I've experienced all the 'feels'. I've blogged about some of them, but to be real with you I am a little hesitant to post. Mind you, the whole point of this blog is to keep it real; to be raw and unscripted...so maybe I will be brave. Maybe!
I'm not a fan of the cold but, I do love snuggling under the blankets and getting warm and cosy.
Not only is today the first day of winter, it is also officially day 1 of my journey towards gaining my Naturopathic degree. I can't exactly say that I am ultra excited about it, but it is also not something I am dreading. Maybe it's because after three years of studying with the same group; my sanity sisters especially, I am now forging ahead alone. I am really going to miss them as I embark on this next phase, but I am so blessed to know that they will forever be a part of my life. Another part of my indifference could be the fact that I don't exactly feel ready to get back to the daily grind, and the stress of assessments. Nor am I excited about my subject of Medicinal Food Science. Oh well, hopefully throwing myself into study will stoke the fire again so the spark ignites.
Tuesday 2nd
Happy birthday to Uncle Geoff (Pa). I gave him a call today, he is safe and locked down in QLD. I really need to call more often, but to be honest I don't have a great deal to talk about. Nothing ultra exciting anyway, this blog is a testament of that!
I had a doctors appointment today via telehealth. It is so odd talking to the doctor over the phone and not face to face. I'm so glad that we have a good rapport as I think that makes things a little less awkward. Especially when you are calling to ask for more opiates; which were indeed prescribed via the script being faxed to the pharmacy.
Blackout Tuesday
Widespread protests erupted recently in unified action to open the worlds eyes to racial police brutality; in the hopes to eradicate white supremacy.
I stand in solidarity with the black lives matters movement but sadly agree with a quote I read saying "the fact that we need to clarify that anyone's lives matter, is concern enough". I mean its not the 1950s for frig sake, have we seriously gone backward as a civilization!?!
For those unwilling to stand in unison, and instead insist on using the argument that “all lives matter”, let me try to perauade you to be more open to change.
Let's take breast cancer awareness as an example.
Just because I am raising awareness for breast cancer, it doesn't mean I am saying that “ONLY breast cancer matters”.
If I was, I'd be saying my Mums bladder cancer was not important, my Dad's brain tumours didn't matter, and only my sisters diagnosis was valid enough for me to focus upon.
That is so wrong! What I am doing is simply shining the spotlight on that one particular area as a topic of focus; it is what needs attention right here and now.
Saying “black lives matter” isn’t saying that no other lives matters, ofcourse everyones lives matters! It is simply shining the spotlight on the truth, which is that black people are the overwhelming victims of racism and discrimination. And right now, they need you to open your eyes, so that a change can be made.
Anyway, thats my two cents worth. I will finish this topic with some lyrics from my song 'My Opinion'.
"If you cut me open I will bleed, just like everyone else does regardless of religion, colour, and creed. Yet this world we live in continues to divide, instead of just accepting with its arms open wide. Why can't we accept with our arms open wide". - Natasha Hurst
Wednesday 3rd
Working as a massage therapist means needing to keep my nails short, and as such I have 'long' nails envy. Not working however, means I can grow my nails.
It's been nice taking the time out to show some self love and give myself a manicure. I've also enjoyed painting my nails different colours.
Thursday 4th
I had a psychology appointment with Leah this afternoon via zoom. It's been good talking to her but I don't feel that I am as open as I have been in the past with Rowena; maybe its the meeting via computer screen thing. She has definitely helped to reduce the anxiety around the lumps in my breasts though. There was a time I was self checking constantly; yes even after the mastectomy. Talking it through led me to realise it was compulsive behaviour, which was curbed by setting boundaries e.g. only checking once a month.
Another thing, although not one that has an official diagnosis, is she believes I may be 'on the spectrum'. Nothing I had not already considered, but not something I feel needs to be officially labelled at the same time. I mean, everyone has their unique quirks, right!?! Besides, or will just be another thing for my Mum to give me shit about, she doesn't believe in Autism; apparently I just 'baby' my son. And there is the topic we should really address in therapy but alas, old dogs won't change, and at the end of the day, I just have to learn not let her get to me and hurt me. I wish I could ignore her venomous comments like Marketta does. Anyway enough of that, I digress...where was I?
The biggest thing I've gotten from our sessions is the 'naming it to tame it' line, which I am getting better at doing. As the saying goes, practice makes perfect.
My next appointment is not until mid July. I've got a few manuals on Health Anxiety to complete before the appointment, which will work through different cognitive behavioural questions.
Saturday 6th
We had a lovely visit with Jess and Andy today, it felt nice catching up with friends albeit ensuring social distance was maintained. I tell ya what though, once hugs are allowed again I'm going to be giving big squeezes.
Tuesday 9th
Today is the first day back at school after the Covid-19 homeschooling stint; which definitely falls into the some weeks were better than others basket. I can't say it was easy, as to be honest it was full on with the boys needing us to constantly sit with them. There were moments however, that I found it to be very rewarding. I can definitely see how home schooling could be a beneficial option, our boys however are such socialites and thrive on the mateship.
Pic 1 - Smiles at the thought of catching up with mates.
Pic 2 - How they feel about going back to school.
I'm hearing them! Kinda wishing I rolled with the option of keeping them home until term 3. But, I think that I would have mostly been appeasing my own paranoia, and I figured that was just prolonging the inevitable as its only 3 weeks until school holidays anyway (13 school days in total).
On a positive, I really haven't had much 'me time' to focus on recovery, so hopefully not sitting at the school table all day will mean my oedema will be better and I'll find my ankles again.
And while the boys were at school, this mumma did indeed rest!
While the furbabies sat and waited for their hooman bruvas to return....too cute!
Thursday 11th
Today Mark and I went to the local 'hippy' shop, where I purchased some Palo Santo, and mentally spent a fortune on crystals...oh how I wish I could just splurge!
A visit...
I also visited a beautiful friend (Renee) who was recently diagnosed with Breast Cancer. It was so good to see her; her beautiful smile and positivity was truly inspiring, as was the unity of her amazing family.
If you are on facebook, Renee has started a page to document the journey HERE.
I won't share too much as I do not feel it is my place, however I will say that Renee also lost her Dad to cancer a few years back, and often when I read her posts in relation to him, I feel as though she is speaking my words.
Sometimes life just does not seem fair!
Getting productive...
Once home I decided to get productive and fix the back screened door; replace flywire with holes and remove the cat door.
And since it was such a beautiful day, I put Mark to work doing the lawns.
It felt so good to be getting stuff done, especially to no longer have a jungle in the front yard.
Behind the wheel...
Then, that afternoon I drove for the first time since Febs op!
Although it was more of a have to than want to, as Mark was waiting on a call from the urologist, it feels good knowing I can jump behind the wheel again whenever I feel like it.
I'd be lying if I said it wasn't a little painful, but nothing I couldn't deal with.
Friday 12th
The boys had a curriculum day (yup short 3 day week) so Ace and his mate Zac put their time to good use and set the shed up as a bike workshop / hang out zone.
At the moment they are sharing the space with all the garage sale boxes, that I moved from over there to here (not a smart move on my part).
It is my plan to take pics and do another online sale, plus have a proper garage sale once allowed, so hopefully soon it will all be sold.
Despite sharing the room, they are pretty happy with the space and have set up electricals and heating.
They did ask if they could sleep out there, but I told them that there will be plenty on time for that when they are in the doghouse. To which the response was "huh".
Saturday 13th
You know the saying right? What goes up, must come crashing down and landing in a huge heap of crappola!
In other words, todays not as good as the other couple of days!
It happens! And admittedly it may be partly due to the fact I am yet to find that sweet spot between not doing much, and doing way too much, hmmm!
Needless to say that if you are looking for me today, I shall be in found in bed with legs up, spaced out on some good meds that will hopefully see me manage to get some shut eye.
It is what it is! This too shall pass! Just sharing to keep it real!
Sunday 14th
Pretty much says it all really!
Wednesday 17th
Today is 12 weeks post op #3!
I spoke with my breast surgeon (Dr Anita Skandarajah) today and even though I have days where I struggle to get out of bed due to fatigue, pain and/or a mixture of both, I was assured that given the trauma my body has been through, made more complicated by three infections, I was indeed doing awesomely!
Oh, I asked about what went wrong with the LHS. She said that as well as the breast tissue being denser than they thought, and the lump growing in size since last MRI, my skin was ultra fragile.
Grafting on right thigh!
Left Foob!
Right Foob!
Thighs (Top = Left, Bottom = Right).
I am now able to start working on regaining upper body strength (yup starting with a whole half kilo - go me)!
First time skipping in yonks - this was not a great idea as I hurt like f#@^ afterwards. BUT it feels good knowing I can!
One of the biggest things I was reminded of by my team today, and something I definitely needed to hear is that everybodys journey is their own, each as unique as the person experiencing it. There is no one size fits all timeline for healing!
So even though I still have a long way to go, regardless of what each day presents, I will remind myself that it is what it is, and I've got this!
Something I haven't spoken of is how 'old' I am feeling. I mean, most days it literally feels like the life force has been sucked out of me. Admittedly, mentally the grey hair is not helping.
Regardless of this feeling however, I am so blessed to be given the privilege of seeing the beginning and end of each new day.
Thursday 18th
Soooo, this happened today!
Bye bye 'grey' with blue tinge!
Hello 'chocolate brown'!
It could just be the fact that the 'mop top' is tamed, but I think it helps make me look a little more lively.
I had a lovely visit from Neen this afternoon who gifted me with these gorgeous flowers. It was so good to catch up. Our friendship isn't what it once was, which if I'm honest, at times I miss. However, I think where we are now is a healthier place for us both.
Friday 19th
Happy Birthday to my baby boy Jazz - 15 years goes by in a flash!
Be sure to see the birthday blog (which if not up yet will be done really soon)!
Sunday 21st
Today we had a family catch up day at Skeetz place in Torquay.
It was so good to just hang out together, and celebrate Jazz's birthday with them.
After lunch we went for a 2.5km walk. I love looking at peoples gardens; my favourite was one that was full of Australian Natives.
Along the way the kids got to play in the park.
Sadly, the day came to an end. But, not before breaking the social distance rule for a quick family selfie.
Mum looks funny because she moved in the previous picture and it was blurry, so she's being a statue in this one LOL.
As much as I'm okay with Iso life, I do miss giving my family big squeezer cuggles.
We catch up again in six weeks time, maybe we xan do cuddles then.
Monday 22nd
Well, I'm a uni dropout!
Okay, so its only for the online subject I was enrolled in, and I do plan to re-enrol again for Semester Two subjects in July. BUT, I am going to start with subjects that get me excited, rather than induce a feeling of fear and dread!
Sunday 28th
They say that a change is as good as a holiday! And, since we are not going away anywhere for the school break, we changed the boys bedrooms around instead.
They look great, but I may possibly be absolutely buggered, and aching in muscles I forgot I had LOL, and the boys esp. Mark did all the heavy lifting, and moving from here to there and back again hehehe - go figure!
I have to say, having to rely on someone else is bloody frustrating, but I learnt my lesson after the shed.
Jazzs room
To be completely real with you, I had only planned on doing Jazzs room. Which, in comparison to Aces was quick and easy.
Aces room
When Ace saw that I'd done his brothers room, ofcourse he wanted his done. I was begrudged doing it, as I knew it would be no easy task; Ace likes to collect treasures, and has no rhyme nor reason to things. Jazz on the other hand is as ocd as myself *cue the odd couple theme song*. Given the fact that Ace had recently moved things around into a way that I did not quite like however, it was a good incentive to agree to take on the task.
Tuesday 30th
And here we go again FFS!
The past couple of days I've woken with a feeling of having razor blades in my throat, and have also been waking in the night due to coughing. Additionally, I've needed to use my ventolin way more than I like so off to the docs I went. Well, off to the clinic car park anyway, where Dr Apri came out and did her observations, and a covid-19 test with me sitting in the car.
I didn't find the test to be tha tg bad. Remembering though, that I used to have regular throat swabs because of the streph throat and severe tonsilitis. And, due to my nose operation, I've experienced swabs up the nostril; definitely not my favourite thing though, makes me want to sneeze.
The doc said the test is more a precautionary measure, just to be on the safe side, as she is leaning more towards pneumonia. We will know one way or the other in approx 3 days time. In the meantime, its lots of rest, prednisolone and no visitors allowed!
Even though I'm sure the result will be negative, its still quite a nerve wracking experience.
I've been retracing my steps of the past 14 days; Woodgrove and The Village for Jazz's birthday gifts. Skeetz place - oh god my heart sinks at the possibility of passing it onto them. As I mentioned earlier, even though we did not give each other a kiss or cuddle (something which is hard to do but a must to ensure safety), we broke the social distancing rule briefly for our family photo.
Then my mind goes to whose been to visit in the past 14 days; Mum, Glenn, Neen, James, Zac...
Fark! Anyway, no use going crazy over it, it will be what it will be, and we shall deal with whatever is when the time comes.
Oh remember those beautiful long nails of mine? They are no more!
Not the best of pain jobs, but I've gotta say they feel nice being short again.
Okay so not to leave you hanging...
Thursday July 2nd
Great news, the Covid-19 test results were NEGATIVE!
On the not so great side, I'm still coughing up my lungs and struggling to breathe, despite preventers and regular ventolin.
Hopefully the course of 'meds' and natural supps will knock it on its head!
Still much to be thankful for, and blessings are being counted!
