July 6, 2005

Hello, Everyone! I survived! :)
Thank you for all of your words of encouragement, prayers, cards, and visits over the past week and a half. They keep me going!
Well, surgery was the worst thing I have ever been through. The first few days were just horrid. A few times, I told Greg I wanted to die. Those were some very difficult times. But once they started giving me pain meds, I was much more comfortable. The staff at BJC was incredible. They kept me smiling through the pain, as well as keeping me at ease with my stay. My favorite person to see was my plastic surgeon, Dr. Brandt. He had wonderful sense of humor and the means to get things done.
I am very glad to be at home now (I got home Friday night.) I am sleeping VERY comfortably in my recliner which is 6 feet from the TV and 8 feet from the bathroom! :) My pain is definitely manageable and I am able to shower and do a lot of walking around stuff. I take a few naps during the day, which keeps me going. I have four tubes which are draining my abdomen and my new chest. They keep me from infection as well as blowing up like a big balloon from the "healing" fluids. Right now, the tubes the most difficult thing to deal with as they are kind of ow-ey and annoying (I have to pin the bulbs to my shirt). I am so excited about getting them removed on Friday! Yeah!
The great things is my wounds are already healing and I am pleased with the reconstruction. My tummy is truly flat and I'm bigger (if you know what I mean) than I thought I'd be :) I'm like a teenager again! :) Everyday I am standing up a little straighter and able to move around a little easier. Can't wait for the drains to come out. I will be out of work for probably 2 or 3 more weeks.
My hair is growing back in! It looks fabulous! And is soft like baby's hair.
My mom is taking care of me this week while I recoup. Greg asked her if we could hire her on permanent basis to clean and fix meals. :) I love my Mom. She is making this week so wonderful for me.
Continue to keep me in your prayers. I have A LOT of healing to do. I cannot stand or sit up straight, bend over, reach above my head, or stand up for more than 5-10 minutes at a time. Greg joked with me that I was his Borg (ask anyone who has watched Star Trek). I am all in pieces, have no hair and have tubes sticking out of my body. It ain't pretty! :)
I know in the end, the pain will end, I will love my new body, and best of all I WILL BE CANCER-FREE.
God promised me He would supply for all of my needs. He has done so abundantly. I treasure the time I now have to spend with Him prayer and song.
Love you all! Alicia