It Happened

Sometime between 3:30am and 8:30am my incision broke open. I woke up to a soaked shirt and a soaked sheet. It was so hard to try and deal with everything first thing in the morning. I wasn't able to eat right away and get my meds in me, so it was a very difficult start to the day. Having the incision break open wasn't what I had wanted to happen, but I have been praying for God's will and His healing. He knows what's best overall and I'm trusting Him.

The incision opening is not the same as last time when the incision tore apart. It opened just enough to drain the fluid that had been building. I'm thinking getting that fluid out of there will help in the healing. I'm hoping and praying that if there is no pressure on the incision it might close up all by itself once it has completely drained. My plastic surgeon isn't as hopeful. I know he wanted to do surgery right away, but I don't believe having anything done before my chemo is completed would be worth it - obviously the incision cannot heal if the chemo is still attacking, which prevents the healing process. We will just have to see how it progresses.

I don't think I mentioned that I have developed Lymphedema. Lymphedema refers to swelling that occurs due to the removal of the lymph nodes. Not everyone gets it, yet because I had all the fluids last week it caused a blockage in my lymphatic system which prevented the lymph fluid in my left arm to drain adequately. I have been referred for physical therapy. They wanted me to start next Monday, but I'm normally still feeling bad after my chemo treatment. I'll have to go every day for 5days straight so I will start Monday the 22nd. I have no idea what to expect and hope it will be successful in helping to reduce the swelling.

I'm still tired today. I couldn't concentrate on reading, and typing isn't probably much better. Just ignore all the mistakes. I'm extremely nauseated this time. I've been told by other women that it gets harder each time with the nausea. I hate the feeling that you think you're going to be sick. I try everything to prevent it. I've been drinking a lot of water, so I'm going to slow down a bit and see if that will help. Right now, nothing sounds good.

This will probably be my last blog for a few days. Just know I'm in the darkest time for the next two to three days - as strange way to say I'm resting and recovering - it's just so hard. If anything changes or if it gets really bad I'll see if I can have Jim send an update.

Love you all!