I was going to title this post, "Say hello to my little friends..." Haha, get it?! You have to say it in Al Pacino's voice from Scarface. I thought that was pretty funny considering I now have two new "friends", if you will. ;) But in all seriousness, I am doing just fine and wanted to get a quick update out to everyone to let you know that. Here is a pic from a few hours after surgery just to prove it to you.... The surgery went very well, without any complications and both Dr. B and Dr. M were very pleased. Surgery lasted almost 4 1/2 hours and then I spent another 2 hours in recovery while I came out from the anesthesia. After seeing the fam for a few minutes, I was transferred over to my room in another area of the hospital. I was still a little out of it so I felt a little confused when I heard Mike and my mom get all excited upon meeting someone in the hall heading down to my room. I remember asking the person pushing my stretcher who the woman was that they were talking to, but she didn't know. Well, a few seconds later when they all walked in the room, I realized what the excitement was about. It turned out that my nurse for the rest of the day was a friend of ours! Our friend, Hayley is married to one of Mike's good friends from college. I knew Hayley was a nurse at Beaumont but I didn't realize she worked in the unit where I would be, and I definitely never expected her to be my nurse. I was so happy to see her and to know that my nurse would be taking extra special care of me. There is a running joke between some of my friends - they say that Mike and I seem to know everyone and are running into someone we know everywhere we go - so I know you guys will find this story especially funny. Well, of course Hayley took exceptional care of me and she is now elevated to an entire new level of friendship after doing things like emptying my Foley catheter bag. ;) Thank you so much, Hayley! It felt so wonderful to come out of surgery and see a familiar face taking care of me and I am so glad it was you. My other nurses and aides were great too, and I felt like I received wonderful care at Beaumont. After sleeping for another few hours after surgery, I finally woke up and became lucid enough to see how I looked and gave myself a chance to see how I really felt. I definitely felt sore and had some pain but it wasn't as bad as I expected. I remained in bed the rest of the day and night, with my arms supported on pillows and as long as I didn't move, I felt nearly pain free. Mike, Mom, Doug, Jeff and my father in-law, Mike were all there to spend time with us and keep me company. I didn't get much sleep Friday night in the hospital due to nurses coming in to give me pain meds, change my drains, take the catheter out, get me up to the bathroom, etc. Mike slept like a baby in the chair next to me. :) After Dr. B and Dr. M stopped by to see me in the morning, they said things looked good and I was all set to head home. We left the hospital around 10:30 on Saturday morning. Since then, I have spent all day and night in our recliner in the family room downstairs. Aside from getting up to go into the bathroom, I have been laying down with my arms propped up, one drain coming out of my left armpit, two drains on the right, and tubes connected to a pain pump coming out from the middle of my chest. Mike and my mom have had to help me get in and out of the chair, and all of the repositioning that goes along with it which includes a pillow behind my head, one under each arm, a bolster under my knees, the two drains and pumped positioned in a specific way and then sheets and blankets on top of all of that. They have both been wonderful and I don't know what I would do without them. I truly don't know how anyone could do this without amazing help like I have from my mom and Mike. I can't move my arms or trunk very much without discomfort but as long as I am just laying in my chair, I am doing just fine. It's crazy how little things like brushing my teeth have become difficult. But, my biggest challenge is going to be respecting the healing process and resting like I am supposed to. I am already getting antsy and a little stir-crazy in the house but I know my body just needs lots of time to rest and recover -I was quickly reminded of that after taking a shower tonight (with a TON of help!) and then feeling like I had just ran a marathon - totally wiped out! Back to the recliner I went.
All in all, I am feeling really good considering everything my poor body has been through lately - I truly anticipated feeling worse - and things look better than I thought too! I can't thank you enough for all of the thoughts and prayers for a safe and successful surgery - our prayers were answered and I am counting on the same for all of the prayers for a speedy recovery. Thank you so much for all of the emails, texts, calls, meals, flowers, cards and deliveries. I truly feel so loved and cared for and that makes getting through these tough times so much easier. A special thank you to my amazing husband and momma - the best caregivers in the world - who seem to always know what I need before I even say it. Please keep them in your prayers as I know this isn't easy for them to see me going through this. xoxo, Meg
33 Comments
Dana
10/17/2011 04:18:33 pm
Yeah! Way to go, girl! So glad surgery went well and you aren't in a lot of pain. How the heck do you look so amazing after surgery?! Insane!
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Da'Diana
10/18/2011 05:13:45 am
You are a total rockstar. We're still shooting out lots of love and prayers and thinking about you!!!
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Brinley
10/18/2011 05:31:48 am
Meg, you're hilarious "say hello to my little friends." Beyond thrilled that surgery went well and it was so refreshing to hear your voice! One more challenge faced with such strength! Love you girl! xo
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Barb A
10/18/2011 05:33:03 am
Hi Meghan Honey! How wonderful to see that picture of you after surgery! You look like you're in pre-op, not post-op! So happy to hear you're doing well. Keep trying to be a good patient, and take it easy! I'm thinking of you often, and pray you have a smooth and speedy recovery. Love, Barb
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Kara
10/18/2011 06:50:51 am
Ok, that CAN'T be a picture of you after surgery. Meg, you look so pretty. How does one look so pretty after going through such an ordeal of an operation?!?!
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Amanda
10/18/2011 07:17:17 am
Sending healing thoughts your way! Love you!
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Sara
10/18/2011 07:53:25 am
YOU DID IT!! I'm so thankful for your successful surgery and now your comfier-than-you-thought recovery!! You look beautiful, as always, and your strength is coming through in this post more than ever. I love that you took to the blog to fill us in given you can barely move your arms; you never cease to amaze me. So glad that it went well and you're on the mend!! Lots of love to you and your two fantastic care-givers!! Oh and can't wait to see your "little friends" one day soon ;-) HAHA! MUAH ~ XOXO
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Patty L
10/18/2011 12:04:22 pm
Hi, girl! You look amazing-surprised to hear from you already. I haven't stopped thinking of you. Your mom and Mike look so happy in the shots-overjoyed I'm sure that you are safely out of surgery and knowing that everything went so well. Thanks for the update. You are right-you must REST! You have been through a huge ordeal and you need time to recover. Remember to call if you need anything-I'm close. Hugs and kisses-xoxo!
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Carolyn & Mark
10/18/2011 12:14:17 pm
Meghan,
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nanc
10/18/2011 02:19:46 pm
Meghan, I know that your nurses felt honored to be able to give you the great care you deserve. In your posts you are always so positive about your caregivers and I can't help but think that you get what you give. So glad to see the pictures. Keep them coming. Sending my good vibes along with all the others. xoxoxo
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nanc
10/18/2011 02:20:38 pm
p.s. tell Mike I like the facial hair:)
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Deb & Bob Hart
10/18/2011 03:12:12 pm
I cant believe you are posting already but good to hear from you. You do look great. Make sure you take it easy. And yes, you do have a great husband and mother! It does help to have awesome caregivers.
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Sheri
10/18/2011 03:41:21 pm
I'm so glad things went well for you. I'm also glad to hear you are doing okay. You have been a real trooper through all of this and have kept a very positive attitude. I pray that you have a speedy recovery as you prepare for the next phase in your journey. I keep you in my prayers and I think of you often.
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Meagan
10/19/2011 04:22:10 am
You're such a good patient Meg...I never expected to hear your voice Friday night, let alone see your smiling and perky face on Saturday. You're courageous and positive mindset continue to astound and inspire me. Lots of love...M
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Dave Taylor
10/19/2011 05:44:34 am
Hey there,you did great w/ your surgery! So glad to hear that you are coping witheverything in your post op life. Best wishes and lots of love frome everyone her at The Recovery Project!
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Leeny
10/19/2011 07:08:59 am
I was so excited to see your update! I agree with all of your friends that you don't look like you just went through an intense surgery. We all know how strong you are, so you have to stay strong and follow the Dr's orders :) I'm so glad to hear that you are in good hands with Mike and your mom. I wish I lived closer so I could come visit with you! Miss you tons! Love, Leen
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Aunt Carol
10/19/2011 09:38:46 am
You continue to blow us all away!
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Kiki
10/19/2011 12:35:29 pm
You are gorgeous, definitely hard to believe that was taken AFTER surgery! Thinking about you often throughout each day, praying for a quick recovery for you. Hearing your voice was amazing, it totally made my day and almost brought teats to my eyes. Love you Meggie-Poo! xoxo
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ree
10/19/2011 12:35:39 pm
a comic as well...love you baby girl..leave it to you.. to think of the phrase from scarface LOVE it ! ha ! yeah baaaaby.. rock it.. you do it the bestest ...another huge huge step for you.. with grace and style and a smile and strength like no other. :)
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Jean R
10/19/2011 12:58:09 pm
So grateful this is behind you. Bless your heart!
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Diane P.
10/19/2011 02:29:01 pm
wow meg...
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Diane Daley
10/19/2011 06:12:12 pm
You look lovely and to think you just went through hours of surgery!How dear of you to keep everyone informed. Thinking of others the way you do with all that you are going through is remarkable and such a gift to everyone. You are blessed to have such a devoted spouse and mom.
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Katie S
10/20/2011 02:03:01 pm
so I have seen people after surgery and they don't look even close to as good as you! Seriously, you really do seem to be kicking cancers ass, it's amazing. Keep resting!
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Kathy G
10/20/2011 02:36:47 pm
You are an inspiration! I saw the article in the paper profiling your journey. I am also a Physical Therapist. I had a Mastectomy with tissue expanders in Sept. I will be praying for you and your family.
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Angie
10/20/2011 05:19:00 pm
Did you hear me bragging about you today? I'm so proud to call you my cousin! You are amazing!
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Niche
10/21/2011 01:29:01 am
Hello little friends!!:) We all know none of this is easy, not one bit- but you sure are giving cancer HELL and I am so constantly amazed and grateful for your strength & awesomeness. You look TERRIFIC in your post-surgery pics, your lips are so pretty pink (there had better be gloss or something on those to make them that gorg!).
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Kathy R
10/23/2011 04:41:57 pm
You are changing the world for young woman stricken with breast cancer.
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Aunt Carol
10/25/2011 09:08:49 am
Thinking about you and sending lots of love & prayers your way!
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Carolyn & Mark
10/28/2011 03:23:05 pm
Meghan,
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Sandra Palko
10/29/2011 04:47:02 am
Meghan,
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Cynthia Tillie-Williams
10/29/2011 04:55:27 am
Praise God Meagan, Praise God. You look AMAZING. Who does that, look that AMAZING after going through what you just endured. Nothing but the Grace of God. Just like his word tells us...I will be with you always, and he is a God that don't lie. I want to be just like you when I grow up(smile).Such a remarkable young woman. You are definitly a living testimony,you have been tested. You are showing all of us what the Lord can do. Mike is so very precious...what does the vows say...in sickness and in health, he is keeping his promise, love him. And what can I say, Jan, always new she was a special lady. Doug, just awesome. I continue to Pray for all of you. The Lord said where there are two or three gathered together in his name, he will be in the mix. Wishing you a full recovery, sending lots of love your way.
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Linda
10/29/2011 10:56:21 am
Hi, just saw your story online. I also have ILC. I was a Stage 3C when diagnosed. My story was similar to yours. My cancer did not show up on mammo and ultrasound just showed cysts and "dense" tissue. Took several months until an MRI was ordered and I was diagnosed this past January. I just finished chemo and am almost done with radiation but now have cysts in my remaining breast and one is suspicious so I have to go see my surgeon again in a week and a half. Good luck to you!
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