Wednesday, July 2, 2014

More Pain in the Ass Things About Breast Cancer

So here we are, four weeks out of the big surgery. I did a pre-op version of superficial things that pissed me off about having cancer (you can read it here if you missed it) and today I have a post-op edition. You know me, there will probably be more to come...


Grooming. I've been fortunate in that I haven't had limitations moving my arms. I could wash my hair the first time I showered after surgery, and luckily with my curly hair and a good cut, air drying works well. But I can't quite shave my legs. Aaron says he won't do it, and frankly I wouldn't want him to. Thank Target for maxi skirts. I also didn't make time for a pedicure before surgery so my feet and toes are less than lovely. I might be able to go get one done here sometime soon but obviously I can't do my own.

I did get my nails done last week!
OPI "Green on the Runway"


Lack of strength. One day, about a week after I got home from the hospital, Aaron called around lunchtime and said that he didn't know if he could get home to feed me. I said that was OK, that I thought I could make a smoothie for myself. We have a handy dandy NutriBullet, and everything was lightweight and within reach. Well, I made the smoothie with no problem, but I couldn't unscrew the container to be able to consume it. I had to text Aaron and ask him to just stop by and help. As Steph said, at least I got to third base with the smoothie.



Clothing. Until I'm told otherwise, I have to wear a surgical bra. I have two of them, so while one is in the laundry I can wear the other one. (Oh, that leads me to another thing: the need to do laundry nearly every day.) It's white and bulky, with thick velcro straps, and just not very flattering. Granted, it's still too early to even know what size bra to get but it drives me crazy just the same.


Sexy, right? (Also, upside down)


Missing out. This is becoming less of an issue, but I do still have to choose carefully what events I'm going to attend. I get tired easily and while I don't have "pain" pain, I am very sore. Last weekend was Comfest and we still had our annual brunch on Saturday. I parked myself in a chair while wearing a tiara and held court. Sunday I actually made it to the festival, but I may have overdone it a bit, as Monday was spent not moving a whole lot.


Things that don’t suck: Our friends. We had a lot of help Saturday both for the brunch and afterward, when some of the neighbors landed back at our place for a late dinner. And people always say we have great parties, but a big reason for that is the mix of people from different parts of our life who come together beautifully.

And then there was this. Allyson has a business called The Scrabble Chick. She makes jewelry using Scrabble tiles and normally she and her husband have a booth at Comfest but they didn't this year, so they were able to come to the brunch. Allyson gave me this bracelet:


In case you're wondering, the other side of the tile is a "G."

I cried. Aaron cried. She gave me some extras of the tiles so Aaron immediately put one on a chain and wore it around his neck. You can find The Scrabble Chick on Facebook and Etsy.






Linking up with Kathy
Vodka and Soda

14 comments:

  1. I freaking love that bracelet. And I want to buy some of her stuff I think. The danger of overdoing it sucks! As do all the other things. Hang in there. xoxo

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  2. That bracelet <3. Love love love it!!

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  3. I had to wear a bra like that after my breast augmentation I know its not the same thing but ew!

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  4. I hope you get feeling better soon!

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  5. You have amazing people in your life :)

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  6. I love that bracelet!!! I'm so glad you got to enjoy your weekend and wear a tiara most importantly. It will keep getting better and easier. You've kicked so much ass the last few weeks, I definitely think you deserve a pedicure :) Happy Gwensday.

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  7. So glad you can count your amazing friends as a good thing! And I hope the bad things go away very soon.

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  8. Fell better soon and hopefully you can get out of the yucky bra :) x

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  9. Your surgical bra reminded me of one of my nursing bras. And, yeah, had to do a lot of laundry with those.

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  10. That bracelet is amazing!! No doubt each week that passes, you will notice things getting easier, but when your body tells you to slow down, slow down! Lol lol cracking up that Aaron refuses to shave your legs and gong to 3rd base with the NutriBullet. May never look at that the same again! <3

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  11. Love that bracelet! I checked out her site and now I NEED something :)
    Keep on resting and getting better. That cancer needs to know who's boss!

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  12. i love that bracelet! feel better soon! xoxo

    thanks for linking up!
    -kathy
    Vodka and Soda

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  13. Just saw this today 7-10! You are coming along beautifully. I agree on the bra- ew. You will be able to wear lovely ones soon. I love lovely bras. So many blessings in your life, with Aaron and all of your people of which I am one(do not know if that is proper grammar but you know what I mean) Continued Goddess speed.
    Love, SMD's Momma

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  14. Aww, that last point was so sweet. It's amazing to have good friends. You are doing so well and soon it'll all be over. I still love how real you keep it! I'm glad that you are able to get out a little bit. I bet that makes all the difference in your mood.

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