LilyFestre-Mommy+Daddy+Baby...now on to Life!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 06:58 PM

Oh, Michelle, what you are feeling is normal. I hope you had a fine day with mom and friends. Keep being gentle with yourself and know that we are still holding you in love.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 09:52 PM

Today was too much. I was falling asleep at the table. Spent the next 6 hours sleeping at Mom's. Another staple fell out. Some questionable stuff is going on around my navel so I called for Home Health to come tomorrow and check it out. The last thing I want or need is an infection.

I'm staying home tomorrow and probably until next week when I have my Dr.'s appointment. I overdid today. Found my wall. BANG.

And weight? I'm down about 20 pounds since December. Can't eat much...nurse said my appetite would be the last thing to come back. Mom brought me home with a pot roast, complete with veggies. Normally I LOVE that but today it just doesn't smell good to me. Pete enjoyed it for his dinner and is unhappy with me that I didn't have any. I had yogurt. I'm not hungry and most stuff is just unappealing. And garlic? Something I previously used LOTS of...now the smell of it makes my stomach churn.

Anyway.....I'm tired, have been kinda teary today too.

Goodnight Friends.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:44 PM

Anesthesia probably is a contributor to how you're feeling now--it takes a while to get it out of your system. It was always a kind of low grade hangover for me.

Also, depending on what your ovaries were doing in their end stage, you may have hormones that were doing some unusual things. At some point, if you haven't already, your doctor may give you (or you may want to ask for) information on hormone replacement therapy. There are so many factors that go into it--family history is a big one. What did other women in your family experience? Osteoporosis, breast cancer, types of arthritis, other diseases, anything like that?

Christiane Northrup has some good books on Women's Health, with appendices full of extra information and resources. You may have seen some of her lectures on PBS during their pledge drives over the years.

For now, sleep, don't overdo, and I'm glad you have the home health folks coming over to check you out again. When surgical wounds heal they are different than when a simple cut scabs over. Ask lots of questions!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 21 Jan 10 - 10:48 PM

And tell Pete how lucky he is to get the whole pot roast all to himself.**bg**

Rest, rest, and rest some more.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:17 AM

What Maggie and Kat said. Anaesthesia and hormones- you can't fight that! Yoghurt is very good. Listen to your body and eat what feels good to you!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:05 AM

Myteary day was Day 3 after the surgery. It was part relief, part hormones, part pain, part loss - you have had a huge chnage in your body and your life.

To this day, I can't tolerate garlic. If I eat anything with garlic in it, I taste a bitter metallic taste for hours afterwards. Go figure.

Now lady. Stay at home and rest. You have had major surgery. It takes six weeks to fully recover. The anaesthesia alone takes weeks to work its way out of your sytem. No going out unless it is to a doctor. I am surprised you weren't given these orders by your doctor. Mine gave it to me in writing.

Find a good book. Read until you fall asleep. Nibble on whatever appeals. Spoil yourself. You have earned it.

Mother SINS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 08:13 AM

When I had the last hernia op I was given strong painkillers that took my appetite away completely. The smell of food made me feel ill.

Yoghurt is good if you like it, just follow the dictates of your body on what food can be tolerated right now. When Kendall couldn't eat recently I made up drinks of whole milk, ice cream and strawberries - the doctor confirmed that, for a short while, that would help put some nourishment in him that he couldn't cope with otherwise. The energy drinks you can buy can also help.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Tinker
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:41 AM

Trust yourself.

Listen to your body.

Take time to heal.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: catspaw49
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 11:46 AM

Eat the livin' hell outta' whatever sounds good to you.   I think what you're feeling on that is more related to surg/anasth than anything else. My weirdest one was sweet potato. I hated the damn things all my life and suddenly I LOVED them. We eat them maybe once or twice a week........go figure.

Hopefully you won't have a taste for broiled sea bass..........


Spaw

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 03:48 PM

OK I'll bite...why not, Spaw?

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Janie
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 04:27 PM

Just checking in Michelle. Imagining lovely healing for you.

Janie

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 04:30 PM

He wants them all to himself. It's my favourite fish to eat, too.
Tam, I'm not a masochist.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 06:56 PM

Checking in, from the office. I hope you had a restful afternoon. That pot roast is always good reheated--most of them are better after a day or two.

I hope the tender spots are easing up.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Liz the Squeak
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:06 PM

Good to hear from you, take it easy - the worst thing you can do now is too much.

LTS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 07:17 PM

Lily visited some other threads very briefly today. Hopefully she is resting.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 22 Jan 10 - 10:52 PM

I did spend today resting. The home health nurse came and all is just fine and my incision is healing as it should. She said the same thing as some of you did....lots of what I am going through is just the anesthesia working it's way out of my body. I am very teary and anxious. I wonder when it will ever go away. It is a miserable way to be.

She told me I way over did it by going to church on Wednesday and then to lunch on Thursday and I am to STAY HOME, try to eat and walk around a bit. NOTHING ELSE.

I cut back on my pain meds for the past 2 days but think tonight I'll take both pills as I am sore (really kinda feeling like someone has kicked me in the stomach) and they help me sleep...of which I did very little of last night and today.

Many thanks for the continued prayers and healing thoughts.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:56 AM

Michelle,

I think you're doing it right with the pain medications. There seem to be wildly divergent approaches to narcotic drugs--ranging from under-use through abuse. But when you are experiencing pain, the narcotic effect doesn't cause a high because it is soothing the pain. So if you don't need it, use the milder meds, but if you have pain when you try to sleep, then it's doing what it's supposed to be doing. Soothing pain and letting you sleep.

I saw an acquaintance this evening who is an ontological ob/gyn. I mentioned our virtual support system here at Mudcat--he was pleased to hear that you have this online community. Positive thinking and support do have a good effect. And he said you're doing it exactly right--the surgery and the chemo follow-up to be sure to keep it away. That's good to hear, as one in this support group. :)

Make it a really lazy weekend. Find an old movie to watch, or have someone come over and show you a new knitting or crochet stitch, something quite but satisfying. No cruising the local mall for clearance sales, okay? ;-D

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:14 AM

Excatly SRS - Michelle, please listen to your nurse and rest up COMPLETELY!

I know how difficult it is just to sit and do nothing - my daughter wouldn't even let me outside her front door for two weeks following my operation and that drove me mad, but it did mean that all my system had to do was to heal. Back then I wasn't doing any craft work so spent my time watching TV and reading - I couldn't even play with my three year old grandson. However, boredom is better than landing up back in hospital.

Take care melove.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:23 AM

Good for you, Michelle. I know it's hard to be patient with your body sometimes. I'm glad you have good care.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:27 AM

With all this resting, how do I keep my mind positive? I have so much time and despite what the Dr. said, I am so full of fear about maybe they made a mistake. What if it spread? I know there's nothing I can do until I get the pathology and they will treat whatever if need be but it's absolutely maddening and sometimes I feel like I just can't take it.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:36 AM

Write it all down, Michelle. Get your thoughts, fears, questions on paper. What you do with it then is up to you. You can't control much of what is happening with your body. You can control your responses to it.

Make plans, both short and long term. Learn something new. Call/PM/email/write to friends and family who are proven to be healthy support for you. Plan something special for someone else. Live the moment you are in. Remember that the world is bigger than we individuals are. Good things are happening everywhere. You are one of those good things to many people. Smile. Breathe. Dream. Imagine the best. Plan a garden.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:39 AM

All natural worries Michelle, I'd feel the same in your place. You can only place your trust in those guys who did the op. The track record for procedures like yours are very good, so I should relax a bit if I were you.
Same with the tearful aspect, it's probably mostly hormonal, and it's one of those things that go with being female. Or so I'm led to believe ;)
The 3rd Mrs MacKenzie had a hysterectomy, and was very hormonal for a while afterwards.
Crochet, knit, tie flies, read a book.
Don't, jog, sky dive, or trampoline !!
Lots of Catters pulling for you lassie.

John

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:49 AM

I learned a lesson fairly early on in life, during the Cold War when, after reading Neville Shute's book 'On The Beach' at too early an age, followed by the Cuba Crisis, my thoughts kept turning to the possibility of nuclear war.

I had many sleepless night s with those fears. when I thought about it I knew there was little I could do at the time and that I was just making myself ill with the thoughts. From then on, every time the thought came into my head I would consciously make myself think of something else - something funny one of my kids had said or done, a song I had heard, a beautiful place that I had visited or wanted to go to, anything to drive the thought away.

It takes some effort to get there, but it does work. When you start thinking that way find some good threads on the 'Cat, that maybe make you laugh, phone someone to have a chat, not about what is happening, but maybe to talk about something that they are doing or to catch up on good news. Whenever the thoughts intrude just tell them that, since you can't do anything about this right now, you do not want to hear what they say.

If you find that the above is not working than talk to your doctor and tell them that these thoughts are making you ill. Sometimes temporary medication may help to ease things.

You have my phone number - if you think it might help call me.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 12:52 PM

The only place I was comfortable was on my big oversized green corduroy couch - lost it to Alice's kittens when they thought it was a kitty litter.
Anyway...the only TV station I could get was Home Shopping. I had the best time watching these silly people trying to describe pure crap in the most glowing terms. Of course, I couldn't pass up a bargain and ended up with a box of about fifty non-working plastic children's watches. I had ordered three for $10. I must have been the only one to order them. They dumped them all in a box and shipped them.

The "What If's" are your worst enemy right now, Lily. They affect your mental attitude and your healing. Books, CDs, a "project" crocheting or knitting or anything that appeals. Perfect time to set up a recipe file or update an address book. The fear is normal and real.

I kept sanitary napkins in the house for months because I didn't trust that the surgery had been done right. Keep sharing here. Putting your fears in writing takes away some of their power. Call Jacqui or anyone you trust to listen.

One day at a time...

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: wysiwyg
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:17 PM

With all this resting, how do I keep my mind positive?

Well... :~).... there's always music. Music to play at home on one's instruments, music to click to play here, music to find online, CDs within easy reach.......

So, what music is at your disposal and what feel right?

(Addendum to an earlier good suggestion from a wise woman-- the more one writes HERE (at Mudcat), the more "help" will be forthcoming. One can drown in that..... Writing it all out is great, but IMO it's also a good idea to be thoughtful about where you display it. Maybe nowhere but for one's own use on one's own computer?)

~Susan

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Mrs.Duck
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 02:47 PM

Take care of yourself, Michelle. Give yourself time to heal and try to use the time to catch up on books you wish you'd read, movies you might like to see (on dvd of course) and all the music you never had time to listen to.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:22 PM

I am looking forward to tonight. Since I've been home, we've been sleeping in our recliners because I couldn't manange the stairs to our bedroom. Tonight we are sleeping in our bed. I can't tell you how much I've missed curling up next to my husband and feeling his protective arms wrapped around me as I drift off to sleep. YAY.

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: maeve
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:25 PM

Yes. Sweet sleep to you both, Michelle. Having my Truelove beside me makes all the difference.

maeve

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 07:27 PM

Sleep well dear. Sweet dreams.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Bobert
Date: 23 Jan 10 - 08:06 PM

Sniff...

Makes ol' hillbilly wanta get him one of them hystericalectomies so I can come home and snuggle with the P-Vine...


























...not!!!

Glad yer feeling better 'cause it's about time to get seedling going fir the veggie garden...

B~

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 07:09 AM

snugglin up to sweetie is wunnerful stuff. hope you take good sense of well being from that snuggle.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: Sandra in Sydney
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 08:04 AM

when I came out of hospital 12 months ago, one kind friend collected me & fed me a yummy lunch (hospital food is not good) then took me to another friend's place where I stayed two nights & got lots more yummy food & a friendly cat for company, but it was great when I finally got home to my own bed.

keep resting

sandra

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 08:07 AM

Ahhhhhh, the familiar cozy bed. I hope you slept long and deeply, and woke (will wake? will have woken?) to sweet cuddles and lazy rising.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 09:40 AM

Yesterday my husband brought the mail in the house and announced that I had a package. I wasn't expecting anything and when I opened it, I was completely overwhelmed with love.

Jacqui sent me the most beautiful turquoise shawl and a lovely note that left me feeling very, very loved. I cried happy tears and put it on immediately. Within 30 minutes, I was asleep, blissfully asleep without horrific dreams, wrapped in a giant Mudcat hug. It's a kindness I will never forget.

Thank you so very much Jacqui. ((((((((((((((((((Much Love))))))))))))

Michelle

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 11:14 AM

Damn! Now I'm all weepy. One day at a time but sometimes one day is really ten miles back to normal. Rest easy, Lily.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 11:55 AM

Wow! Michelle, having this surgery this time of year was opportune for the Mudcat folks whose common currency for exchange is wool. :)   

It's a beautiful day. I have my nose to the grindstone, taking advantage of being in the middle of the billing cycle to shop for lower rates at several companies. I pulled up a Consumer Reports discussion of insurance prices and satisfaction, and they provided links to sites for comparison purposes. Meanwhile, my organic gardening guru is on the radio. Moving forward. Michelle, I know life goes on for all of us, and you'll be chafing at not being able to act on whatever the current chores or issues are in your life, but they'll wait a little while. Get a seed catalog and plan for what you'll be planting in the garden this year. Maybe someone can set up a little growing kit in a window for you and you can at least watch the seeds sprout and grow indoors. A sign of great things to come!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: jacqui.c
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 01:14 PM

I'm glad you liked the shawl Michelle. We each do what we can and I'm just glad that I can do something that makes people happy.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 02:09 PM

((((((((((((((Giant Hug)))))))))))))))))

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 02:37 PM

Dear Michelle - you have now joined the sisterhood of JacquiC shawl wearers. Mine sits on back of sofa so I can wrap up in an instant.

Yep -- big Mudcat hug and collective healing thoughts and light coming to you (and others) from me at 9:15pm (4:15pm your time).

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: katlaughing
Date: 24 Jan 10 - 10:27 PM

Between Jacqui and MMario, there are quite a few of us who have received shawls...CLICK.

They are pretty special, aren't they? I love both of mine, very much!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 08:21 AM

Me, too! I'm so glad you have one, Michelle!

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 25 Jan 10 - 06:58 PM

Climbing the walls yet, Michelle? Have you been out for a ride, something very sedentary but that gets you out of the house?

We discovered a couple of deadlines this week (one on Wednesday, one on Sunday) so are dashing around filling out papers. I'm headed out the door next with tax stuff and forms to fill out at his Dad's house. Made an interview appointment and nudged his teachers and counselor--no one had turned in their forms yet. Arrgggghhh! Oops, this should be declutter stuff. Michelle, get well soon so we're over in one spot again talking about all of this stuff!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 09:50 AM

Getting in and out of the car can pull open stitches. Be very careful.
And don't fall on the ice - MOAN!
SINS looking for sympathy.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: AllisonA(Animaterra)
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 10:07 AM

Awwwwwwwwwwwwwww, poor Sins!!!!!!!


<<< HUG >>>

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: LilyFestre
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 10:19 AM

(((((((((((((Sins)))))))))))))))

Today I go to get my staples out. I think I will also find out about the pathology.

All I can do is cry.

I am praying that nothing spread and that all the cancer has been removed.

:(

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 12:14 PM

Go ahead and cry Lily. This is very frightening. Who's going with you to the appointment?
The staples will come out easily. The pathology is what it is. You will get through this one day at a time.
Stay strong.
Mary

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: SINSULL
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 12:39 PM

Ignore my above post. Cry, scream yell and throw things. You have a right to be frightened and angry - it's a lousy hand you have been dealt.

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 01:17 PM

However, you'll find that if you don't rage and shout and stuff, you're system will be better off.

I've never had staples, but stitches in my foot after bunionectomy hurt like a sun of a gun. They'd been in so long. Your staples are coming out sooner than my stitches did, which helps.

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: Stilly River Sage
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 03:48 PM

Keeping an eye out for the pathology report. Another big hurdle to cross. Let us know when you can, kiddo!

SRS

Subject: RE: BS: LilyFestre -UPDATE - she's home, resting:-)
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 26 Jan 10 - 03:53 PM

Yup, sending positive thoughts your way Michelle