I did so well yesterday that I decided to cut back on my pain meds and did a little more than I had been doing (putting dishes in the dishwasher, worked on my laptop, etc). I thought I was doing great. At about 10pm I had Kevan help me into bed and gave me my nightly hydrocodone. Then, 30 minutes later I called him on the Wilkie Talkie and begged for a Valium. I was in so much pain I was crying. Kevan gave it to me and we waited 30 minutes to see if it was going to get better. It didn't. By then, I was bawling I was in so much pain. I kept telling him I felt like I had been shot. Lol! Not sure why, since I've never been shot and don't know what it feels like. Anyway, Kevan helped me to the bathroom and then he unwrapped my chest. The pain immediately subsided.
Then, he rewrapped me and helped me back to bed. We figured maybe I was wrapped too tight. But, within an hour it all started again. If I laid down I was in extreme pain and if I sat up or walked around it was better. I went back to bed, raised the back of our adjustable foundation as comfortable as I could and then tried to sleep through the pain. I haven't had any more tears but it sure was painful.
I got up this morning on my own because I didn't want to wake Kevan. This was also stupid because I felt the stitches in my stomach pull as I tried to get up. I called the doctor's office this morning and asked them what could be happening. They think I did too much yesterday because my pain wasn't as bad and one of my stitches tore something. I am right handed so it makes sense. Also, I lifted my laptop and used my laptop for the first time last night so that could've pulled something. I'm not supposed to lift more than 5 pounds and I'm pretty sure my laptop is at least 10 pounds. That is what I get for trying to work when I'm supposed to be off. Bad Jayde!
I am very groggy today. I'm guessing from lack of sleep. So, I'm off to try to take a painless nap.
Tuesday, December 11, 2012
Monday, December 10, 2012
Final reconstruction - post op Day 5 & 6
The last two days have been better days. I was pretty sad on days 3 and 4 wondering how I was going to make it through this recovery because the pain was so bad, but I'm doing better now. I'm grateful for Kevan and Judy (my mother-in-law). Judy let us stay with her in Nashville the first 2 days and then she came and stayed with us the next 2 days. She just went home yesterday. I don't know what I would've done without them. They made sure I was given my pain meds every 4 hours. Judy set an alarm at night and got out of bed just to make sure I was getting what I need. She also had to help me up so I could go to the bathroom. I am so grateful. Thank you Judy. Also, thank you for all you did with cleaning my house, doing laundry and everything else you did for us.
I didn't post earlier because I hate typing on my phone and my laptop is just too heavy for me to lift so I have to wait for Kevan. Kevan helped me get it all hooked up tonight.
I didn't post earlier because I hate typing on my phone and my laptop is just too heavy for me to lift so I have to wait for Kevan. Kevan helped me get it all hooked up tonight.
The first day home I was able to lift myself, but it has been too hard ever since. Not sure if the anesthesia had not worn off yet or if I'm just so sore now that I can't make myself do it. I'm not allowed to use my arms to help myself up so it is really hard when you are so sore to lift yourself if you can't use your arms. Kevan has helped me take a few showers. It went well and felt good. Much easier than after the mastectomy. I was able to stand the whole time and I hung my drains on a hanger that hung on the curtain rod. I am not allowed to let the water hit my chest directly so I have to stand with my back to the water and let it drip toward the front. It still feels good. Also, it was several weeks before I could wash my own hair after the mastectomy (I think) because I couldn't lift my arms that high. But, I washed my own hair with no problems or pain. I'm not allowed to scrub because there are steri-strips or adhesive strips over my sutures. So, I just kind of squeeze the soapy water over me and then let the clean water go over that.
After I get out of the shower I have a lot of pain in the top of my breasts (where the sutures are through the muscle). I'm pretty sure it is muscle pain so I take a Valium and it really helps with the muscle spasms. Kevan took some pictures of me today just so we can see the progress and I look like I've been in a terrible accident or was beat up pretty bad. lol! I can't wait until a couple weeks from now so I can see what it will look like without all the bruising and sutures sticking out. Also, my stomach is VERY swollen still. I had some liposuction for the fat grafting and it looks bigger than it was before surgery.
My bruising from the liposuction (for fat grafting) seems to be getting better. It still REALLY hurts on my hips though. Most of my pain is from the sutures at the top of the breasts and the where the drains come out. It is very red and sore where the drains are. I can't wait to have them removed on Thursday. Praying that I won't have much fluid draining the next two days so I can have them removed.
I've been trying to do my exercises between 3 and 5 times per day. I'm doing a lot better than I was last time. I'm hoping that I won't have any scar banding this time and won't require physical therapy. I'm tiring of the wraps over my stomach and breasts. I cannot wait until I only have to wear them at night, but it won't be until the 3rd week (I think). I was going to post some pictures of my bruising and sutures, but I am just not that brave. After I looked at them they just looked so bad I didn't want to subject you guys to it. lol! Plus, it might scare those that have to go through this themselves.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and big thank you to my church for setting up meals for us. It lets Kevan stay home with me and not have to leave to figure out meals. I'm trying to wean off my pain meds so I can start reading my bible again. I can't read when on them since everything is doubled or jumbled together. Hopefully, tomorrow will be an even better day. Love you all! God is good!
After I get out of the shower I have a lot of pain in the top of my breasts (where the sutures are through the muscle). I'm pretty sure it is muscle pain so I take a Valium and it really helps with the muscle spasms. Kevan took some pictures of me today just so we can see the progress and I look like I've been in a terrible accident or was beat up pretty bad. lol! I can't wait until a couple weeks from now so I can see what it will look like without all the bruising and sutures sticking out. Also, my stomach is VERY swollen still. I had some liposuction for the fat grafting and it looks bigger than it was before surgery.
My bruising from the liposuction (for fat grafting) seems to be getting better. It still REALLY hurts on my hips though. Most of my pain is from the sutures at the top of the breasts and the where the drains come out. It is very red and sore where the drains are. I can't wait to have them removed on Thursday. Praying that I won't have much fluid draining the next two days so I can have them removed.
I've been trying to do my exercises between 3 and 5 times per day. I'm doing a lot better than I was last time. I'm hoping that I won't have any scar banding this time and won't require physical therapy. I'm tiring of the wraps over my stomach and breasts. I cannot wait until I only have to wear them at night, but it won't be until the 3rd week (I think). I was going to post some pictures of my bruising and sutures, but I am just not that brave. After I looked at them they just looked so bad I didn't want to subject you guys to it. lol! Plus, it might scare those that have to go through this themselves.
Thank you everyone for your prayers and big thank you to my church for setting up meals for us. It lets Kevan stay home with me and not have to leave to figure out meals. I'm trying to wean off my pain meds so I can start reading my bible again. I can't read when on them since everything is doubled or jumbled together. Hopefully, tomorrow will be an even better day. Love you all! God is good!
Saturday, December 8, 2012
Misconceptions
I had my first follow up visit with my plastic surgeon yesterday. The nurse unwrapped my chest and stomach. Due to the bruising I had already noticed from under the stomach wrap I had decided not to look. I was just scared it would be emotional. Because of the wrapping things already looked smooshed. After the nurse and Kevan encouraged me to look I walked over to the mirror. As I did, my drain accidentally fell onto the floor and pulled on my side which made me queezy and I had to hurry and sit down or I was going to pass out. Kevan said all the color was gone from my face. I'm not sure if this happened because of the emotional aspect of what I saw or because the drain pulling, but I let her rewrap me without looking again.
You see, I was under the impression that I would look normal again. Like on tv when someone has a breast augmentation. They show the after and the person looks great. That is not what happened. I have about 9 places where there are sutures sticking out. They are there to hold the implants in place until the pocket heals enough to hold them there. Another surprise was how high my breasts are sitting. They said it will take between 3 and 6 months for them to fall into place. That is a long time.
Also, my stomach, where they had to remove fat via liposuction for the fat grafting. I looks a little strange and very bruised, but she said this is normal and I'm just swollen. I will have to wear the stomach wrap for 3+ weeks. I have no idea how I will hide it under my clothes.
Some good news is that they fit me into a bra yesterday. They first put this sticky foam on the top of my breasts to push the implants down and then the sports bra (it zips in the front) and then they wrapped another wrap over the top to also help push them down. This wrap is the most painful as it also rubs my underarms because it is so high. This wrap is what is causing the most pain and also where the sutures are sutured into the breast muscle. It does seem a little better today.
The bra they fit me into was a 40 C. I used to wear a 34 B. I'm hoping that the 40 is due to being swollen and it will not be the ending number. Lastly, I just want to say that if you go through this just remember that his isn't the end result. It takes several months for the implants to drop and for things to heal. I have to keep telling myself this as well.
You see, I was under the impression that I would look normal again. Like on tv when someone has a breast augmentation. They show the after and the person looks great. That is not what happened. I have about 9 places where there are sutures sticking out. They are there to hold the implants in place until the pocket heals enough to hold them there. Another surprise was how high my breasts are sitting. They said it will take between 3 and 6 months for them to fall into place. That is a long time.
Also, my stomach, where they had to remove fat via liposuction for the fat grafting. I looks a little strange and very bruised, but she said this is normal and I'm just swollen. I will have to wear the stomach wrap for 3+ weeks. I have no idea how I will hide it under my clothes.
Some good news is that they fit me into a bra yesterday. They first put this sticky foam on the top of my breasts to push the implants down and then the sports bra (it zips in the front) and then they wrapped another wrap over the top to also help push them down. This wrap is the most painful as it also rubs my underarms because it is so high. This wrap is what is causing the most pain and also where the sutures are sutured into the breast muscle. It does seem a little better today.
The bra they fit me into was a 40 C. I used to wear a 34 B. I'm hoping that the 40 is due to being swollen and it will not be the ending number. Lastly, I just want to say that if you go through this just remember that his isn't the end result. It takes several months for the implants to drop and for things to heal. I have to keep telling myself this as well.
Thursday, December 6, 2012
Post-op picture
Here is a picture of Jayde's wraps and drains. As you can see she is pretty swollen. She's been complaining about pain in her right heel. She woke up with a blister and we are not sure how that happened during surgery.
The black near her shoulder is one of the sutures. She has 3 on each side. The lanyard around her neck is for her drains. Pray she is able to do her exercises well. She is having a hard time since it is so painful.
The black near her shoulder is one of the sutures. She has 3 on each side. The lanyard around her neck is for her drains. Pray she is able to do her exercises well. She is having a hard time since it is so painful.
Final Reconstruction Surgery - Post op Day 1
Im laying in bed at my mother in laws typing on my ipad. I cant sleep. We got home from the hospital last night at 7 pm. I'm doing pretty well. I can lift myself way better than I could after the mastectomy. But, I still need help getting to the bathroom and back in bed. I wake up about every two hours to go to the bathroom, every 4 to take a pain pill and throughout that time just because I'm in pain. The pain is tolerable if I'm just sitting here. But, when I have to move it is probably an 8 or 9 out of ten.
I have two drains. One on each side that Kevan strips and empties for me. Once the fluid is under 20 cc's I can have them removed. I also have a compression wrap over my chest and one over my stomach. So, I have yet to see myself. Tomorrow will be my big day. The wrap on my stomach requires a change in gauze every now and then. We don't unwrap,but we slip the gauze in and out from underneath. It is where they had to remove fat (liposuction) in order to use it to fill in areas of the breast that needed it. It continues to leak fluid and a lot too. The gauze, my pants and the bed have all been stained with it. Hopefully, after washing it will be ok.
I felt very rushed when they made me leave. I had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia. All other patients had gone home so they were just waiting on me. I had to go to the bathroom and urinate before I could go home. I wasn't able to. I tried twice but I was so out of it and my bladder felt like it was asleep. So, they had to do a catheter. :-( I hated it.
We asked for 450cc implants so I would be a little bigger than before. He put in 525cc's!! Hope they don't end up being too big. I wonder if I will have to buy new shirts to fit! The wrap is so tight over my chest that they don't look big at all.
Just wanted to give an update so I don't forget things. Also, praise the Lord everything went well. No complications and my good friend was in my surgery with me. That was answered prayer. Thank you all for your prayers.
I have two drains. One on each side that Kevan strips and empties for me. Once the fluid is under 20 cc's I can have them removed. I also have a compression wrap over my chest and one over my stomach. So, I have yet to see myself. Tomorrow will be my big day. The wrap on my stomach requires a change in gauze every now and then. We don't unwrap,but we slip the gauze in and out from underneath. It is where they had to remove fat (liposuction) in order to use it to fill in areas of the breast that needed it. It continues to leak fluid and a lot too. The gauze, my pants and the bed have all been stained with it. Hopefully, after washing it will be ok.
I felt very rushed when they made me leave. I had a hard time coming out of the anesthesia. All other patients had gone home so they were just waiting on me. I had to go to the bathroom and urinate before I could go home. I wasn't able to. I tried twice but I was so out of it and my bladder felt like it was asleep. So, they had to do a catheter. :-( I hated it.
We asked for 450cc implants so I would be a little bigger than before. He put in 525cc's!! Hope they don't end up being too big. I wonder if I will have to buy new shirts to fit! The wrap is so tight over my chest that they don't look big at all.
Just wanted to give an update so I don't forget things. Also, praise the Lord everything went well. No complications and my good friend was in my surgery with me. That was answered prayer. Thank you all for your prayers.
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Under the Knife, again.
Jayde just went in for surgery, it is 12:15 pm. The doctor said it will be about 2 - 2 1/2 hours. She has been pretty emotional today. She is really not looking forward to the process of surgery and recovery. On a brighter note, one our our good friends from Nashville, Lori, happen to be working today, and saw Jayde's name on the list. Lori will the Jayde nurse anesthetist. This is a huge blessing and answer to prayer. Jayde had prayed that it might workout for Lori to be her nurse anesthetist for the procedure today. Lori was supposed to be on vacation today, but they asked her if she could work and she volunteered. Isn't amazing sometimes how "coincidences" happen? So here we are, in the waiting room now, waiting...
Update... 3:00 pm. Doctor just came out and informed us that the procedure is done. He stated that everything went as expected, no surprises, the results should be everything she expects. Haven't seen her yet.
Update... 3:00 pm. Doctor just came out and informed us that the procedure is done. He stated that everything went as expected, no surprises, the results should be everything she expects. Haven't seen her yet.
Sunday, December 2, 2012
Thank you to my church.....
I'm sitting in my hotel room in Atlanta waiting for some of my co-workers to arrive so we can meet up downstairs. I have only met a few of them in person (since I work from home). I am very excited to see them! I thought I would type something out while I was waiting. Kevan came with me since he doesn't have a job right now. He is going to meet up with a good friend while he is here and I'm in meetings.
This morning at church I went forward and thanked our congregation for loving me so much and for all of their support during this journey. I was handed a microphone and I wasn't sure I was going to make it through it without passing out. lol! I don't even like to get up and go to the restroom at a restaurant because I don't want anyone to notice me. So, it was very hard for me. When I got up there, I looked out at everyone and it was just a big blur....time got slow and I started feeling queezy. lol! I have no idea what I even said or if I even said what was in my notes. I was crying too so that didn't help the situation either. lol! So, I wanted to follow-up with a post to them here so I can make sure I said what I meant to.
Our church is our family. I know that people all the time call their church their "church family", but...these people are OUR FAMILY. If they hurt, I hurt. If they are crying, I'm going to be crying. If they need me, I'm there! If they move away....I'm going with them. Just kidding! I'm not sure I have ever went to a church where I have felt so loved by SO MANY. There are so many that mean so much to us. When we found out I had cancer our church rallied around us...showering us with prayer, love, food and even home improvement help. :o) They are wonderful. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR EACH OF YOU!!!
I praise God that He brought us to this church while we were going through this journey. This has been a hard journey, but God's people have made it so much easier for Kevan and I. One thing I love about our church is that we are all so different from one another (different jobs, pasts, ages, etc) and because of that we add so much to each others lives. Also, we all know how imperfect we are and love each other anyway. :p We know where we've been and we are all thankful for where Christ has brought us. We all understand where we could be without Christ in our lives.
Some VERY sweet women pulled me out of my chair this morning and brought me down front to pray with me about my surgery Wednesday. I could feel each one of them touching my back/shoulders as they each prayed for me. It was overwhelming to feel so cared for and so loved. That is what my Lord does for me. He shows me His love through all of these people and I am so thankful for their witness. I feel bad for those that have to go through something like this and they do not have a church family. It would be so hard.
We had a women's retreat this weekend at a cabin hideaway. One of the sweet ladies opened up her cabin so 20+ women could laugh together, cry together, pray together and have a big ole' pajama party together. We had a blast. I love every one of them and even the ladies that were not able to come. I love you too and missed you! God has blessed me so much....I am overflowing with gratitude to Him for placing these women in my life.
God Bless my church. Bless each one that prayed for me, brought me food, loved on me, stopped by to see me and lent a hand when we needed them. Please BLESS THEM BIG for me.
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3
This morning at church I went forward and thanked our congregation for loving me so much and for all of their support during this journey. I was handed a microphone and I wasn't sure I was going to make it through it without passing out. lol! I don't even like to get up and go to the restroom at a restaurant because I don't want anyone to notice me. So, it was very hard for me. When I got up there, I looked out at everyone and it was just a big blur....time got slow and I started feeling queezy. lol! I have no idea what I even said or if I even said what was in my notes. I was crying too so that didn't help the situation either. lol! So, I wanted to follow-up with a post to them here so I can make sure I said what I meant to.
Our church is our family. I know that people all the time call their church their "church family", but...these people are OUR FAMILY. If they hurt, I hurt. If they are crying, I'm going to be crying. If they need me, I'm there! If they move away....I'm going with them. Just kidding! I'm not sure I have ever went to a church where I have felt so loved by SO MANY. There are so many that mean so much to us. When we found out I had cancer our church rallied around us...showering us with prayer, love, food and even home improvement help. :o) They are wonderful. I AM SO THANKFUL FOR EACH OF YOU!!!
I praise God that He brought us to this church while we were going through this journey. This has been a hard journey, but God's people have made it so much easier for Kevan and I. One thing I love about our church is that we are all so different from one another (different jobs, pasts, ages, etc) and because of that we add so much to each others lives. Also, we all know how imperfect we are and love each other anyway. :p We know where we've been and we are all thankful for where Christ has brought us. We all understand where we could be without Christ in our lives.
Some VERY sweet women pulled me out of my chair this morning and brought me down front to pray with me about my surgery Wednesday. I could feel each one of them touching my back/shoulders as they each prayed for me. It was overwhelming to feel so cared for and so loved. That is what my Lord does for me. He shows me His love through all of these people and I am so thankful for their witness. I feel bad for those that have to go through something like this and they do not have a church family. It would be so hard.
We had a women's retreat this weekend at a cabin hideaway. One of the sweet ladies opened up her cabin so 20+ women could laugh together, cry together, pray together and have a big ole' pajama party together. We had a blast. I love every one of them and even the ladies that were not able to come. I love you too and missed you! God has blessed me so much....I am overflowing with gratitude to Him for placing these women in my life.
God Bless my church. Bless each one that prayed for me, brought me food, loved on me, stopped by to see me and lent a hand when we needed them. Please BLESS THEM BIG for me.
"I thank my God upon every remembrance of you." Philippians 1:3
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