2) Sneezing is extremely painful post op. I am squelching all sneezes indefinitely.
3) Hot showers are therapeutic. But not too hot due to all of the numb areas. Didn't expect to hold my hands over my chest to test water temp.
4) I am numb across my chest, under my arms and around the sides of my back. I noticed it when my fiancé was rubbing my back. Putting on deodorant - and shaving under my arms - feels really weird.
5) No BRAS! I remember how excited I was when I got on the school bus the first day of the new school year in like 5th grade and told my bus friend that I "had to" start wearing a (training) bra. I didn't expect that I would have that same ecstatic - but opposite - feeling at age 36. I don't have to wear a bra unless I just want to! Yippee!
6) It absolutely IS possible to sleep on my back with lots of pillows. In fact I can now go to sleep quite easily. I didn't expect that I'd ever be able to sleep on my back. I hated it before my surgeries. But, I haven't slept on my side or stomach since May 31.
7) I didn't expect to feel guilty about my diagnosis, but every time that I walk into the oncology center, I feel awful. I feel so guilty that I had options. I didn't have to go through chemotherapy or radiation treatments. I feel guilty sharing my story, because there are so many others who have had it so much worse.
8) I take people up on their offers to help me or bring me things. It's not a sign of weakness at all - it's letting others show you their love and helping you. Don't turn it down.
9) I didn't think that I would second guess everything I've ever done in an effort to try to prevent a recurrence. I didn't think I'd blame myself and start thinking through how I identify and eliminate all of the things that are potentially causing me (and my family) harm.
10) I didn't expect to feel blessed after going through this. I'm so lucky. I have been given a second chance. I saw my life flash before my eyes, and I imagined what it would be like if I couldn't experience all of the things that I want to experience. I am so lucky that I get to adjust my approach and live every moment to the fullest. Tomorrow is never promised, and I'll approach life that way. I didn't expect to feel so blessed.
8) I take people up on their offers to help me or bring me things. It's not a sign of weakness at all - it's letting others show you their love and helping you. Don't turn it down.
9) I didn't think that I would second guess everything I've ever done in an effort to try to prevent a recurrence. I didn't think I'd blame myself and start thinking through how I identify and eliminate all of the things that are potentially causing me (and my family) harm.
10) I didn't expect to feel blessed after going through this. I'm so lucky. I have been given a second chance. I saw my life flash before my eyes, and I imagined what it would be like if I couldn't experience all of the things that I want to experience. I am so lucky that I get to adjust my approach and live every moment to the fullest. Tomorrow is never promised, and I'll approach life that way. I didn't expect to feel so blessed.
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