Healing well

After a short week I had the drains removed which was a big plus. Not only did my choice in wardrobe increase, but I also had the bandages removed and was able to finally move from sponge baths to a real shower! I was doing well and was even able to wear a bra (stuffed with a sock) without any problem as I still am fairly numb along the incision.

Just this Monday I started noticing a little more pain around the armpit area. I had a long day as I had went to the office and then afterwards had dinner with Paul and the group he works with. Even though I did nothing strenuous I noticed at the end of the day that I was somewhat swollen.

I didn't sleep well that night. It was uncomfortable lying in pretty much any position. I started thinking about what one of my sisters-in-law had said (yes, the one who had asked about the nipple) - that if you had the drains pulled too soon infection could begin. So then I had that going through my head. Then I realized that I might even be getting lymphedema as I had some lymph nodes removed and if there was a backup of lymph fluid hanging out at the armpit, my arm should be swelling up and turning red at any moment!!!! I was up in the middle of the night googling lymphedema and infections due to mastectomies. I was able to finally get some sleep but decided that I should stay home from work the next day and take it easy.

The swelling didn't get worse and didn't get better, however, this morning it seemed like the swelling was just a little worse. I already had an appointment scheduled with my surgeon in the afternoon so waited to find out what she thought.

My surgeon thought I was healing great and that yes, there was some swelling but no big deal, she would just draw out some of the fluid, that it was pretty normal. Whew! She drew out about 40 cc's which looked gi-normous in a tube! However, on looking at a measuring cup it was about a quarter cup. She said that I may need to have some more fluid drawn out at the beginning of the week, and maybe not, but that it was perfectly normal with the healing. So no lymphedema is starting and no infection, so no antibiotics are required. I think I may sleep better tonight.

Now I am supposed to start a prescription of tamoxifen which could be for 2 years before I start something else, or it could be for 5 years and then 5 years of something else. Who knows. They are still trying to come up with the best formula and 10 year test results are coming in by the end of this year as well as others that are still ongoing. It is supposed to kick start menopause in case the menopause I have entered is only temporary from the chemotherapy. I have been holding off taking the tamoxifen because of different reasons, but it looks like I have run out of reasons ( no antibiotics to interfere) and should get started. Say hello to hot flashes and night sweats! Woo hoo!