D day. It took 6 hours and a team of 7 (3 surgeons, an anaethetist and 3 nurses) to complete a mastectomy of my left breast, immediate breast reconstruction using tissue from my right thigh and removal of the remaining lymph nodes
“You should look forward to this, it's the point when the cancer will be taken out of your body”
29th June was D day. In the lead up to the operation, it was a rush against time to do everything I wanted to do. Family days to create memories and take photos of us all together was top priority. I held my son extra tight, told him how much I loved him repeatedly and enjoyed moments with our newborn daughter Clara. My husband and I went to choose my son's Birthday gift, a bike. I had a haircut, saw friends, did everything I knew would be harder in recovery. So I planned a rota of friends and family and when they could help.
Then came another blow. 3 weeks prior to my mastectomy, my Mum suffered a stroke. So I spent 19 days going to and from the hospital to see her and ensure she had everything she needed. I was worried sick, she is the closest to us and is effectively a third parent to our son. How could this happen? I felt a deep sadness. In a selfish way wanted her to get back on her feet because I needed her for support for all that was to come. She's on the road to recovery but I miss her so much, every day. Especially the days here in hospital. She told me to look forward to the surgery as it's the point the cancer will be removed. My Dad told me that I have chosen life. That means going through this but coming out stronger the other side.
My Dad drove me the night before to the hospital, it helped having his company. When he left, it was a surreal feeling and naturally I endured an unsettled night with thoughts turning to what lie ahead the following morning.
Jessie was the nurse who was beside me as she prepared me for surgery. After the MRSA bodywash, gown and compression stockings were on, it was a nervous wait. I had a cry as the reality set in. I walked into the anaesthetic room and lay down. I asked for a prewarning for when I'd fall asleep and when that time came I visualised my family's faces. It took 6 hours and a team of 7 to complete a mastectomy of my left breast, immediate reconstruction using tissue from my right thigh and removal of the remaining lymph nodes. I was woken in recovery by my plastic surgeon and nurse. "Paula, wake up, the operation was a success."
The first day or two post op I drifted in and out as the anaesthetic wore off. When I was ready to look at my new breast, I was emotional and so elated. The skin saving mastectomy meant that the only scar was around the nipple area. The breast surgeon had removed all tissue through that opening which meant the end result was better than I had ever anticipated.
I'm being so well looked after. Jesse took care of me predominantly post op. She's fantastic, such a huge support and talks to me non stop in her friendly Irish accent.
The next milestone is the results appointment with my breast surgeon, Miss Waheed. She will share with us the pathologists report of breast tissue and lymph nodes removed. We were told that chemo is very likely. For the time being, each day I'll build my strength and walk that bit further to strengthen the muscles and recover. Getting back home to enjoy more quality time together and continually praying is what we'll focus on.
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