The Surgery is Over

 After somewhat of an adventure wrapping up at the practice last week, including a minor eye procedure on Monday, I was off to Saint Joseph Medical Center for the definitive surgery to both treat breast cancer and prevent future breast cancers from happening. From the time we arrived to the time we left, my family and I were treated with utmost care, respect and efficiency. The two surgeons met with me beforehand along with two from anesthesia and a variety of others. They promised to take great care of me as they rolled me off to the operating room. I had no real awareness of waking up afterward, only of talking to nurses and my family after it was all over. The surgery that was expected to last for five hours took only three-and-a-half. The surgeons felt pleased. 

I stayed overnight with proactive pain management, no throwing up (unusual for me), and random snacking. At 3 am, because my skin was itching, the nurse treated me to a sponge bath. Relief! I seem to have inherited a measure of my mom's sensitive skin. By the next morning, I felt strong enough to head home. My brother-in-law even stopped off at Roggenart on the way to pick up fresh pastries I had suggested. 

It is now a week and a day after surgery. I am walking one additional block every day, slowly building up my endurance. I have still been depending upon my sister who has stayed all this time. She has done all the moderate-to-heavy lifting, done the lions' share of the dishes, tucked me in at night, stood by during showers, cleaned the pantry and cabinets, done several loads of laundry, made the beds, tracked the output of the JP drains, applied skin cream where I cannot reach, fed and cared for the cats and even helped me get one of the cats to the vet. Most of all, she has been here as a moral support as I recover not only from surgery but from the three months that have come before. 

I am sad because she is leaving today. Rarely do we get to spend any extended period of time together. It has been great to be reminded of our shared sense of humor, to watch our brother do ski reports on Aspen Local, to catch a couple of murder mystery series on PBS, and to do some problem-solving for our family. My sister is nine years older than me, and so I have always looked up to her. She was the one who brought me to know Jesus and who has been a model of godliness. The past few years have been caregiver years for her with five aging parents and stepparents between her and her husband and also three young grandchildren. She and her husband also own a small business, so this time down here was no small sacrifice. 

Meanwhile, a couple who are patients of the practice offered to host Zeke for a month. They lost their dog last year and so far have provided good report. I won't be able to bring him back home for a couple of weeks while I heal, so this has been no small favor. Thankfully, he has charmed them already. The cats are enjoying taking over the house, and it is restful to watch how they spend their days. They are a great example of repose, and I have been cashing in on both physical and mental rest.