Octo-duck

Yesterday, the hubby and I went to my pre-op appointment with the plastic surgeon. Most of the time was spent with his nurse, who went over a list of things to do before the surgery as well as instructions for afterwards. Talk about feeling overwhelmed! You know that feeling you get when someone is giving you important information and you're trying to pay close attention? But then you start to feel overwhelmed and panicky, and pretty soon, you're not really listening—you're nodding "yes" while thinking "what the hell did she just say?" Well, that was me. Thank goodness Mr. Pincushion was there to listen while furiously taking notes.

Based on what the nurse told me and what I've read online about other peoples' bilateral mastectomy experiences (which was probably a mistake!), it sounds like I'll be home-bound for two or three weeks after surgery. In fact, I'll be lucky if I get out of my pj's during this time. Not only will I be in pain, but I may have a hard time sleeping because I can only lay on my back, with my head elevated. That's fine if you normally sleep like that but I don't. I like to curl up on my side. I met a woman today at a Pink Ribbons Cowgirls luncheon who's been through the same surgery. She suggested that I sleep on a recliner for at least the first week just so that I don't roll over onto my sides. Is it even possible to sleep eight hours in a recliner? Sounds pretty uncomfortable to me. I better make sure to refill my sleeping pills!

Then there are those pesky drains to deal with. I'll have two drains attached to each side of my body. They are there to drain the excess fluid from my boobless chest...gross! I'll have to empty them every 12 hours, measure the volume and then dispose of the fluid. As the nurse was explaining the drains, I looked over at Mr. Pincushion and I swear the blood had drained from his face and was replaced by a slightly white and green hue! Guess I won't be asking him to help me out with the drains. I'm not sure I'll be able do it either. Volunteers, anyone? Just kidding.

Another Pink Cowgirl told me that she looked like an octopus with those drains in. Great—so I guess I'll be an "octo-duck," with the body of an octopus and a head like a duckling's (because of my new downy hair). In any case, I'm getting nervous!

(Side note: We think we've resolved the email notifications issue we were having, but please let me know if you're still having problems. Thanks!!)