Can you believe that today it's 5 weeks since surgery?? I can't. In some ways it still feels like it was yesterday. In other ways it seems like many weeks ago.
I still tire very easily. Rest is key to healing. For pain, I only use Tylenol. I was on Celebrex anyway, and that continues. I occasionally use Lidocaine cream to numb the incision. Pain hovers around 2/10 when just doing nothing and rises quickly up to 4/10 if I do something that my body doesn't like. Reaching down to pick something up off the floor = 5/10. Shopping at Wal-Mart - bad idea! I did a short shopping run (about 5 items). Pushing a cart, reaching up to a shelf, putting things in the cart, up onto the belt, and then moving light weight shopping bags into the car...not a good idea. That activity was around 4/10 and wiped me out. Riding in the car, with Bob driving, is okay for short distances. We went to the Peach Barn in Porter, OK (great peaches!!!) for a day trip and it was rough. The action of holding myself up in the passenger seat and bracing for potholes, road debris, etc. - that was challenging. So short trips for me for a while. Going to Independence (25 minutes away) is about my max right now.
I've started a weekly process of Mass on Thursday mornings then going to the school. Smaller daily Mass means less risk of catching an upper respiratory infection. Two Thursdays ago I went to the school for a couple hours, went home and went straight to bed. Last Thursday I went to the school for a couple hours, came home, made lunch, did a few things, chatted on the phone but then needed a nap. This week I'm switching to Friday and we'll see how it goes.
I'm able to walk both dogs now. The bigger one (45 lbs) is 15 years old and doesn't pull much anymore. If he does, I'll just step on the retractable leash and tell him to sit. So far, that's not been necessary. I've been walking the little one (21 lbs) since getting home from Mayo.
The biggest news is the increased lung capacity. Before surgery on the incentive spirometer, I was at 1500ml and worked my way up to 2000ml...but it was work. Now, I pick it up and immediately am at 2750ml. My left rear kidney area no long aches (I think that was the tumor pressing on things). Of course, that ache got traded for the pain of two broken ribs and incision pain...but the tumor is gone so it's a good tradeoff!!
I fired my PCP and found a new one! I see her next week. I also see Mayo next week (virtual) and hope to get cleared to swim. So far, they've said no. I emailed them photos of my incision and they said "not yet." It must be completely scab free, and I'm not there yet. But it does look amazingly well.
Resting has allowed me to get caught up on The Chosen, Resident Alien and Transplant - three series that I really enjoy. I still can't read anything lengthy - emails are fine, but books are not. And we watched the movie about the Nonnas and their restaurant on Long Island. Cute.
The joys of kinesiology tape - helpful. I tried wrapping my ribs and it felt really good in the front, but irritating in the back. Yes, I had permission first from Mayo. So I tried KT Tape just in the front and it helped with some of the ache. It's hard on the skin...so I don't use it daily...just now and then when I think I need it. Wal-Mart delivery is a life saver. Groceries show up at the front door - even in little ole SE Kansas.
This week is busy with an activity each day. Building stamina is key. Rest is key. Eating protein is key. I'll update more next week after chatting with Mayo. I'd like to more fully understand the genetic testing done on the tumor and the "high risk" nature of it - what does that mean for follow up? What does that mean for recurrence risk? I did join a Solitary Fibrous Tumor support group and learned how blessed I am. Several others with my same diagnosis have had complications because the darn thing burst before it could be removed intact. When I say "complications" - I mean having to do chemo and radiation. So far, I've been blessed with this pomelo sized thing "popping out" intact and a clean 1.3 cm margin. Thank you Jesus! But I still have questions for Mayo - mostly about surveillance and what the plan is for that. I'll keep y'all posted.
Please pray for a smooth start to the school year. I've got several nasal sprays that are supposed to help ward off germs. I've got a pure copper "swab" for the nose that kills germs on contact. I hope to use these daily to help stay healthy. I will mask up now and then, but masks a. are warm and uncomfortable and b. not ideal for interacting with other humans - especially the kids. Facial expressions are so important - especially smiling!! This last school year I had four major respiratory infections (one was COVID). I'm hoping I built up some immunities and this year will be better. And yes, I'll get a flu shot (assuming Mayo says I can).
Love you all.