On the home run...

When I say "on the home run" I mean eventually.

I was told back in August 2023 that this was a programme of treatment that would last for two years plus. Most of the treatment stage would be within the first 6-9 months, but all the follow-up tests would continue thereafter for two years (or more if there were complications).

Saying that, I do feel like we have marched up a very steep, pot-holed hill, stepped over a load of manure-covered hurdles on the way and have turned a very long and winding corner in the dark!

Now it feels like daylight has arrived, the road looks to be less bumpy and whilst not a straight road ahead, I can visualise the final destination - along with a glass of alcoholic champagne awaiting me!

This new found belief comes after 4 weeks of post-sepsis energy plus a successful surgery completed yesterday.

Anxiety is expected pre-surgery for most people, and I was no different. The preceding week I underwent two hours of assessments to ensure that my entire body could withstand the surgery and I passed with (almost) flying colours. Haemoglobin is still a little lower than it should be; am still a little anaemic too but healthier than I have been for 6 months so no concerns for going ahead as planned.

On the morning of surgery, using a local anaesthetic and ultra sound a Doctor at the Breast Care Centre inserted a thin wire into my left boob. This was connected to the clip which had previously been inserted around 5 months ago and was attached to the tumour. A length of the wire was then left coiled on the outside and covered in a dressing to assist the surgeon in finding exactly where the tumour was. Guide by wire, so to speak.

Then followed another mammogram (which I have to say is far more comfortable when you have a local anaesthetic than it is normally).

Then a short walk to the Surgical Ward in Southmead, where you get booked in and wait.....and wait....and wait. It does not help the anxiety but it does mean you cannot sneakily eat or drink because they keep a beady on you!

My wire fitting was around 9am. I was walked into surgery around 3pm and was asleep before I had a chance to change my mind. I was woken from surgery around 4.45pm.

Now, those that have read some previous articles within this blog are aware that I like to have a touch of drama in my treatment life so we did have a few things to sort out post-surgery. I was very, very cold so they stuck me in a large plastic bag and blew hot air all over me (was lovely too). I can now imagine what chicken in a bag feels like (except of course I was still very much alive and still had my head and all my internal organs - hmmm so perhaps not!).

They then wrapped my legs in pulsating, massaging tubes presumably to get the blood flowing through; and then stuck me on a bit of oxygen. Heart rate started high but as I warmed up, it lowered to acceptable levels.

Comfort - pre-surgery!

Blood pressure was also high but I was coming out of the surgical pain relief and although my boob itself did not hurt, the pain in my armpit and at the side of my boob was pretty intense. They removed a number of lymph nodes and it felt liked I had been kicked pretty hard by a very angry beast. I told the nurse an elephant, but she told me she didn't think they kicked !!

It took me ages to come up with a different animal. She suggested a donkey, and I concurred!

Any movement of my left arm caused significant pain.

But 4 doses of fentanyl given over a half hour or so brought everything under control.

The drugs, along with a stabilised and warm body, meant a happy Ali !

Then the tricky job of getting dressed. Two nurses. My oh-so naked boobs on display; the left covered in wound dressing, being held gently in place (ie lifted due to my tender age) and my entire chest wrapped in a large crepe bandage. Then assistance with putting on my t-shirt, which was neither easy nor comfortable.

I was asked if anyone should be with me for the discharge instructions. I actually said "I think I should be OK understanding it all, what do you think?" And the lovely nurse said "No I don't think you will."

I think she was still considering the conversation we had about the elephant and the donkey !

So they called Annie in early. Instructions on pain relief (codeine and paracetamol); bandage stays in place for 24-48hrs; then a soft/sports bra day and night for a week or so; exercise regime for the arms and chest; lymphedema massage and what to look for that might be unusual or cause concern.

And do not lift anything with the left arm heavier than....that is why Annie was there because I still cannot remember what they said.

Then home; staying at Annie's for a few days until the pain is manageable. It's only day two and it's already much better, and that is because my mummy used to tell me I was a brave girl. She also used to tell me I was a pain in the .....; repeated myself a lot when I was drunk and should have bra fittings done more often but I think she was only joking about the latter statements !

Anyway, paracetamol during the day; codeine to sleep initially.

Next step is the histology results from the surgery due in 3 weeks. Obviously hoping for all clear so we can then move on to the final chemical and/or radiation section of the treatment programme.

But that is for then.

For now, I am very happy.

Of course, it could just be the drugs!!