16. Home Sweet Home
It was so great to be home again. No doubt the drugs still in my system had helped me feel pain free and content.
I eventually snuggled up on the couch and slept. I was woken from a deep sleep by the doorbell ringing. A friend arrived with a lovely meal and muffins. Yum! Then flowers arrived from the girls at work and then a lovely bright pink cyclamen from my Mum and Dad. It was almost like Christmas.
That night, I found getting comfortable in bed a challenge. I had been very sore after my biopsy and used a small bean pillow to rest my arm on. I eventually got comfortable on my right side and there I had to sleep for the next few weeks. As someone who turns a number of times a night this proved to be frustrating.
I was so grateful for waterproof dressings and enjoyed a shower – there is nothing like your own shower! I didn’t dare look at my wounds in the mirror. I knew there was dried blood under the dressing and just didn’t feel ready to look. I seemed to manage to wash and dry myself and complete most tasks by myself. I didn’t have any drain tubes which was a bonus. I was told to avoid getting soap on the area and not to wash my hair. I only took two painkillers that first night and found I didn’t need to take anything after that.
Sunday morning, Mum and Dad came around to visit and were amazed to see me dressed and answer the door and being my usual chirpy self. Maybe they thought I would be in bed for a few days. I assured them I felt really well and had slept well. Our daughter visited that afternoon, it was so lovely to see her and just sit and chat together.
A friend sent a text asking did we feel like a visit that evening and I suggested they bring pizza. I set the table and put out the good wine glasses. Why not? Just before they arrived they sent a text: ‘We are at the pizza shop. And wearing ‘trakkies’. See you soon’. No wonder I love these guys! We had a lovely evening, chatting about everything and very little about hospital, surgery and cancer. And we were all very comfortable in our tracksuit pants!
We moved my favorite Ikea chair into the back room – it was in the sun and central to what was going on in the house. I made sure I could reach my computer and spent parts of the day there reading and staying in touch with friends and napping when I felt like it.
Monday morning we headed over to our cafe – a short walk and I was determined to get out each day. After our coffee I walked around one block. I still felt slight vague after the surgery but as long as I didn’t make quick movements, I was ok. I was glad to get home and sit down. Tuesday I walked two blocks. I was very conscious that the following Sunday was the Mothers Day Classic – and I intended to be there.
Prior to my surgery one of the girls in my writing group had dropped around with a ‘care parcel’. It contained an easy to read book, some lovely Chocolates (sale of which donated money to breast cancer research!); a scented candle and some nail polish. I don’t usually have time to wear nail polish, but I enjoyed taking the time to paint my nails. This was such a thoughtful and practical gift and I was really touched by her generosity.
As I wasn’t allowed to wash my hair, I decided to visit my lovely hairdresser David. My husband drove me and I enjoyed having my hair washed and blow dried. It was worth every cent! Our daughter saw him the next week and he told her that I looked fabulous and that it was all in my positive attitude.
Wednesday I tried not to dwell on the looming appointment, but it was obviously at the back of my mind.
There was nothing I could do, but go to bed, try to have a good sleep and in less than 12 hours I would know if my cancer had spread and what was ahead.