Friday, March 30, 2012

Took a little break

Hi my followers!

Took a break as I had no doctor appointments for two weeks and not that much to report. 

I still do not have my full energy level back which is a bit annoying.  Been busy at work at yesterday I worked until 6 (!) since there were projects going on and I felt I had to.  Waited for a few trains to pass but finally got on one and no seats.  Didn't get a seat until mid Brooklyn but I survived.  Came home, ate and was asleep on the couch by 8:30.

Last weekend did a lot of retail therapy so that must mean I am feeling better:) Overall I feel good but there is still slight discomfort and feel like a constant tightness in my chest.  Thankfully no more 10 lb weight feeling - more like a 2 lb; much better.

Next week I am starting with my weekly "pump ups" and the following week have follow up with breast surgeon and meeting with the oncologist. 

Probably will be updating once a week going forward.

Have a good weekend!

Ingrid

Friday, March 16, 2012

First Inflation

So today was my first inflation (pump up!)

Didn't have such a geat week - was in a lot of discomfort all week - probably all part of the healing process and was very tired as well.

But-I worked myself up and it was all for nothing.  It was a piece of cake!  Saw the doctor, said hi and then closed my eyes and was anticipating who knows what and he said - not so bad is it, I already finished one and you didn't even feel it!  Doctor is going on vacation next week and my next inflation is the beginning of April.

So I decided since it went so well I walked back to the train instead of taking the bus.  Along the way I bought myself a pair of shoes and a dress and had some chips and gucamole from Chipotle for lunch.

Home now - going out to buy the winning Mega Millions ticket!

Ingrid

Monday, March 12, 2012

First Day back at work

The alarm actually woke me up and I was excited and nervous to go back to work.  I leave pretty early so got a seat on the express train.  Switched at Dekalb Ave (only 2 stops until work) and there were no seats so was just holding on to the pole.  A very nice middle aged gentleman asked me if I wanted to sit.  At first I thought -"does he think I am pregnant", but I do have a flat tummy!  I guess I looked more tired than I thought.  I did forget to put mascara on before I left the house (was so excited to go out!) and it's good thing I keep emergency make up at work.

Was so good to see everyone.  I did not last all day, building up stamina slowly.  I ate much better at work than when I am home.  There is way too much crap on top of my fridge.  I am going to either bring to work or throw it all out!!

Had a great weekend in the Hudson with Rob.  We never got into the culinary institute but ate at a wonderful restaurant called Crave in Poughkeepsie.  Did the walk across the Hudson and was a beautiful day.  Had a picnic lunch (complete with wine poured into water bottles) as it is an alcohol free park!  Always a way around things.

I still feel like I have weights on my chest and emailed the doctor this morning who said it was a normal feeling.  I guess it is all part of the healing process.

Next doctor appointment is Friday for my first inflation (pump up)! 

Have a good week all.

Ingrid




Wednesday, March 7, 2012

Good News

Doctor said I was healing beautifully!  I asked him why I was so tired and his answer was " do you realize that you had major surgery less than 3 weeks ago!"

He cleared me to go back to work on Monday.  I can't lift, pull or push more than 10 pounds for a few weeks.  I spoke to my boss and will probably not work a full day for the first few days until I see how I feel.  I am excited to go back to work - I miss my coworkers/friends.

Rob and I are going away this weekend to celebrate.  We are on the wait list for dinner at the Culinary Institute. If not, we do have a back up plan.  We will do the Walkway across the Hudson and just take it easy.  It will be nice to be in a different environment than my apt!

Thank you all for the calls, cards, prayers, flowers, food, baskets etc.....

Big hugs!

Ingrid

Doctor Visit today

I have a follow up doctor appointment today.  Taking access a ride with my Mom!  My friend who has been my personal chauffeur, her Dad has been in the hospital since last Wednesday so please say a prayer for his his quick recovery.

Will report more when I get home later.

Enjoy this fabulous weather!

Saturday, March 3, 2012

Morning all

Figured it was time for another update.  Thanks for all who follow.

Physically I feel ok - still very achy.  My ribs have been hurting alot the past few days and I asked the doctor and she explained when they put the expanders in the moved my ribs around abit.  Guess this means I am healing.  Plus I am still very tired.  The doctor also told me that anesthesia stays in your body for a while.  If I do not nap at some point during the day, I am cranky!!

I am having a more difficult time emotionally.  I signed up for the Revlon Run walk (team name Buh Bye Cancer on 5/5- join the team if you want).  I have been doing this for almost 10 years with my friends.  Just a good cause and a fun day in the city.  When talking to one of my friends they said "this year you can wear a survivior sign".  That hit me HARD!! 

Then I got a letter from the American Cancer Society/Visiting Nurse Services.  They wanted to set me up with a free in home wig fitting as well as offer me a free wig.  Well - that brought on the tears!  I am so thankful that I do not need this.

There are so many woman who go through this process that have it so much worse than me.  I was thinking about it the other day.  I was officially diagnosed on January 23rd and I had my surgery on February 16th.  It was less than a month.  I am so thankful that everything went so well.  I can now say 100% that I am cancer free.  It feels stranger writing this than saying this since I never felt sick.  although at times I do feel like aliens have invaded my upper  body!

I am also so grateful for the love and support of my family, friends, coworkers, neighbors, friends of friends and everyone who is in my corner.

Love,
Ingrid