The first step to recovery

I went to see the surgeon one week after I found out my diagnosis. I was sent for an MRI, and they saw that there was a second lump in the same area now! Sooo, the surgeon recommended that I have a mastecomy (removal of the whole breast....eeeeek!). Well, at least I'm small chested, so its not going to make that much of a difference!

The surgery date came....Sept 30. I wasn't as nervous as I expected I would be....at first. There was a class that was mandatory to attend prior to the surgery and it went over what I should expect and how to take care of myself after. This was quite unsettling to hear, but it did make me feel a little more prepared I guess. Also, there were about 7 other women in the class who were all going to go through the same thing, and I thought "If they could do it, then so can I!"

But as I sat there in my not-so-flattering blue hospital wear, I couldn't help but feel anxious. I mean....I've never had surgery before really (besides removing my tonsils and wisdom teeth). Its scary stuff!! Here's me quite anxious before surgery:

They finally called me in, and I did shed a few tears as they wheeled me to the surgery room. The worst part was waking up to alot of pain and discomfort in my chest and arm.......but they immediately told me that everything went well and that the lymph nodes tested were negative (this is a good thing because it means the cancer has likely not spread). "Yaaay negative lymph nodes.....DAMN MY ARM HURTS!!!".

But once the pain killers kicked in, and my body stopped shivering, I was just fine. I got to go back to my room and be with my loved ones. Lots of visitors came by with flowers which decorated up my room quite nicely. I was finally allowed to eat ....woohooo (as they made me stop eating and drinking midnight the day before). Here I am after surgery feeling surprisingly good:

Don't know what they were giving me through the IV, but it must have been good stuff!!

At this point I had a drain coming out of me (just below my chest) which was not the nicest thing. Luckily I only got 1, instead of the 2 they originally said I would need. And it was removed within 4 days, rather than the week or 2 which is normal. I guess its the perks of being young and having a small chest to start off with! :)

The only problem with the drain is that I had to carry it around with me for the 4 days. I got a camisole from the hospital which had little pockets to put the drain in, or I would just pin it on the inside of my shirt....definitely couldn't wear anything tight/sexy. And when I showered, well I needed help....I held the drain while my mummy or bf sponged me off....thank god for them!!

But now, over 4 weeks after, I'm drain free, pain free and can move my arm alot more than before. Slowly I'm doing more and more exercises and stretches for my arm. Hoping to be dancing again soon :)