He's fine!

So I have been taking alittle heat from some friends who are mad cause I haven't blogged in awhile. Apparently they are all worried about how Andy is doing and don't want to see the picture of him and the staples everytime they check the blog, so to appease Ellen, I mean the friends, here is a new shining picture of Andy with the staples removed 20 days post op. He is alert and oriented and continues to feel better each and everyday. He is doing some shoulder exercises and still using the bone stimulator every night. That is going to be hard to get rid of when Dr. Marc takes it back, it is like his binky now.You will also notice from this picture that he got a new red striped hat. He lost his last one at an appointment and was quite upset, he loves this hat and says people just seem happier to see him when he wears it. (I told him they were laughing at him cause it is so bright and out of context for him) My sister found this one and a black and white striped one at the same shop in Lake Placid where he purchased the last one, it apparently is a classic Adirondack gift that never goes out of style. So I hope you all are as happy as we are that he has it back.

So, I am in a stretching pattern now. All the saline is in the expanders and they are doing their job to stretch my skin and chest muscle. To my surprise and delight, it isn't that bad. I am able to sleep on my back or side comfortably, and I have even been lying on my belly 1 hour a week to get massage! I just did yoga and have been exercising again and it is all doable. I have twangs of stretching/discomfort at my inframammory fold (under my boobs and side) once in awhile, but not often. So I have just been busy being a mom and getting kids here and there, helping at school, getting house back in order, and helping Andy with the businesses. It keeps a girl busy. That and I am back cooking meals for ourselves and the break where you all filled in was good, not only cause it freed me up to rest and heal, but it has made cooking fun again, so thanks for that added bonus. So, I think I already mentioned it, but my next surgery is Feb. 19th. It is a one day surgery where they will take the expanders out and put in the implants. They say it is easier than the last surgery, so I should be up and about in an hour or two once they are done.

So that's it, not too exciting and we'll take it.

Pictures: Ruby & I at the Me and my gal brownie activity. I won, but I waited until the last frame to crush them all! I think it was the bowling shirt that helped. Rex & I at one of his many fun class parties, he has alot of them. Frosty & I at the North Pole, it's winter and we all need to see the friendly side of frosty!

Blog resolution: I promise to try and blog once a week and not spend so much time on Facebook.

Sherie

1 Day Post Op

Here Vanna, I mean Andy, displays his battle wound. He has 20 staples, I know, I zoomed the picture in and counted! I have a closer picture that I think is much better, but Andy said it was too gross, so here is the sen sored one for all of you. So let's get this straight, 1 plate, 6 screws, and 20 staples! It's all about the numbers and hardware for the men!

So, we, I mean, I drove through lake effect snow and ice, again, to get to our 8:15am follow up appointment in Syracuse. We were only 5 minutes late and it wasn't my fault, it was all those silly people going so slow! Geez, ya'd think they'd never seen snow before. The Doctor said everything went well and looks good. Andy can start some light exercises for his arms, but needs to rest through the weekend. He'll get the staples out on the 19th! I get to change the dressing once a day. Years of nursing school finally pay off! Andy said he slept well and his shoulder feels 100% better already. The doctor said if Andy would have fallen or hit his shoulder before, the broken bone could have popped through his skin, so under the advise of Kim, hairstylist/therapist, I recant saying in a previous post that Andy was dramatic when he said he felt like it was going to pop out. Whatever!

He's doing great. A lot less whiny and more self sufficient than after the original injury.

Yeah, now, in 3 months when he can lift more than 5 pounds, we;ll be in good shape. After my last fill up at my doctors office I am sure each breast is probably more than 5 lbs., so I guess he on't be fondling them anytime soon! poor neglected me! Sherie

Surgery Update

Before Surgery

You can all rest, Andy made it in and out of surgery with no problems. His weeks of relaxation training really paid off and he said, "it wasn't that bad" His pain level is currently at the level it was when he arrived at the surgery center, but as the nurse said, "it is unrealistic to think he'll have no pain for awhile"

The Details are this. He was in surgery for about an hour. There was no healing at all at the site and the surgeon noted the two ends of the broken bone where just flapping away, which is what Andy said it felt like! It would have never healed on it's own without surgery, so it's good to know he made the right decision about that. He went under and came out of anesthestia fabulously. He said when he woke up he didn't realize he was done, he thought he was still waiting to go in. So they put in 1 plate and 6 screws, yup, he got screwed out of the 7th one he was hoping for. The incision is about 2-3 inches long and they already took the drain out, so he just has a nice bandage over it now. We go back tomorrow morning for a bandage change and check up @ 8:15am! What is with these early hours these surgeons keep, a girl can't catch a sleeping in day!

So he is resting quietly in the recliner. We realized we had premature recliner return last night and had to go borrow the Everdings recliner again, thanks guys! He is taking his meds and icing his shoulder, Rex is watching him now while I get the word out to everyone. I am working on his medication chart and hope to get a nap in myself before taking Ruby to riding, that'll be nice and warm!

Peace out

Sherie

Andy's last meal

Here's what I made Andy tonight for dinner before he's "nothing by mouth after midnight"

Since I can only exercise my lower body right now, my legs are getting in real good shape as you can see here!

After yesterday's "fill up", the upper torso is pretty accurate too, I never thought of using ketchup for that anatomically missing part of me, interesting. I guess this is what they mean when they say display on a bed of lettuce!

Thanks to my Mom and sister for finding this one! Cute!

Sherie

A plate & seven screws

So tomorrow @ 7:30am is Andy's surgery and that is what he is getting, A plate and seven screws! He hasn't had that many screws since his college days, at least not in one day. Come to think of it, that is probably more than he has got in the past few months combine. So when you think of him tomorrow, don't fret, he is having the most action he has had in months!

Seriously, He has been preparing himself for surgery and listening to his relaxation and mindfulness tapes for 2 weeks. I even downloaded them to his new Iphone so he'll have them on there whenever he needs them! His shoulder was hurting quite a bit with the cold, rainy weather, so he is excited to be going under the knife in hopes that will all get better!

It is a one day surgery, so we should be home by the evening and I will certainly get a quick blog to let everyone know how he is doing.

I had my last "pump up" yesterday. I am full to the brim now. It wasn't too bad at the office as I had taken my 800 mortin, but I woke up in the middle of the night in some discomfort. That heavy feeling pushing on my chest has arrived, but I was able to find comfort on my side, which is better than most can do. I was a bit whiny at the hair salon today, but Kim got me back on track and atleast made my hair look pretty. My "change out" surgery is scheduled for Feb. 19th. just 6 short weeks! It is in and out and suppose to be easier than the last surgery. Should be a breeze in that case.

The year finished uneventfully, which is a good thing in our house these days. We had a nice time at a NYE party and were home in bed by 1am. Quite a change from the 6am we usually get to bed on NYE. Here we are doing nothing but having fun at the party.

So, Happy New Years to all and here's looking to a healthy 2009 !

Sherie

Snow People

I kicked the kids out of the house for the afternoon and they froze, oh no!

Just kidding. They had some fun in the snow cause Rex says, "a busy day goes quicker and then xmas is here sooner"

Here's the tunnels they are building to your house!

Happy Snow play to all!

Sherie, Rex, & Ruby

Twas the night before christmas

No it is not St. Nick laying a finger aside his nose, it is Andy shushing Sherie, again! The story of our lives and now it is a kodak moment.

The meal calander is nearing a finish and while we experienced lots of great meals and were so overwhelmed with all your generosity of taking the time to prepare some pretty outstanding meals, the time has come that I re-enter the kitchen and cook again! I have stepped up and cooked 3 great meals this week already! (pork tenderloin/spagetti bolanese/chicken taco soup(thank you Kristi P) I had to call Helen the first night for moral support and a few cooking questions, but I feel it is all coming back now. Thank you all again for all the meals, sweets, and treats. Andy, on the other hand, is troubled by the weight he gained from it all and blames you all for it. I tried to be the psychiatric nurse that I am and point out that he didn't have to have 2nds and eat all the treats, but he is still pointing the finger. Seems he is always doing something with that finger! I guess when you have a bad shoulder you use the body parts that work in excess!

So, The kids are watching A Chritmas Story in preparation for this evening and tomorrow. They have been pretty hyped. They are having a sleepover in Rex's Green Monster bed tonight, I wonder if they will actually sleep. My parents and Auntie Bonnie are spending the night tonight so they can be here bright and early for the excitement! We are going Mexican tonight for dinner, hence the Chicken taco soup. We are heading to our adopted family, The Everding's, for christmas dinner & celebrations tomorrow (beef/shrimp/salmon), we have Friday off to play, to my parents house on Saturday for Turkey dinner & celebrations, and then to Andy's parents on Sunday for Ham & celebrations. So, it seems after my 3 days of cooking I will be getting a small reprieve.

I am done with everything and now able to relax and enjoy the holiday. The champagne is chilling, the pomegranite liquor has been purchased, and the pomegranite seeds await! My favorite part of the holiday is late tonight when the kids are in bed, the presents are all under the tree and all the lights in the house are out, except the christmas tree ones. Andy & I usually sit there and enjoy a cocktail, a kiss, and enjoy the moment. Here's what it looked like last year.

So, Merry Christmas friends and family. No talk of pain, surgery, or boobs today. Life is good and we send our love to you all this holiday season. Thank you for all the extra tidings of good cheer that you sent our way!

Sherie

Andy's Surgery

Andy's surgery has been confirmed for Wed. January 7th. It is an outpatient procedure, so he'll be in and out same day. It will be at the Harrison Surgery Center in Syracuse and Dr. Marc is going to be in there with our boy making sure everything goes as planned. From what Andy understood, I wasn't able to go to the surgeon appointment, they will "cut him open, put in plates and screws and close him up" those are his words, I told you earlier in another blog he was dramatic. By doing this, it will help bones fuse together and then next year they will go in and take it out. He will be in a sling for about ten days and unable to lift more than 5 lbs. for 3 months. That's all I know at this point. He is nervous, hasn't had surgery since he had his appendix out when he was 10 and he doesn't remember that being a good experience. I am working with him on meditation, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to turn his negative thoughts into happy ones. So far, he has been a very good student!

Tonight is Andy's Xmas office party at the Brewster Inn in Cazenovia, Rex and I just finished working on part of his secret santa gift. His staff go all out and do 30 minute presentations of their gifts, it is hilarious. Yes, the kids are off school due to the BIG snow storm. It is coming down steady, but they are small flakes and we are hafl way through it! Pretty if you ask me.

Me and my expanders are well. I have felt more skin/muscle expanding this week as evidenced by sharp pains around the folds of them when I move certain ways. Nothing a little motrin 800 won't fix. I have the last expansion on January 5th. I am still awaiting confirmation of my next surgery date.

So, one more xmas party with friends tomorrow, xmas brunch at the club on Sunday and then the kids xmas parties at school on Monday and Tuesday and then it'll be the big day! shopping all done, lots of wrapping to go, but I can kick that out with a good 6 hours of focus!

Stay warm, oh, I almost forgot my funny thing for this blog. As Rex and I were working on the project for Andy, Rex asked me what I wanted for christmas and I sang, "all I want for christmas is my two fake boobs, my two fake boobs, my two fake boobs (obviously sung to the tune of my 2 front teeth) I laughed more than Rex and he said, "blog it! "

Happy snow,

Sherie

Party, Party, Party

So we are half way through the holiday parties and we are still looking pretty good. Granted we have been home from all of them early, but we put on a good face while we were there. This weekend was "the" party to kick off the holiday season according to all those there. It was fun from what I can recall. Yes, it's another one of those silly Sherie stories, but this one does NOT end in a split!
So, as if the party itself wasn't enough, we started at a preparty (a lovely event hosted by the Marshalls. thanks to them for opening their home to us all) @4:30pm. I drank only minimal champagne, but apparently the hydrocodone I tool at 2pm was still going strong and intensified the effects of my alcohol. I know, you are saying Sherie is a nurse practitioner and she warns other patients about this, well everyone also knows nurses are the worst patients and we don't listen to ourselves! So yes, I shouldn't have done it, but I didn't want any pain and I didn't have any! so that logic worked. So, for me, hydrocodone and champagne makes one very happy and very talkative Sherie! and you thought I was bad enough with nothing. Apparently I talked through the whole performance (sorry Laura, I really enjoyed what I heard), flitted from person to person spreading joy and cheer, and well I still haven't heard the rest of the stories to know what else.
Thank you to my body guards, Shell & Larisa. They followed me around the whole evening to ensure I didn't get into any trouble or do anything inappropriate. They also got me to sit down and eat.
Thank you to my lovely husband, who presented me with the beautiful necklace I was wearing that evening, for appropriately trying to cut off the wine at the table (I still had a few sips), and for getting me home by 11pm. It was a beautiful time surrounded by lovely music and entertainment, fabulous holiday decorations, and so amny of my dearest friends.

We were up early Sunday for a trip to Rochester to see Momma Mia, what a great show. Te kids had a blast and the cast was phenominal. I would encourage people to go, but that was their last night in Rochester. Go if you are ever anywhere it is! Those Sweds know how to write some great songs! Home that evening to massages. I was finally cleared for them again and it was like heaven. My boobs have been getting so much of the attention that the rest of my body was desperate for some of its own!

Woke to a sick Rex X. he said he felt nauseous and was warm, so he stayed home today. He watched the entire first season of pushing daisies. He seems to be on the mend now. Ruby is off at brownies right now and then her and I are off to martial arts, she got her yellow belt last week!

Andy got into see the specialist today, they had a cancellation. He put him through the ringer with shoulder movement and he is pretty sore and resting now. The verdict is this: he can do nothing and have this pain the rest of his life or have surgery and it should get better.(he said the doctor was realistic that there are always those that don't end up the way we want them too, but mostly they do) They actually have a surgery slot on New Years Eve(I thought he was kidding, but he is not). I guess it was a wise thing that he had already determined to not do the party. My big boy is scared of surgery, but he is also tired of the pain and the restrictions it has put on his life, so he is pulling up his big boy undies and going to have the surgery. I already gave him a book that a friend sent me on mindfulness/relaxation techniques specific to surgery. Now I just got to get him to read it! Thank godness it came with a DVD too cause he is a slow reader! So, guess it is also good I didn't but that new dress I saw the other day for new years.

Off to see how my patients are doing upstairs.

Sherie

It's snowing....finally

I am a Lake Placid girl at heart and I like the snow! The holidays are just not the same without it! Let it Snow! but not enough for a school snow day though, that would ruin it! I like some alone snow time too.

Andy had his apt. with Dr. Marc this week. The collar bone is still not healing and they are referring him to a specialist. We don't know what that will mean yet, but Andy has been experiencing more discomfort with the cold. wet weather. Yesterday he was home for lunch and he screamed out in pain. He was having a muscle spasm, but said it felt like part of his broken bone was coming through his skin, he is very dramatic, he must get that from Ruby. So, if we see you out at parties this holiday season, don't forget, it is the Right shoulder! Lots of people have been hitting/squeezing it when they see him.

I had a "pump up" on Wed. with Dr. Gil. He said my skin is very pliable and stretching well. (Those are compliments you want from the plastic surgeon)I told him I was pretty happy with the current size, so he just did a bit more and then has me scheduled for one more pump in a month. Remember they have to inflate you a size bigger than you want so they have skin to work with in surgery. His office is also working on my "change out" operation(removing temporary expanders and putting in real implants) and we are shooting for end of February. Just in time for Red Sox Spring Training in Florida the following month. That is just a one day surgery and apparently much easier than the last surgery. If that is the case, I'll be home in a few hours!
So Dr. Gil gave Andy an early xmas present. He gave a MD order that I have to massage each breast, in all four quadrants, 5 times a day.Think about that, that is 45 times total for both sides! Does he know it is the holiday season and I am busy being crazy with that, how do I have time for that much breast massage? When I brought that up, he said I didn't have to do it alone! Andy perked right up and proceeded to whine about how this would be the first time since the kids were born that he would have that much action with my girls. So, maybe that will help his shoulder. The massage is suppose to help the expander stay pliable and to prevent adhesions and the such.
So, the expanders are hard and now proceed into my artpits, as warned by others, but they arent too bad. They are sore the day or two after the expansion and I get muscle pain in and around them when I over stretch certain ways, but otherwise I have full range of motion and I am able to do what ever I want. I have even been sleeping on my side, but I so miss my belly sleeping.

So off for a pedicure in Bijou's new Rinalto chair! You should check them out! It's my one attempt thus far at relaxing!

I finished all the inside and outside decorations, we are getting the tree tonight.
Most of the cards are out, but I keep thinking of others I fogot, so don't feel bad if yours arrives late, I did alot this year trying to thank everyone that has been so supportive to us. You had to know I would find a loop hole in that whole I don't have to send thank you rule!
I started wrapping, I have lots more. I only have a wee bit of shopping left.
Nice event at Hobbit Hollow tomorrow night to benefit the Skaneateles Festival, it is my favorite event of the holidays, and I am looking forward to that. Maybe I'll see you there!

Talk to you next week, if I don't run into you sooner.
Sherie

Merry MEALS! updated 12-11-08

(click on calendar to enlarge)

Yes ... she is feeling better... much better... but December is a very busy month...and Sherie is STILL supposed to be taking it EASY.

Meals are still very much appreciated...

Please contact Helen to get on the December schedule..

(ps... I think I might get Sherie a cook book for Christmas... do you think she has forgotten her way around the kitchen?!) - Shelly

New Mattress for Andy

So my father in law sent me this image tonight. At first I thought him insensitive to my current boobless condition, but then I said, "maybe this is what Andy needs to accelerate his shoulder healing. Maybe he has been missing my girls so much that he hasn't been sleeping well and allowing his body to heal." So, if anyone sees this mattress go on sale, let me know cause I think it would be a great christmas present for Andy!

I am in the midst of early xmas craziness: decorating (outside first to keep up the appearance I am still on top of things and then inside this weekend), xmas cards(getting picture, printing picture, writing letter for out ot towners, addressing envelopes, and getting them in mail by weekend), shopping (mostly online at this point, trying to cut back and hoping I can stick to it), wrapping (I bought the paper, labels, and tape, but no active wrapping yet), attending xmas parties (had one last weekend, one today and three more this weekend & we know that means figuring out what to wear and making sure I don't duplicate the same outfit when there is a chance that someone at any of the parties might have been at another party where I wore already wore it). Of course there is still all the other day to day stuff that has to get done too for the kids, the house, and Andy. Year end is a busy time for the businesses and we are also kicking into all that fun!

So, who has time for recovery? not me, I am back to my old ways. I am only doing one motrin a day now, the discomfort is managable, Iam sleeping fine. tubes are out, expanders are filling. I go back for another pump up next week.

Andy 's shoulder has really been bothering him, he has been working like a dog the past few weeks. He has an apt, with Dr. Mark next week to see if the bone stimulator is doing the trick, he seems to think not. Poor thing. Seems breast cancer is better than flipping head over handle bars!

Andy is still out now at meetings and the kids are supposedly getting ready for bed, guess I better go make sure about that. Wouldn't want this blogging to interfere with my real job!

Toodles,
Sherie

A time to give thanks

Happy Thanksgiving! How do you like our turkey?
My Plastic Surgeon said he did this turkey last year and look how fabulous she looks! Next yesr maybe we can do a comparison.....NOT!

So, I went for an appointment with Dr. Gil today. The song that is going through my head right now is "drain free, as free as the wind blows" I think you all know it as "Born Free" , but as he removed the last two drains today I am like a new woman. It is too bad my wind is blowing with all this snow too! These last two drains were apparently under the muscle and Dr. Gil warned I may feel more pressure than last weeks removals, but no, it was fine, until he got to the suture area again, that hurt abit. I just hate his choice of suture thread, it really irritated my skin. So, no more fanny pack for awhile, rumor has it, I will have drains again when I have my replacement surgery, but for now, I am drian free!

Now that that is behind me, we moved on to the next phase, this is the image that came to mind.
Yes, I got "pumped up" today for the first time. Well actually the second time, but the first time I can't count because I was unconscious in the OR. So lets say this is the first time I was fully aware. Mom was right there again witnessing the whole procedure, she is getting brave in her advanced years, either that or all those years of ER have toughen her up! So he got out his magnet locator and gently ran it across my scarred breast to find the "port". Once located he inserted a butterfly needle into it. Mom jumped, I did not, as I didn't feel a thing. When they do the surgery alot of the nerve endings are severed, so there's no pain with such a small needle. Then he hooked up the syrainge and literally pumped in saline until I started to feel discomfort. I got 130 cc's in each. The left breast had a bit more sensation during the needle insertion and Mom said I jumped for that one. I took my Motrin 800 one hour prior to my appointment per Dr. Gil's instructions. So far, there is some muscle soreness from the whole procedure, but not too bad. They certainly feel and look full. I can't imagine having to do many more of these as they seem fine the size they are now. I am due back in two weeks for a review and possibly another pump. No rush though as I can't have the replacement surgery until February, so we'll take it slow and see how it goes. I know my survivor girls have said by the time you are done with this process you feel about ready to burst, I am lucky this iwas only my second pump, if I were further along right now I might have been the newest float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day parade and with the drains gone, what would have held me down?

Andy had a hard weekend. We're not sure if it was the weather or the fact that he is working like a dog, but his shoulder was really bothering him this past weekend. He continues with the 30 minutes stimulations daily and will go back soon to see if that is helping, in the mean time, I am hoping he gets some rest over the holiday.
Oh, speaking of Andy, big surprise on the home front this week, Andy designed what Rex is calling "the most beautful thing he's ever seen". Since we moved back into the house after "the big renovation" 7 years ago, we have been finishing up things we didn't do then. One of the things that needed finishing was the mudroom. We have had a rolling rack for our coats and 2 old dressers there that I was becoming fond of. Andy had been working on the design secretly for months and Matteo was busy making it. The origional plan was to move it in when I was in the hospital, but Matteo and I foiled that plan. I left after 23 hours and Matteo needed more time. So, instead it was delivered this week and the contractors are busy getting it together in time for a Thanksgiving unveiling. (i will take a picture and post as soon as it's view ready)

So most of Andy's and my family are coming to us for dinner. They are all doing all the work, they won't let me help. I just made sure we had enough alcohol! It will be nice to be home and to have everyone here.

So, Thank you to our family and friends for all the love and support you've shown our family, thank you Dr. Jeff for getting all those cancer cells out of my body, thank you Dr. Dave for the good cry and for the news that no radiation, chemo, or hormones are needed, and thank you Matteo for our newest masterpiece.

I need to get these babies supine, I forgot what a load they can be!
Sherie

Drain, drain go away......

So I had my Plastic Surgeon appointment today. I won part of the battle. I got to have 2 of the drains removed today. The other 2 were close, but no cigar. I guess I could have lied, but I would only be cheating myself and there's really no point in that! If my body still needs to drain, then drain away... I am through fighting you drains! It helped that the ones he took out were the 2 bigger ones, so the 2 smaller ones left are very managable and a good compromise.

So my Mom was there with me and when he said I could have the 2 out, I had my shirt off in a matter of seconds (no that won't work the same for any of you men!) He had me put my hand on my boob where you could visable see the tube under the skin and then he pulled. I could feel all this tube unwinding inside of me and then it was out! Mom said I made a face with the first one, but didn't make a noise. We did the same with the second one, but no face and no noise this time. That one hurt, but it was only him cutting the suture that was holding it in place at my side. I told him the suture thread he used was hard and irritating to my sensitive and delicate skin, he said, "thanks for letting me know".

So, he is cutting back my narcotic, I was only doing 3 a day anyways, and weaning me off them and gave me high dose motrin instead. I go back next Tuesday(11.25) and should be able to get the other 2 drains out then. He is also going to "pump me up". This will be the second time, but the first that I am awake for, (he did the first in the OR) so that will be a fun and exciting appointment. He(Lets start calling him Dr. Gil) said to take the Motrin before as it is usally pretty sore durning and after for a few days. Remember what he is doing is inserting saline into the expanders he placed under my breast muscle and when he puts the saline in, it expands the skin and muscle. So what I feel is not pain, but more muscle ache. Some have said you can even feel your skin stretching and that has it's own unique sensation.

That was that.

I attempted driving today and did OK and felt confident I could do it safely, so everyone needs to be abit more alert on the road again cause I am back! Thank you Mom for being a great driver for me the past two weeks, I loved the company and may continue it for awhile cause it was good bonding time!

I am sleeping well, in my own bed, although I have to lie perfectly straight on my back the whole night which isn't easy cause I love to sleep on my tummy and side and I love to flip and flop alot. I even went to bed with my glasses on last night and I didn't even realize it until this morning. Well they say this way of sleeping decreases wrinkles on the face, so there is the up side of that!

While I have my good days, there are other days I stay in my flannel pj's (the new girfriend ones from Victoria's Secret are to die for), don't shower, adn move very slowly around the house and nap alot. Usually by 5pm every night, I need to be supine! Sitting and standing take it toll on my rib cage and chest and I just need to be still. I know you are all saying, "sherie still?" it is perplexing to me too, but a very necessary position for my recovery. Andy has trained the kids well on how to gestapo around after me to ensure I am resting. Last night, Andy was at a meeting late and Rex was on duty. He stood outside my bathroom door while I changed the dressing and drained the drains to make sure that was all I was doing and to make sure I wasn't sneaking in any other activity. He was so cute!

So, off to watch Pushing Daisies! It hasn't been on for 3 weeks and is in jeopardy of being cancelled. I urge all of you to tune in next Wed. @ 8pm on ABC to watch it, it is a great show. Rex is even hooked!

Time to celebrate the drain removal with a drink!
Cheers, Sherie

The center of my world

So this is a Jackson Pratt Drain and it is the center of my world right now. I actually have four of this babies! two on each side. they have a few stitches securing them into my skin under each arm. Apparently there is about 4-6 inches of them inside me capturing all the extra fluid my body can't absorb on its own and it drains into those little granade bulbs which are all secure in my fanny pack to give me a hands free existance with them. I drain them two times a day and when each has less than 30cc's a day for 2 consecutives days then they get to come out. The Doc. said typically 2-3 weeks, but maybe I am the exception. Well he may not know it yet, but we all know it, I am the exception and they will be out at my next appointment on Wednesday! Too much information on this, I know, but Andy and the kids won't look and don't want to hear it either and honestly, I don't want you all to think just cause I look great that this is a walk in the park, there are a lot of sucky parts to deal with and this happens to be one of them. So if you see me out with my styling black fanny pack on my waist, no I am not a european tourist, I am just draining and maybe I will bring the fanny pack back. I am going to see if my sister will let me borrow her bedazzler, she really has one, to make the fanny pack a bit prettier!

So I had my one week follow up with the General Surgeon yesterday. He said everything is healing well and looks great. I had no bruising or swelling this time amazingly. He said my skin looks super healthy. The pathology report was in and............... Clear Margins all the way around! no signs of invasion anywhere! We Got it All this time! He is sending on the report to Oncologist to review. I emailed the Oncologist and told him the short version and he said he would take a look at the full report on Monday, but if this is indeed the case, he doesn't see the need for any other treatment. I guess that means I can just focus on the reconstruction which is quite enough.

I can still not drive until my next appointment. I went out last night to Rex's indoor soccer game.(i was scolded atleast 3 times for it, so the erst of you can rest assure that it wasn't without grief from all the moms/dads in my life) It was quite noisy, but I am glad I went. He got 4 goals and 2 assists, he was on fire! It was great seeing him, his team is so great and they play every game like it is the championship. It was inspiring.

So, other than that I have been taking it easy around the house. Slowly doing some long overdue projects that don't take alot of effort, pluggin through andy's office stuff as it trickles home, and watching alot of TV on my new 50 incher! The kids both just left for overnights with friends, so you know what that means....... yup, Andy and I can watch whatever we want tonight on the new tv. Remember I can't raise my heart rate yet!

Speaking of Andy, he was busy cleaning the garage today. Rex and him are preparing to work on a project Rex has due for school tomorrow. Now my handy Andy has moved on to making me some shelves in my secret office room. He's also busy on a new design for a piece to go under and around the new TV. That man never stops!
He says it feels like the bone stimulator is working as his shoulder feels a bit better. he will continue to stimulate for another few weeks and then we'll get another xray to see if it is helping. I think he looks forward to the nightly stimulations as its about all he's getting right now.

Time to rest. Much love to all,
Sherie

First Day Out

So today was my first time leaving the house. I had a follow up with my Plastic Surgeon. Grandpa came to watch the kiddies as they were off school for Veterans Day and my Mom took me to the appointment. Andy had a weekly meeting he couldn't miss.
We all slept in, I was able to get up and shower before the kids even woke up. When they did wake up, they woke up agruing and for some reason I couldn't handle that and started crying. (I don't want you all to think I am made of stone) I think it is getting close to that time of the month and my hormones are ready for their monthly release! So they released all over the kids for about 5-10 minutes, they quickly stopped fighting and snapped into helping mommy mode after that!
The Plastic Surgeon was very timely and we didn't have to wait at all. He removed the pain pump, one less thing sticking out of me. He removed all the itchy tape and checked the drains. They were all intacted and draining well, no sign of infection at incision sites. He said they may need to stay in another 2-3 weeks! now that is fun for you. Knowing I would continue with the drains I came up with a way to put all 4 drains in a fanny pouch so now the family doesn't have to continued to get grossed out with them hanging out from under my shirt! Once I slid on this tank top over the properly fitting sports bra it doesn't look too bad. The Plastic Surgeon, Dr. Gil, pumped me up alittle during surgery so no one had to see me flat chested, that would have just been wrong. He said he will do the next inflation in 3 weeks, with or without drains. He will see me weekly until then. He gave me some exercises I have to do everyday to get my pectoral muscles strong again and sent me on my way. No driving for another 5-7 days. No treadmill or increasing my heart rate(is that his way of saying sex?) for 3 weeks.
I go and see the General Surgeon on Friday. He should have the rest of the pathology report by then.
So I am back home. had some great leftovers for lunch with my mom, you guys really know how to cook!
Grandpa beat Rex in Chess.
Ruby is off at the cousin's 4th bday party.
I've got 3 beautiful bouquets of flowers and a scumpcious fruit bouquet already today, thank you all for thinking of me, these things really brighten up the place. Thanks too for the cards and music, and other goodies that have been coming in the mail.

Well, I am going to rest a bit, it's been a busy day.
Love, Sherie

Post Op Report

This is a picture Andy took of me during my brief hospital stay, I don't know why they didn't want me to stay longer. I tried to look my best, I did everything myself and never buzzed for the nurses, I counselled the patient in the bed next to me, and I helped the head nurse with her patient assignments for the aides.
Ok, so that's a bit of an exaggeration, but you got to admit, I do look good!
I had a picture of me with the drains hanging out and the pain pump, and my chest all bandaged up, but I figured some of you might not want to see that much. So just cause I look good on the outside, I really did have major surgery and I am dealing with that under neath my new Victoria Secret and Vera Wang pj's!
So yes, I came out of anesthesia well and I slept well that night in the hospital and I was able to get up and get going by 6am.
Dr. Michael(my awesome neighbor)delivered me a medium iced coffee from dunkin donuts @ 7am and that's all I needed.
My Surgeon was in by 8am looking for me, I was up at the sink freshening up, I startled him cause I wasn't lying in my bed moaning and groaning. He said he was leaving the rest of the decisions up to me and the Plastic Surgeon. He said the surgery went well and they are going to test the tissue they took to ensure I have clear borders and that they got it all. I see him again this Friday.
My Nurse Practitioner was the next visit @ 8:15am, she was in the hospital for training and stopped in to see me, she too is awesome, I did all my NP training with her when I got my NP a while back.
About 9:30am I got a visit from Ms. Maria, my sweet friend and Lic. Massage Therapist and she played with my feet.
My Plastic Surgeon came in after that and said everything went well on his end yesterday and that I could go home. I reminded him that he was the one who said we nurses usually push to go home too soon and that he wanted me to stay 1-2 days. He said he remembered saying that, but that was before he knew me! (I see him again this Tuesday. No driving for a week and out of house for appointments only for first week.)
So when Andy called asking what I wanted for lunch, I told him I was going home. so, yes, I was home in 21 hours! I have been resting, for me, but I am up and around and feel pretty darn good. My Mom, Sister, and Dad have been here helping Andy with the kids schedules, the house, and me.
I am in no pain and well covered with the pain pump and other oral meds they gave me. I am sore in the chest and where the drains are, but I have pretty good use of my arms as they did the lymph node biopsy last time. There appears to be far less bruising than last time. The Surgeons did a unique cut for me due to the previous surgeries I had and I think that is making for an easier recovery and a better looking outcome down the road, again I won't go into detail unless you ask.
I was able to sneek a peek at what use to be my pretty cleavage. There is surprisingly still some there, but it is weird being able to cross my arms in front of me so easily! The expanders are in and I can feel them, again discomfort, but no pain.
So thank you all for your prayers and thoughts, it's going to take more this this to stop me!
Love to all,
Sherie

you AREN"T gonna believe this! - from shelly

FRIDAY @NOON...

Oh, My GOD! she is amazing!
guess who just called me from the CAR..??

she is on her WAY HOME! Sherie had such a good morning

at the hospital... the doctors agreed that she would get better rest,

and have less risk of infection if she were at home. Good job girl!

(Larisa... sorry, but it looks like there there might be another SuperWoman in Skaneateles!)

sherie update #1...via andy..from shell

(Thursday 11-6)
6:30 pm .Andy just called me from the hospital..
so far ..so good. Sherie went in pretty much as scheduled....(today @3:30).
At 6:30 they had completed phase I. (breast removal) all went very well.

8:30 pm. Andy just called again. Phase II complete - plastic surgeon.
everything went good...Andy had not yet spoken to either Doctor, or seen Sherie... but the anesthesiologist said Sherie woke up crackin' jokes...that's our girl! She said something about "no cameras" please... I think she has been watching too much "DR 90210"

I was lucky to spend some time with Sherie this morning... she was in very good spirits... she was kinda hungry (the no food after midnight thing is a bummer) she couldn't tell if her rumblin' tummy was hunger - or nerves...

I'll keep you as posted as Andy calls in...
I believe Sherie is scheduled to come home Sunday.

Friday AM update:
I spoke to Andy - and even Sherie last night. She was doing great, sipping a bit of ginger ale about 9:30pm. She said she handled all the anesthetic very well... (I guess the not eating all day on Thursday paid off!)

Apparently, she said, as she was coming out of anesthesia, "I'll make it in time for "The Office" and the Anesthesiologist said, "You're not going to the office!" and she said, "No, the tv show!"..
oh...this girl is a handful even on the operating table! We LOVE you Sherie!

What a difference a year makes!

Picture 1 :Andy & I last November when we modeled at The American Heart Assoc. Heart & Soul Event. (yup, Jessica Simpson hair extentions again)

Picture 2: Andy & I this November sporting a bandage ensemble in honor of our battle scars.
(ok, we were mummies for halloween)

The differences:
1. hair and make up
2. clothing

The similarities:
1. the smiles (andy is smiling under the bandage)
2. the love (his heart is on his vest)
3. the attitude

Just trying to keep things in perspective!

I'm feeling warm and fuzzy all over from all the love and energy I am getting from you all.
You all Rock!
and now I go to the hospital and don't think you are getting a picture of me there!
maybe I should bring the extentions & some make up just in case the paparazzi sneak in.
Sherie