Roller Coaster Week…

So…I was progressing along (looking back…probably feeling a little over confident given I felt quite a but better than the preceding days).  Friday comes along…and I “feel” well enough to brave the UH Baseball game.  I showered (well kind of)…, hid my drains in a UH infinity scarf, and off I went.  It was so good to get out!  (Again…looking back…that was probably what was largely contributing to my false confidence).  When we got home and when I/we were trying to tend to the drains…the left drain would not collapse.  (For those of you not as familiar…the drains MUST collapse in order to create the “vacuum affect” which helps to “drain” the fluid from the surgery sites.  So, if they don’t collapse…they essentially aren’t doing their job.  And, additionally there is a reason.  Think of it as a straw, maybe.  It won’t work if there is a hole in it or maybe its clogged…???)  Anyway…this is what was going on.  Being alarmed and concerned about it…I called my Dr.  She immediately responded and asked that I meet her at her office the next morning around 7:30AM.  (which BTW, I was super happy & impressed with)  It makes sense for me to mention that T & I did everything (well what we knew, or googled enough about to do)…and I woke up Saturday am early and the left drain was still collapsed. OMG!  Was it working?  Should I go in?  Let’s call the Dr.  She called me back and asked some questions…and just said, “OK…well if you think its working…but, just know I am around all weekend just let me know.”  Saturday goes and seems ok…I stayed home and didn’t go to the game as I didn’t feel as well that day, but all again seemed ok.  I woke up Sunday morning and didn’t feel well at all…and, my back (the back of my PJ’s) were soaking wet…my recliner (since that is still where I am sleeping) was soaking wet…and my dressing/drain entry port site was soaking wet.  OH NO!  I call my Dr. and she asks some questions (that I didn’t have answers to, like what the tube looked like and what the drain entry site looked like) and I couldn’t answer and subsequently volunteered that I perhaps had friends/nurses that I knew that could maybe come over and check it for me.  She said to let her know…and I was then on a mission to see who I could call upon.  (I mean…let’s be honest…who in the world would want to be called upon to do that???  OMG).  Not to mention, I started realizing that none of my friends might know what they were looking at or feel comfortable assessing me.  (I can say…that is how I would feel.)  I call D (The Diane Sizemore)…and am like…”Hi D…so, whatcha doin???  You wanna come over?”  lol.  No but really…that is literally how it happened.  Of course she came over…

When D came over…, we decided to go upstairs and “assess the damage”  lol.  She helped me undress and take off the bandaging and WHOA!  The smell was…(in her words)…rancid.  So gross!  She was like, “T…this is not good…have you called the Doctor?”  And, I let her know I had,…but, we quickly decided maybe it made sense for her to take some pics and send them over to her.  So, we did…(well she did)…and not only had the drain pulled from the skin site…the skin was super raw and irritated.  I’ll sum this up quickly…my doctor (shortly thereafter) had to remove the drain prematurely and treated my skin and the site and “sternly” reminded me that this was largely as a result of my doing too much too soon.  For those of you that know me…I know you are currently in shock…NOT.  But, it actually truly did scare me.  At which point…I was then also at risk of more infection and fluid build up.  That made sense to me.  Additionally, she did point out a few things that I had not previously been aware of, connect about, or realized.  They were as follows:  1.  Keep the sites dry (I know that seems elementary, but the nurse in the hospital said I was fine to shower and not worry about the sites getting wet.  And, I did also mention that to my doctor so the communication perhaps was bridged)  2.  There is a direct correlation between movement and fluid release (hence, my fluid from the drains with my “false confidence” had increased pretty significantly).   3.  More movement = more possibility of the drain to pull lose from the skin and incision site.

After this little (well or scary and painful) episode…I chilled…A LOT.  You all would seriously be proud of me.  It is hard!  Anyone remember who I am or how I am?

This continues for days…(Yes, it was like “Tara punishment”…for which I deserved, I agree…but nonetheless, hard to say the very least.)

Tuesday, April 10, 2018:  Follow-up appointment with my plastic surgeon.  Success (in a manner of speaking)…I had chilled as requested and also got the right drain…aka Drain #3 (4th left) removed.  It was a happy day!!!  I did have to have some fluid manually drained via needle from the left side breast (super fun as you can imagine…haha…I am kidding…not so much fun FYI).  LIBERATED!  That is for sure and definitely a word that anyone that “lost” their last drain would say.  It was as though my “ball and chain” was removed.  But, as quickly as that happened I was reminded to continue to chill.  PS-  OK, I can handle that.

TEST RESULTS:  Wednesday, April 11, 2018.  Like I said…quite the week.  I receive notification to contact Oncology that my BRCA 1 & 2 and all genetic test results were in.  I immediately call.  I could not have received better news…I tested negative for BRCA 1 & 2…and all of the genetic breast cancer testing.  OMG…shew!  Talk about a relief…and more about good news for my sister and daughters.  Further, as discussed and promised, my test results and case was put in front of a panel…and the results were also in.  (Drum roll….) I still need to get this hysterectomy but, I get to keep my ovaries!!!  Never did I ever think I would be so happy to be able to retain some body parts.  I mean…I’ve already lost so much…But, this was huge to/for me.

Quite the week.  I want to again thank everyone for all the undying love, support, help, kindness, encouragement, and everything between.  It is more clear to me than ever the true definition of humanitarianism, society and it gives me hope.  That said…and to my point…I more so hope it gives you hope.

To date…I am to 33 women that have scheduled or gone for mammograms since the inception of TaraTataTales.  Nothing could make me happier…keep em coming ladies!!!  And, fellows…you can of course always go schedule your physicals and checks, too.  Please share to spread the word and encourage others.  It is my ultimate wish.

In other…non-breast cancer news:  Kiki obtained her driver’s permit today…congrats baby-girl…Maddy & The Oilers won their lacrosse game(s)…JR let me take a picture with him (lol)…Matthew Rossy played some awesome baseball…he & Keekers took the STAAR Test…,Tallon had 2 amazing baseball games…, Mimi & Papa J were in town as well as Aunt Bitsy & Uncle Gary, and Papa came a few days ago…and the Coogs won the series and beat Rice!!!  #GoCoogs!!!

Thank you T for loving me…Thank you to my children!!!  Thank you D!!!  Seriously for it ALL!  Thank you Keesha for washing my hair…Thank you Aunt Bitsy, Mimi & D for treating me.  Thank you Kristy & your family for always being there for me.  Thank you LeBlanc’s for everything.  Thank you to my doctors.  Thank you to my sis for being there even when you aren’t here…Thank you Uncle Gary & Papa J for humoring me and for all of your help…Thank you Mom & Dad.  Thank you Granny & Papa Ross…can’t wait to see y’all.  Thank you Lisa H for all of the healthy food.  I can’t thank everyone enough!!!  I have received so much and I am so grateful.  Thank you everyone for the meals, thoughts, prayers, support!!!

As always…many thanks to Uncle Rossy for all your help! I couldn’t do it without you bro!

WINNING!  #BeatTheOpponent

Sweet Dreams all…thank you all again for everything…

Love, Tara