The last weeks before surgery

[Teri Jean]

I had to write this as we all talk about the journey or the full race minus the final lap. I knew there was to be the appointment with my endrocrynologist in preparation for surgery but nothing of the content. We did a simular meeting and talked about dosage and when to stop taking what and reducing others. Of course my age has a lot to do with the content of her discussion. Like our pre-HRT meeting the meeting was taylored to my needs.

The part that struck me on my trip home was this meeting was one more milestone in my journey. The journey many of my friends said was over a long time ago. I know my level of comfort has been much more myself and it evidentially is apparent
to those who are in my circle of friends.

So for those who are there or getting to this point it does look like the light in the end of the tunnel.

[StaceyJane]

I'm very happy for you.

[Melody Moore]

I am happy for you as well as looking forward to the day to be at the point you are at now. good Luck with it all :hugs:

[crystalann]

The light at the end for me came as I was standing in an airport alone 13 thousand miles from home "wow I'm really doing this" Soon it will be in your past. Best of luck.
:thumbup:

[Marcia Blue]

I am so glad things are going well, Terri. Best wishes and good luck

[Katesback]

I have to say that when I look back I remember the two weeks prior to SRS (when most doctors require you to stop hormones) was FAR worse than recovering from surgery. Why? Because I REALLY bugged out. I was like wacko and it didnt help that parts started working again wich was really disturbing. What a mess.

Katie

[Cynthia Anne]

I'm very happy for you! I'm sure the light will stay bright for you! And will keep on shinning! Hugs!

[Kaitlyn Michele]

The light at the end for me came as I was standing in an airport alone 13 thousand miles from home "wow I'm really doing this" Soon it will be in your past. Best of luck.
:thumbup:

I have to tell you how much this made me feel because I think many of us go through that moment alone...mine was alone in a hotel room sitting on the toilet after taking all the meds to clean out my system...and i just thought..

WTF am I doing...in truth i started laughing out loud....

[Stephenie S]

For me, stopping meds was the worst part by far.

S

[Teri Jean]

Oh thank you Kate, that is a picture I didn't need to remember. Uggggg LOL There is a little excitement, nervousness and unknown I have a couple ladies that will be there with me. My endrocrynologist said I should drop my estrogen in half until I go for surgery but maintain everything else. Thank you for your support and I will give an update as I can. Hugs Teri

[Kaitlyn Michele]

It's good to have folks around.....and sorry for the image..but you just have to laugh..

[Laurie Ann]

Teri all the best I will keep you in my prayers for a successful outcome.

[Teri Jean]

Today was a day of such where any news is good news, you know the ones. Day is planned until you get to work and then you find someone above you stayed up all night and refocused your day for you. You want to scream and that is what I did; I got a few stares and the typical "are you alright?" inquires. Anyway as the days evens finally closed down for the day I am thinking, make a few stops on the way home and then pour a glass of wine and relax. Why is my cell phone beeping at me? Messages great, one disreguard..... two Dr. Bowers office, please call as soon as you get this. With the eyes shut and the breath caught I hit speed dial, yes I know it is crazy to have your surgeon on speed dial, anyway the reason they wanted to talk to me was to give me some excellent news. My portion for surgery and breast augmentation is not only covered but my out of pocket is around $1100 not $11000 that I was expecting. Now that is a bit of news every girl likes to hear on a Friday afternoon. Then as I logged in I find you all have been contacting me to wish the best.

It is these moments when the tears well-up and you count your blessings knowing for some it isn't so sweet. Thank you all and hope your weekend is as great as mine. Teri

[mustlovedogs]

I can't say that stopping HT was a problem. Per my PCP's advice, I tapered off HT until zero at the 2 week mark.

I was anxious/nervous about flying cross country and undergoing surgery for the first time without a family member present. I kept myself busy during the last weeks pre-op. Painted my kitchen, planted annuals and perennials, mulched, cleaned, etc. knowing it would be sometime before I resumed full activities.

The bowel prep alone in a hotel room was something I never want to experience again.

Op day it was a good feeling (worth all the time, money and worry) when the OR nurse that came for me said "we're ready." Pain was not as bad as anticipated. I was out of bed and walking as soon as my surgeon gave me permission to do so. Discomfort was tolerable.

Using the bathroom on the plane during the 4.5 hour return flight was challenging. "Squatting" to pee was not easy due to discomfort and SWA does not provide seat covers. Attendant gave me a few paper towels that worked better than the ultra-thin tissue available. As a precaution, suggest putting a few paper towels in your purse last time you go before departure.

Since no narcotic pain meds, I began driving within a few days after I returned home. Getting in/out of the car was a slow process and when shopping I used a shopping cart as a walker for the first few weeks. My dogs were unhappy that their walks were shortened during that time also. I did have help in the morning and evening (all day Sat and Sun) from my children and neighbors during the first weeks home.

C

[Teri Jean]

Thanks C, there is something new I pick up everytime I talk to those who have been there and done that before me and it is appreciated. Never gave the in-flight restroom has never occured to me as I have flown 18 hours from SE Asia and never needed to relieve myself but being this isn't a normal flying experience I better go prepared. Thanks. Teri

[morgan51]

whshing you a nice smooth surgery and a good helthy recovery. Be well my friend.Morgan

[Alicia Ryanne]

Wishing you all the best.

[Teri Jean]

Thank you all. This morning as I was getting ready for work I realized I needed to make my car payment before the 11th si I sat and filled out the payment and then realized I better do next months as well as I will not be home for the next months payment cycle. Okay that was not an issue but then it meant I needed to do some computations and checking the calendar, in 28 days I fly off into the west and 30 days from today I will be waking up from a long sleep. Heavily drugged and bathing in ice packs. LOL Mararita anyone? I will take a Brandy on ice.

A friend at work asked if I was scared, no but there is some anxiety just as one would have with any major surgery. I told her; yes I am nervous but I have such a large group of friends and acquaintences that are in my corner I am sure things will go well. Plus 4-6 individuals who are friends and family are going to be there during those 12 days to give me comfort and keep me laughing. The saying; "your glass is half full and not half empty" is not only right but with all of your support my glass is BRIM FULL. Thank you all for being so sweet and don't forget to place your bets as whether I come out a boy or girl. ROTF LMAO I will not be doing it for a while so might as have some fun now. HUGS to you all.

[MarieTS]

Goodluck with prayers, Teri Jean. And what great news about your out-of-pocket costs! Travel safely and know that a year from now you'll look back on this stage of transition with a sense of both pride and warmth.
Hugs!

[Teri Jean]

I know Marie, I have been more fortunate than most. Hugs to you also.