Surgery and such

Monday morning arrived icy and cold. I set the alarm for 5am but was woke up early because Elie had a bad dream. I got her settled and followed my shower instructions. Nothing like shivering in the shower covered in yucky smelling pink soap to start your day. Got dressed, checked my hospital bag, put on my slippers and we were off. A million thanks to my chaeuffer Katie Taylor for the door to door service in her nice warm car. Front row parking was awaiting us and we were ushered into the short stay dept. A quick weigh in and generic questions and I was issued my fancy gown and non-skid socks. Then the waiting game started. Thank goodness for silly friends who got up at the crack of dawn to keep me laughing and distracted. The staff attempted to limit my visitors but we eventually snuck everyone in. What do they think this is a serious time?  Finally all the doctors had talked with me, I was marked and ready to go. High fives all around, blown kisses and my happy cocktail was on board. Fast forward a few minutes, so it seemed to me, and I was waking up in recovery.  Fast forward a couple more minutes and I was in my hospital room, which thanks to Gaga was a private room with a nice view and quiet neighbors.
The first day and night was nothing short of a nightmare. The nurses maxed out the pain and nausea meds they could give me but it still wasn't enough. The next morning I had the nurse help me get adjusted, turns out I had three extra pillows, and countless blankets twisted all around. We got me into a fresh gown and she put the bed back to normal. I ordered some breakfast and it all tasted so good, for the first few minutes. More nausea meds and I was ok. I had lots of visitors and managed to keep two more meals down. I called super grandpa and asked him to bring the kids up for a visit. They made me beautiful cards and gave me extra gentle hugs. I sent them off so they could get to bed on time, telling them I hoped to be waiting on the couch when they got home from school.
The second night was much less eventful. The nurses came in less often and I actually got some sleep. By Wednesday morning I was chomping at the bit to leave! I got myself out of bed and spent the rest of the day in the rocking chair. The docs agreed to release me with a long list of instructions. Hooray, I was so happy to go home.
Home is fabulous but has it's own challenges. My bed is infinitely more comfortable but does not adjust. No one wants to take my temp and blood pressure every two minutes. My children are very happy to see me but are having a hard time adjusting to a Mom that sits on the couch. We are all learning the new rules to this recovery process.
I have follow up appointments with both surgeons next week. I am hoping they will remove the 4in. ace bandage that is squeezing me in half plus the drainage tubes that make me look like a Frankenstein project. Plus we are waiting to hear the official results of the lymph node biopsy. I know this will be a lengthy process but I would like to fast forward out of this akward stage into my beautiful butterfly stage!