Author: Yajaira

Wednesday, February 24 – Day 14, Post-Op
I guess I took so long between hydrocortisone, Benadryl and my Ibuprofen that I was really red and irritated by the time I showered at 10:30 p.m. last night. I was really uncomfortable but managed to sleep well enough. I did wake up one time because Emily had leg pains and wanted Motrin and another time because my arm was numb and tingly (need to ask the doc about that at my follow-up on Friday!).

I was really itchy when I woke up and then sore when I got to work. I wore a dress that was flattering when I had big boobs, but now that they’re smaller you can tell I need to work on my “abs” 😆 . I can’t wait to be better!

Emily’s 7th birthday is today so I’m taking my lunch hour later and meeting her dad at the school for her cupcake party with her classmates.

11:47pm
After Emily’s cupcake party and dropping the girls off with Mom before I went back to work, the girls’ backpacks were in the back of the truck so I had to open the hatch…and I let go so it flew up. I had no choice but to raise my right arm and close it. Sure enough, by the time I got back to work I was feeling an uncomfortable spasm of pain, which only added to the intense soreness I felt all day. Several of my co-workers noticed I wasn’t myself and was kind of reserved since I was breathing through the soreness/itchiness all day. Not even the 2nd coat of hydrocortisone helped after noontime. I just felt uncomfortable and mopey all day. Gerry and Rosie both said I should have been off this week, too. I thought I would be well enough to make it through, but I feel exhausted and it’s Wednesday. I think I may just take tomorrow and Friday and see what the doc says at my appointment. Time to take my meds and go to sleep.

Thursday, February 25 – Day 15 Post-Op
I took the day off work after all. Relaxed most of the day and was relieved that I wasn’t experiencing that strange soreness; the one where even my blouse or hair cause me to become anxious.

I had to pick all the kids up since Jorge isn’t here, and pick up groceries and more Benadryl and non-stick gauze (I’m happy they finally stocked them again!), so my drive was literally about 3 hours long. Or more. Then I had to make dinner. Exhausted is an understatement. And the itchiness. Oh. My. God. I was on fire from the itch by the time we made it home.

As soon as all the kids were showered and I finally got a minute to sit on the sofa my boobs started throbbing. I showered and became even itchier from having to wash the old hydrocortisone from my incisions. My newer sports bras are all dirty and we got home too late to wash so I’m wearing an old one I hardly ever used because it was too small. Hopefully I’ll be alright in it.

When I was looking at my incisions after my shower I noticed a spot opened where the vertical and horizontal incisions intersect 🙁 . I read that when those types of openings happen, it’s usually very hard for them to close up in that area. There was even a pinhead-sized white spot in that opening that worries me. That, on top of the blisters possibly spreading (I swear there’s a lot more new ones popping up), I feel really discouraged and disappointed.

My skin seems to also be peeling in some spots. I have a list of questions to ask my doc at my follow up tomorrow. I just want this rash to go away so I can heal properly.

Saturday, February 27 – Day 17 Post-Op
Didn’t update at all yesterday, but I stayed home from work again. Had to drop Jorgie, Justin and Jules off at school in the morning since Jorge was working out of town. Then I dropped the girls off. (John dropped Eenan and Jaylen off.) After the long drive I went to my appointment at my plastic surgeon’s office. I still felt uncomfortably–and sometimes desperately–itchy, and still had the small shocks of pain and the crazy sensitive skin.

I changed into a gown and Doc checked me out. I noticed he had a poker face going on. He asked, “What are you putting on it?” I said, “What you prescribed: hydrocortisone and taking Benadryl.” He surveys my incisions and rash and says, “How many times do you put the hydrocortisone?” I answered, “What it says on the box, no more than 4 times a day.”

He said, “That’s way too much! Bring it down to 2 times a day. What soap are you using?” I said, “Dial antibacterial,” and he says, “Oh no! Don’t use antibacterial soaps. It may have caused more irritation. Stick to Dove sensitive.” Which is ironic because that’s the soap I used to use! Both those chunks of advice would have been ideal to hear last week!

I told him about the weird numbness in my arms, but he checked me out and said that and the chills, aren’t related to the surgery. Well hell. I also told him about the suture that’s poking out of my right nip and he said it should dissolve on it’s own. My left nip is now leaky, which is weird, cause it hadn’t done that. I told him about the opening at the “T” intersection, but he said that’s the last part that heals, so it was normal. Woah.

I asked him if the bra I was using was fine and he said yes. So that was it. Went to HEB to stock up on more non-stick gauze, hydrocortisone, Dove Sensitive and Vitamin C.

Spent the day not moving much and hardly applied hydrocortisone. I was itchy so I took Benadryl, but the pains I was having the day before were minimal and so was the soreness. Mom and I watched “Fuller House” till Linda arrived and we went to visit Gramma. She’s been having some issues at the nursing home so everyone’s trying to get to the bottom of why she’s been anxious and scared 🙁 .

We got back and continued our Fuller House marathon will I had to get ready to go to Jaylen’s track meet. It would be another hour and a 1/2 or more I’d spend driving. The bumps and potholes don’t bother me as much, but I still have to press my heart pillow against my chest, just in case.

The trek up the stadium bleachers was tough, but I made it. Met Mario and the girls there (he picked them up from school and went straight there). Jaylen ended up being pulled out of the races 😡 so we left to Mario’s house to pick up Eenan and the girls. Jaylen wouldn’t get out till 9:30 or 10:00 so I would pick him up this morning.

By the time I got home, I was beat. Jorgie, Justin and Jules were dropped off by their mom and Jorge arrived a short time later. It felt like he was gone forever =/.

Woke up this morning at 7:30 to Jules coughing so I got up to give him cough medicine. Then I couldn’t sleep from the itching. Jorge had to go pick up a key so I stayed home and ate cereal. Then I took Benadryl and was falling asleep all over again. Thankfully, Jorge drove to pick up Jaylen from Mario’s work.

Been feeling itchy, sometimes unbearably, but I’m powering through =/. Applied hydrocortisone reluctantly, but the girls were attending a party at Get Air so I didn’t want to feel miserable away from home. The girls all had a blast and Jenny and I chit-chatted while we watched them :).

Next we went to find supplies Alaethia needs for a project. We went to the 99 Cent Store and found what she needed, and of course you can’t walk out of there without snacks and random stuff, like supplies for work 😆 .

We went to Gramma’s and she was in good spirits, thank goodness. I helped her get her snacks ready: an empanada and Peeps Linda had taken to her. She offered the girls some and they happily obliged.

We visted for about 45 minutes and she was in a good mood. She keeps telling Linda and Aunt Nora that she’s scared, but she doesn’t do that with me 😕 .

We got home and the little ones wanted to play bowling in the driveway. It was windy, so they didn’t get to play too much. The ice cream man was passing by and we ran inside for some cash. The whole fam hung out outside eating our ice creams. We even got an extra one for free for being good customers, heh.

John and his girlfriend, Johanna, arrived shortly after. She brought us brownies and they were delish. The kids devoured them! She’s adorable, and she gets our insane sense of humor so that’s a plus 🙂 .

We ordered Domino’s for dinner, which was a relief. Still haven’t taken Ibuprofen, Benadryl or hydrocortisone yet, but I don’t want to apply another coat until I shower. The most uncomfortable parts are at the end of my left/right incision near my underarm (I swear there are new blisters) and under each breast (those BURN!). Ugh. Ayudame Dios!

So itchy. But I don’t want to think about it!!

Sunday, February 28 – Day 18 Post-Op
Jorge woke me up earlier than I would have liked, but I think I’m slightly less itchy? I haven’t applied hydrocortisone yet but I may take Benadryl just in case. I feel a little less soreness, too, but it’s still early so I won’t count my chickens.

5:15pm
It’s past 5 and I’ve managed to go so far without applying hydrocortisone OR taking Benadryl! I’m slightly itchy, but not like before. I hope it stays that way. Still have some soreness/sensitivity when anything brushes against my chest, and hurts when we hit really deep potholes. And my left nip has been, er, leaky 😳 . Keep having to change the gauze. It’s worrisome but apparently normal for now.

11:47pm
Definitely counted my chickens before they hatched 🙁 .I started getting unbearably itchy around 9pm (right after The Walking Dead), on each side under my underarms and near my left nipple. I undressed to shower and noticed I had more NEW rash bumps near my left nipple. When I showered I noticed my left areola, the one that’s been leaking, had red bumps all over it, like the rash! I’m worried. Jorge says I should go to the doc in the morning but I’m supposed to report to work!

Monday, February 29 – Day 19 Post-Op
I woke up and got myself and all the kids ready. Did the 1 1/2 hr. drive to drop them off. Called the doc because of my new complications and he prescribed Bactrim (?). Can’t remember, but he didn’t like the fact that my nipple was leaky to the point where I needed gauze all the time.

Work was alright. Even though at some points I wanted to rip my skin off from how itchy I was, and through the shooting pains I occasionally get on my nips and the sides where the incisions end under each armpit. I didn’t take any medication at all, nor did I apply hydrocortisone but I probably should have in hindsight, I felt so awful. But I concentrated on my work, and Michelle and I went to lunch, and later on went shopping with Latina Hope ladies and Thelma. I had to go grocery shopping after work, then unload (the girls helped me). My love was working on repairs in the bathroom while we visited Gramma and he made chili for dinner 🙂 .

I think my nip and areola looked better tonight. Keeping my fingers crossed and praying I can get over this and just concentrate on healing the actual wounds.

Tuesday, March 1 – Day 20 Post-Op
Jorge and I stayed up late last night. Erm. Let’s just say my poor husband has been a very patient man. They aren’t kidding when they tell you intimacy must be put on the back burner. But we’re troopers 😆 !

Anyway, woke up this morning feeling like I needed 8 more hours of sleep, but I really didn’t feel too bad from my boobies. The right side near the armpit was what I noticed upon waking was sore.

After dropping the girls off and opening at work, I started feeling little pangs of pain suddenly near the right armpit 😕 . Answering the phone the first 2 hours of work (front desk duty), and constant work made me exhausted by 1pm and I took 1 Ibuprofen. BUT, I didn’t need hydrocortisone nor Benadryl during work. Now that I’m calming down from the day, sitting waiting for the girls to get out of their dance, class I’m feeling soreness near both nips and on the outer sides. I haven’t looked at them all day at work since my chiffon top is sheer and I’m wearing a fitted cami under. I hope they’re better!!

Wednesday, February 17 – Day 8, Post-Op
8:14 a.m.
My follow up appointment with my surgeon is today. I may just get to see what my bewbs look like today!

Woke up around 6am, again. Darn alarm in my brain. My chest was in pain, mostly the left side so I had to walk around sort of supporting the bottom of my boob to keep the pain at bay. Nothing major, but noticeable.

Was able to help the girls get ready and brush their hair (very slowly, no ponytails, though) and make myself my coffee and 2 eggs. I forgot to ask Jorge to take my clothes down from the closet 🙁 . It still hurts to reach “up”.

12:29p.m.
I keep getting those pains, now under the left and center 🙁 . Really nervous about it hurting when they remove my bandages. Waiting around like:

4:01pm
I couldn’t stand the pain by the time I got to the doc’s office. Every bump in the road was agony. They took us right in, all the girls friendly, asking how I was doing. My doc comes right in and gets right down to peeling all the tape off, warning me when he would rip a piece off. It was itchy and painful in some spots.

Time for the big reveal. As soon as all the tape and guaze was off he said, “They’re beautiful!! And I don’t usually say that so soon!”

He said they were healing well. It was crazy looking in the mirror and seeing tiny boobies! I turned and caught a glimpse of Jorge’s expression, honestly nervous at his reaction. But he smiled a genuine smile 🙂 *whew*!!

Doc said my little tapes on my nips would fall off in the shower and my sutures should fall off too. If they didn’t, he’d remove them at my next appointment in 2 weeks.

There’s still swelling in the middle and on each side of my breast, but as soon as all that guaze and tape was off I instantly felt better! I wasn’t expecting for the scar under my breasts to be so long; they literally go from one side to the other. But I did have pretty big boobs and I’m sure they had to get rid of a lot of excess.

They told me to change, and to my horror, I was now braless! Jorge said, “Uh-oh, now what are you going to do?!” The girls saw me walk out with my hands covering my boobs and they offered us some bras, which ironically are from a company I work with at work! The lady had told me to pick any type of undergarment I wanted cause I was always nice to her :). I need to take her up on her offer!

The bra is front-closing but it bothers my incision sites so they told me to put guaze. We are on our way to Wal-Mart so I can hopefully find some cute bras 😀 !

9:29pm
My post didn’t update earlier, but when we finally got home from Wal-Mart and I was about to take my glorious shower…I had to wait a whole hour in my robe for the hot water to be hot again. Mom and the girls had already beat me and used the hot water!

When I finally did shower, it was hard to raise my arms to wash and condition my hair. I was afraid to put my boobs underwater, but I did and it was great! I couldn’t reach my back so my love washed it for me. I made sure to dry myself well and even air-dried. I felt so much better, except for the intense itching I was feeling where the gauze tape was ripped off. All I want to do is scratch. And I have their weird little bubble right in the center but not on the incisions that’s REALLY itchy. We realized my sports bra was too tight so Jorge and I went back to return it. I got 2 more: a cotton one with the forward clasps, and a black, soft pullover one. It feels much better and there’s minimal pain, but I do feel it more on the left side, which is really bruised. I just want to scratch still!

Thursday, February 18 – Day 9, Post-Op
I woke up at 3:45am, not being able to sleep anymore. I was itchy again in the center and under my left breast. My nip on the left side is also VERY itchy. The only itching I feel on the right is near my underarm. I very softly rub the itch when it feels unbearable.

There was a bit of oozing on the left side. 3 little dots, but I stuck some non-stick gauze under my sports bra.

Looking for ways to remove the sticky tape residue, since I forgot to buy some while at Wal-Mart yesterday. No pain on the right side, shooting pains on the left. Only taking 400mg of Motrin. Am going to give driving a shot today. I’m nervous about the bumpy roads and seat belt 🙁 .

Still freaking out over wearing a tank top and zip-up sweater and there’s so much room!!

I’m also able to finally feel good enough/less pain that I can mostly walk with good posture, and briskly. I was walking like a hunchback before because it hurt to stretch myself up, and very, very slowly.

12:02am
Been enjoying my convos with mom and Linda the past week. Today John chimed in.

Fearfully drove to pick up Alaethia from her UIL party. Jorge left me his car and took my truck, and of course it was on empty 😡 . So that made my experience a little more challenging .

The bumps weren’t as much of a big deal. Not sure if it was because I was the driver this time or because of the little soft heart pillow I carefully stuck between my chest and seat belt. What did hurt was turning and closing the doors 😕 .

Next I took the girls to and from their dance class. I was exhausted.

I don’t know if it was the drive, or if my white, front-closing bra I brought at Wal-Mart was irritating me, but I was in this desperate, itchy pain. Especially on my left side. I changed out ny non-stick gauze and realized I was oozing a few drops here and there, but what struck me as odd was how red I was. So I called my doc’s office and they said oozing was normal, but to go in if I developed a fever or the ooze turned to blood.

So I changed bras and stuck more non-stick gauze in there.

Jorge was home already, Mario was dropping the boys off and Jorgie, Justin and Jules were being dropped off by their mother as we were arriving.

We took the little ones to Build-a-Bear, as we’d planned, for their birthdays. They had a blast!

Unfortunately it took me forever to get everywhere. When we got home, the kiddos ate pizza with mom, and Jorge and I went to Walmart to get a few more supplies and gauze.

Needless to say, I was beat. I got into the bathroom to shower and carefully removed my gauze pads. I was horrified by how red and bad it looked. I cried a little, from the pain and nerves and I just felt awful that I had finally gotten this procedure done and it was going all wrong.

I ended up wearing an old baggy sports bra, so hopefully I’ll feel better with less irritation. I just hope it doesn’t move up into my incision 🙁 !

Friday, February 19 – Day 10, Post-Op
11:46am
So I slept in nothing but my undies and my sports bra last night. Didn’t even place the non-stick gauze on the incisions to let the skin breathe, like Jorge said. I almost slept through the night but woke up at 4am feeling itchy, but definitely not as bad as I felt before bed.

Still, got all the kids up and ready this morning and braced myself for the long drive dropping them off at school. It still hurts to reach and pull the car door closed. It hurts to make a turn but my little pillow helped with the bumps.

As soon as it was 8:00am, I called my doctor. They told me to go right in, so I did and they took me in immediately, thank goodness.

He askes what was wrong and I told him how much pain and itching I was having. Told him I even cried and thought it was the bra causing friction and irritation, maybe from driving? He said, “I’m going to rip off all the tape to get a better look.” I said, “Is it going to hurt?” And he said, “No not really,” and yanked it all off. Yes, it did hurt. I cringed and shut my eyes and was certain that when I’d open them I’d find my nips hanging on the tape!

As soon as he saw the incisions he said, “Well, it’s not an infection. You’re having an allergic reaction to either the surgical tape or the bra you were wearing, or something you came into contact with. Take Benadryl, put hydrocortisone on the red parts of your skin and wash and dry normally. Don’t put any other ointments and I’ll see you in one week.”

So I went to Wal-Mart and got more of the same type of bra, new towels and all the meds I’d need.

Came home and John helped me wash everything and now that the towels are finally dry, I can shower!!

Saturday, February 20 – Day 11, Post-Op
So I spent a lot of the afternoon yesterday feeling drowsy from the Benadryl. The angry, red rash wasn’t as red by the evening thanks to both the Benadryl and hydrocortisone, but it’s still a scary sight 🙁 . And still itches once the meds start wearing off 🙁 .

I did manage to make it to my event at work, Food Park Unplugged, and it was great to get out of the house besides going to Walmart. The weather was perfect and the music was awesome :).

Can’t wait for the next one!

We got home and I quickly took my Benadryl and smeared a fresh coat of hydrocortisone on all the red parts. I’m a bit nervous because there’s a separation at the bottom of my left nip. It looked raw and was oozing. I put a fresh non-stick gauze pad on it just in case.

I woke up this morning feeling itchy but couldn’t take anything other than my Motrin since I’d be driving. The opening at the bottom of my left nip looked a tad more closed up, but was still oozing and hasn’t completely scabbed over.

Driving has gotten a little better; hitting potholes I don’t see or sudden bumps don’t make me cringe as much. Still driving around with my little pillow separating my boobs from the seat belt.

The girls had fun at Blanca’s granddaughter’s birthday party. Us adult girls did, too, what with so many goodies, and I was starving since I hadn’t had breakfast.

They had a great time!

I did some grocery shopping (there hasn’t been proper shopping done since I was out of commission!). Got home and Mom helped me unload and put everything away. By then my rash was itching like crazy and my boobs were sore 😕 . I’m thinking all the walking and having them bounce around is what did it (the soreness).

We visited Gramma for a good while and then we came home and I took my Benadryl. Amazingly, I’m still awake!

Sunday, February 21 – Day 12, Post-Op
Got a call last night that my poor Alaethia chipped her front tooth while at her dad’s 🙁 . Wish I could see her.

Woke up feeling slightly itchy, but with a lot less pain. The opening at the bottom of my left nip finally closed up, thank God. Where the angry redness was, now there is pimply-looking bumps. I didn’t take Benadryl or Ibuprofen till 2pm, so that’s progress. The itchiest parts now are under the right boob near my armpit, near the bottom of my left nip, on the top left and in the center. I am so used to hiding my big boobies by pressing my arms to my side that I still do it and in turn I hurt my incisions. I can’t wait for this rash to go away 🙁 !!

Also, realized there’s an area of numbness on the right side of my right breast 🙁 . My friend warned me about this, and I was expecting something like that but it is shocking to experience it. My skin, mostly at the top of each boob, feels really sensitive to the touch and I have to pull open my sports bra just to get some air and relief. However, the pain isn’t too bad. Have only had to take Ibuprofen the one time. The only really itchy area right now is above my left nip and on the right side near the armpit. That one’s been bothering me all day 😕 .

12:30am
I showered and I think I feel itchier than before. I just want to scream from how frustrated this is making me feel :'(! I can’t stand how ugly the bumps look, either. I noticed a suture is sticking out from the bottom of my right nip and that’s why it won’t heal and keeps oozing. And I also think there’s a small separation happening in the scar under my left boob. Feeling really mopey right about now.

Monday, February 22, 7:03am – Day 13 Post-Op
Woke up at 3:30am with intense teeth-chattering chills. It was awful. I couldn’t control it. Not sure what it was about; if it was because my hair was wet, that I only slept in m sports bra and undies ans was cold or if I’m getting some type of infection. I hope it’s not the latter :(.

I also woke up at that time and 2 additional times because my arms would go numb and tingly! Really strange 😕 .

Going to attempt to get ready and go into work. I’ll come home if i can’t survive the day.

9:03am
At work. So far, so good. Took only one Benadryl so I’ll have Michelle clap or something if I get drowsy. Brought lunch so I don’t have to drive. Was surprised with these beautiful flowers from Thelma!

8:15pm
So I made it through my first day at work. I took Ibuprofen during lunch and applied more Hydrocortisone too. All-in-all, did ok, but my right side near the armpit was the itchiest. Catching up on all my emails was a good distraction from the itch. I did miss my Scandal marathons, though 😆 .

I went to HEB for groceries (ran into Gabriel!), and by the time I was done, I was beat. Still, got home and caught up with my babygirls, changed and applied another coat of Hydrocortisone and then called the boys and made dinner (beef quesadillas with guac, salsa and sour cream). My boobs feel like they weigh 20 pounds right now, but they do feel better than yesterday. Babysteps.

Tuesday, February 23 – Day 14 Post-Op
Considering that I had a pretty normal (hectic) day yesterday, I woke up feeling pretty good. That meaning that I didn’t get those weird chills/arm numbing, I mostly slept through the night and I woke up feeling less itchy than I had since this allergic reaction started.

I did my nightly routine and felt ok when I went to bed. The angry red blisters seem to be healing, but still itchy near the ends of wach incision near the underarm. A few spots are still oozing, but nothing severe.

Got ready for work this morning and dropped the girls off. Walking is a bit easier today and the bumps in the road weren’t too bad. I am having small shocks of pain, even though I took Ibuprofen in the morning. It’s been happening when I inhale deeply or sneeze 😕 .

Rosie is out for the morning and I volunteered to take front-desk duty so I haven’t taken my Benadryl yet. Don’t want to be all loopy when I answer the phone 😆 . Good thing is I’m not too itchy. I only have hydrocortisone on for now.

5:22pm
At the girls’ dance class now.

Went to lunch with Michelle (she treated me ), Ez and Jorgito. The day went by fast. Went to visit Thelma and Amelia and to pick up our supplies. Took Advil but still felt weird pains. I didn’t take Benadryl all day, at all, and wasn’t itchy until around 4pm. By then I wanted to rip my top off. Got home and changed bandages and applied more hydrocortisone. Had applied some at work too after lunch. Feeling a tight itchiness in between the bosoms.

11:35pm
Celebrated Jorgie’s 15th birthday! Picked up all the kids, a cheesecake (his choice), and took them all to Wingstop in Peñitas. It was fun; those kiddos are a blast!

Jorgie asked to stop being called Jorgie, but he’ll always be Jorgie to me! Also, we had to whisper the Happy Birthday song lol.

Dropped Eenan and Jaylen off then got home and all the kids got ready for bed. By the time I showered and went to sleep I felt pain and itchiness =/.

The Evening Before – Tuesday, February 9th

I’ve thought long and hard about whether or not to post this, but many of my milestones/life stories are documented here, I figured why not?? After all, how many times have I complained about my huge boobs on this little website of mine?

I’ll come back to this post and update periodically.

6 minutes till I can’t have food or water. It’s been a long time coming, but finally, in 6 hours I will be at the hospital (with the hubs) prepping for breast reduction surgery. I know!!

Usually I’m asleep by now but I’ve got butterflies in my belly! Missing my kiddos, who are with their dad for a few days while I recover. Reality really set in as I hugged and kissed all the kiddos tonight after Emily’s performance, before Mario took them home. I had to finish some stuff at work and drove with a lump in my throat all the way over.

So grateful for family and friends who’ve offered help, kind words and advice!

Wednesday, February 10, 2016 – Surgery Day/Post-Op Day 1

Jorge and I woke up and got ready. We arrived at the hospital right on time. I had pre-registered but there was still a discrepancy with my birthdate. But my very nice nurse prepped me in my outpatient room anyway.

She had me change into a glamorous purple number.

As she was looking for a good vein to start the IV on, she asked about these little red freckles I have. It was a coincidence that the girls had just asked me about them the day before, and of course I thought they were weird freckles. My nurse told me they were Petechiae. At least now I know.

Then it was time for the worst thing ever, in my opinion:

She said I had tough skin to top it off, but at least she didn’t make my vein pop!

Jorge and I chit-chatted and then my doc came in to mark me all up. It was cold and awkward, heh.

Then the anesthesiologist came by to introduce himself and let me know he’d be intubating me during surgery so I may have a sore throat afterwards.

The nurses began to prep me and removed my glasses. They sent my love to a waiting area, but not before they showed up with a syringe. Everything looked like a blur but I zeroed in on that mofo! The nurses assured me it went in my IV and it would relax me. I remember them asking me questions, Jorge left and that’s all I can remember. Next thing I knew, my nurse was asking how I was doing still in my outpatient room and I answered “Okay” in a croaky voice, due to the tube.

Jorge said my doc had gone in to check on me and said I wouldn’t need drains or anything, that it was a clean operation and I could go home that day. I was still numb, and felt slightly nauseous, so I took it easy with the water, apple juice and jello they gave me. It was my first bite of “food” since midnight, but I felt alright. I did, however, feel stings of pain after a few minutes so they gave me Tylenol 3.

When it was time to go Jorge helped me get dressed, from head to toe. Even my pad and undies 😳 (what a time for it to be That Time of the month!). When I said, “Oh, how embarrassing…” he said, “For better or for worse, Princess.” Love this man!

We were home by 2:30p.m. and those road bumps and dips were murder on my chest, even though Jorge drove very cautiously.

I got to see my baby girls momentarily while Mario brought them over to pick up their Valentine’s stuff after school, and I spoke to Jaylen briefly but I could hardly speak.

In between consciousness, I replied to texts and messages as much as I could. Dina sent some beautiful flowers and Sally stopped by to see me and brought me some beautiful orchids and chocolate 🙂 .

John came in too, and I showed him my bandages through my shirt and he said, “Who are you??!”

Jorge helped me get to a sitting position and walked me to the bathroom most of the day/evening. Sitting on that toilet and wiping is so hard to do! Getting into/out of bed is tough, also. You absolutely have to use your core if you want to move at all! Do NOT even try to put any weight on your arms or pull yourself back into bed or into a chair. You WILL hurt yourself!

Jorge brought me some chicken noodle soup but I only took a few bites before becoming nauseous 🙁 .

And then I spent MUCH of the night getting up to pee; probably my body getting rid of all that extra saline. I had to practice going on my own since he’d be going back to work.

I did have to wake Jorge up at 3:30a.m. for my dosage of meds. I couldn’t get my medicine or water bottles open! You don’t realize just how many times you use your chest muscles during the day!

Thursday, February 11, 2016 – Day 2, Post-Op
It’s Day 2 and I’m already bored out of my mind. Jorge had to go back to work 🙁 . My pain meds are wearing off (counting the seconds till 8:30a.m.), so I’m feeling some discomfort on the sides of my boobs near my armpit, and little stings of pain in my nips 🙁 . My neck and back hurt from sleeping propped up on my back. When I get up from a laying position I feel like my boobies are just going to rip off 😯 !

Managed to sleep a little bit. Ate a sandwich for lunch. I’m feeling a lot of pain at the moment. Have a pounding headache and my butt hurts from laying here 🙁 .

Friday, February 12, 2016 – Day 3, Post-Op
So my headache yesterday may have been due to not eating enough, lack of caffeine or from the Tylenol 3. Jorge got home around 4pm with the boys and groceries and these beautiful flowers!

He gave me strawberries and I felt so much better around 30 minutes later.

I had a coughing fit around 8pm; I once again had phlem in my throat and I couldn’t expell (not sure if I mentioned it, but the phlem is due to the endotracheal tube). The cough was so unexpected and hard that I felt like my stitches were going to rip apart 🙁 . Jorge gave me water and I quickly laid down to keep the pressure off.

I slept much better through the night, only waking up to my alarm, which I’m setting ’round the clock to take my Tylenol3. It takes an hour to kick in so I set the clock for every 5 hours instead of 6.

I woke up this morning and was able to sit up and not feel that ripping pain in the center of my chest. Then I tried pushing myself back onto bed with my left arm and I instantly got a pain near my armpit. Have to keep remembering to not use my arms to get into bed!!

12:49p
John came and hung out with me a while this morning, after giving myself a sad sponge bath lol. He forgot to mention he has a cold >:( so hopefully I won’t pick up what he has, especially since he brought me my coffee. Mom brought me my Honey Bunches of Oats with soy milk. Then John made me laugh for a bit. I have to do this controlled laugh, the laugh that I imagine a queen would make, so I don’t rattle my chest, buahaha 😆 .

Linda and Jessica came by to see me and we hung out and laughed for a bit with Mom. They said I did a great job hiding my boobs cause they never would have thought I was a 32DD. I told them my entire wardrobe was focused on hiding my boobs lol. When they left, John made me “exercise ” so I walked to the kitchen, where he heated up my leftover soup from last night and I had a pear for dessert. He left to the gym and mom helped me into my clean blouse, since it had hurt too much to get out of it before today. Now I shall continue my Scandal marathon.

7:18pm
Had a coughing fit around 4pm, again. This time I felt like my incisions on my left breast ripped open. Called the doc; they recommended Robitussin and getting the phlem to come up. She assured me that my incisions wouldn’t rip open, but I’m so paranoid! My chest feels hot inside and in pain now, but it’s almost time for my next dose of meds and I was more active today.

My little ray of sunshine was this beautiful bouquet they delivered from my work:

And this pillow and blanket set from my love:

He knows I have an obsession with soft, cuddly blankets 😀 ! And the balloon sings, “You’re the One That I Want” from Grease!

Saturday, February 13 – Day 4, Post-Op

4:39a.m.
Having a hard time sleeping because I’m afraid my love will swing his arms in his sleep and whack my chest. My subconscious is completely awake and I shoot my eyes open each time he moves (which is a lot 🙁 ). The left side was sore earlier and now it’s my right.

Later on…
Didn’t sleep very much throughout the day. Dina, Briana and the kids were visiting. We were going to have somewhat of a very badly coordinated party on Jorge and my part for Emily, Alaethia and Julien.

Between a sleepless night and a sleepless day, I felt groggy. My pills would kick in and make me feel sleepy, but I could hear every little noise the kids made and later on, the neighbors and their dogs 😡 . The kiddos didn’t try very hard not to make noise, either.

John brought his girlfriend, Johanna, over to meet me. Couldn’t bring he over when I had my eyebrows filled in, or with normal boobs and washed hair, oh no. He had to bring her when I looked like crappola! But she’s cute and sweet and compliments him 🙂 .

I spent a lot of the day walking around and sitting up in a chair watching Scandal on my iPad. I was only getting small shocks of pain in my nips and my left boob was still sore, but I could walk around without them feeling like they’d rip off. Also, still hadn’t had a BM, even though I was walking more, drinking water non-stop and eating my 3 regular meals. Could have been due to the Tylenol 3 or not walking enough?

We had the BBQ in the evening and I had another sponge bath and put on makeup and actual clothes for the 1st time in 4 days. I felt alright for a couple hours outside, but I got tired fast. I couldn’t properly enjoy the shenanigans brought on by our crazy fam 🙂 . Then, since our porch is right next to our bedroom, it was impossible to sleep when my meds kicked in once I came inside. So, naturally I watched Scandal till 3a.m.!

Sunday, February 14 – Day 5 Post-Op
Woke up with lots of back pain. Holding off on taking my last 3 Tylenol 3 pills 🙁 . Sitting in a dining room chair with a pillow wedged between my back and the seat and I’m about to go find my rice sock. Even though it was 2 days later than the recommended time frame, I finally had a BM 😐 .

Was up most of the day and had cake for the kiddos’ birthday.

I started feeling dizzy and really exhausted so i went to my room to relax. Jorge picked up a botana Mom ordered from Espi’s and I ate in my room and quickly passed out for a couple of hours. I got up to sit in the dining room and started getting small shocks of pain and my back is still killing me 🙁 . Jorge brought me a pain pill and Jaylen brought me my warm rice sock for my back.

Monday, February 15 – 6 Days Post-Op
I slept entirely through the night 😀 ! (From 10:30a-7:00a). Had a bit of pain on my left side, which is usually where I’m feeling it lately. Haven’t taken a pain pill since yesterday. Made myself an egg on English muffin smeared with cream cheese and sliced tomatoes. It was nice not eating cereal for once, heh. You know how your first drink of coffee is felt slowly making it’s way through your body? I felt it in my boobs buahaha! Back still hurts, but not as badly as yesterday.

11:38a
Finally got my scale out–against Jorge’s advice because he said I’ve been confined to bed and retaining water–but, fully clothed and not being able to walk much I went from 123.8 on surgery day to 121.0 today! Byebye, 2.8 lbs. of boob!

9:46p.m.
Did a lot of walking around today and made my bed so I wouldn’t get back into it. The kiddos were home from school and were awesome, helping with whatever I needed. Jorge brought us Church’s for lunch. I didn’t take a pain pill all day.

My kiddos left with their dad after he got out of work. He’s been a huge help, honesty. We hadn’t thought of how Jorge would manage to drop off all 7 kids, so him volunteering to take them was great. Plus they were picking up their new puppy from Marie 🙂 .

Michelle and Rosie came by after work to see me and visit for a while 🙂 . They brought me these beautiful flowers:

It was great hanging out with them 🙂 . Then my love got home from grocery shopping and made us dinner.

I could get used to this 😆 !

It was a long day, so I’m now feeling some hotness in my boobs and small amounts of pain. And they feel itchy from the tape!! I just wanna scratch the betweens 🙁 . And my bum hurts from sitting so much 😕 .

Took a Tylenol 3 to ward off the bits of pain. I only have one left! I think the antibiotic (Cephalexin) that I was taking is giving me an infection. Great.

Tuesday, February 16 – 7 Days, Post-Op
Woke up around 7:30a to pee and couldn’t go back to sleep. When I finally did pass out Mom scared me from my sleep by knocking loudly around 8:00a, so I nestled back in bed and slept pretty late 😳 .

Weighed myself again, fully clothed (bad habit, I know, I need to put that scale away!!) Weighed 119.6. My usual ravenous appetite still hasn’t fully come back, so that’s probably why I’m dropping weight still.

Linda was here with mom and we hung out while she drank her smoothie and I ate my cereal. I’m feeling alright except for my left side boob, which keeps getting small pains suddenly. The tape is it itching me A LOT in the middle and under my boobs and I just want to scratch but I know I can’t 🙁 . There is a certain tightness though that’s making me anxious, but I’m trying not to think about it 😕 .

Sally came over with lunch and gossip, hehe. Love her! We had a great time, I miss her! I know how busy she is so I appreciate her taking time to visit with me 😀 .

They moved my appointment tomorrow to 3:30p. I hope they give me the ok to shower 🙁 ! I’m tired of wipee/sponge baths 😆 !

10:38pm
I’ve felt a lot more pain today, in the center, under near the incisions, they feel swollen on top and hot where I imagine my nips are. Getting ready to use up my last pain pill 🙁 .