Category: Jorge

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 🙁 .

Ugh. I feel like death warmed over. I told myself I’m not doing anything today; the kids and I are just going to be bums while I get over this darn cold. I NEVER get sick, ever, and when I do, I feel like I’m seconds from dying. I’m dramatic, what can I say.

I’ll update on the last week, since it was essentially a good one all around.

We were kid-less last weekend and both Jorge and I were feeling like not being cooped up in the house for once, so once I went to the bank after work I got home and we got ready to go have dinner. It took us a while to find a place, because we’re both indecisive but we ended up at Kumori. 2 Kumori’s. The first had tons of people and we were sort of ignored, so we got up and went to the one at Uptown, where we ran into Jeremy, Jorge’s old co-worker and friend.

Then we came home and continued our Breaking Bad binge :).

Alaethia had a UIL meet the next morning so I met Mary and the girls at the school the meet was hosted at. We met up with John and Audrey and all moved on to the hall where their writing meet was being held. It was much less chaotic than the cafeteria, thank goodness. The whole thing took about 1 hour and the girls emerged from the classroom and we were off. I came home and cleaned my bedroom a bit (I NEED to stop being a paper hoarder! I get so lazy throwing out important papers I *might* need some day but probably never will and I feel guilty throwing out the girls’ school work/projects. Ugh.) I kept myself pretty busy and then Mom and I went to Walmart, then Target, where I unsuccessfully tried to find something to wear for Jorge’s Company Holiday Party. But I did find some awesome planner supplies in that darn Dollar Spot!

Gets me every time! I’ve been avoiding Target like the plague; didn’t even do much Christmas shopping there because then I want to buy things for myself and I had to FOCUS over the holidays. *pats self on head*

We finished running errands, Mom and I, then visited Gramma. It was dinner time for her so I fed her her entire tray and then we chit-chatted some more before we came home. I debated rushing to Ross (always my last resort) to find something to wear, but I knew I really wouldn’t have time and I didn’t want to make Jorge and I late, so I wore one of my roomy, dressy blouses and threw on some jeans and boots.

The Company dinner was at Pappadeaux! One of my faves. We said hi to everyone, as half the company was already there, all timely. Jorge’s bosses sat next to us and across from us were Cesar and his girlfriend. We had a good chat about various subjects and then we played a trivia game. It was fun. And then of course came dinner, which I didn’t get a photo of because I devoured it. Tilapia and spaghetti squash, yum. I did get a photo of us, and our dessert, though!

The next day we spent quite literally being lazy. Wait, I think we left the house for tacos at one point? Yes, I believe so. I kept stalling going grocery shopping and by the time we knew it, Briana and the kids arrived! They came down for the weekend to celebrate Nick’s birthday. We got ready and went to Incredibowl (formerly Valley Bowl). I’ve been to bowling alley’s before, but have never in my life played.

Jorge tried teaching me, but I was awful till about halfway through, and by then it was too late! I was afraid I was going to slip and fly with the ball like they do in the movies buahaha.

Still, we had fun with the kids and the food was good, too!

Definitely need to take all the kiddos!

We got home and I was not happy about having to go to the groceries so late, but I knew I’d hate it even more if I had to go after work the next day. So I sucked it up and went. Then I was exhausted when I got home and fell asleep during Breaking Bad. Blah!

It was an overall low-key week at work, compared to all the other weeks! We had to get ready for our very first music in the park-type event at the Food Truck Park, and we had no idea how that would go, we just hoped it would be successful. We had other tasks throughout the week, too, like Michelle and I taking our Grant winners shopping for their supplies, so that takes up a good amount of the day.

Alaethia got home from school with a trophy for 2nd place in Ready Writing UIL! So proud of her! She’s gotten 2 1st place trophies and now a 2nd place one!!

I started the week out perfectly, but I woke up feeling like mush on Tuesday. I had the beginnings of a sore throat and my ears were stuffy, so I started chugging down OJ and green tea, and remembered to take my vitamins everyday. I felt great by the end of the day, though, and suggested eating at the Food Park to Jorge. (I’d taken a payment from the owners earlier that day and they reminded me for the 2nd time that I still hadn’t tried out the food!) He agreed, and the girls of course were all for it.

We decided to try Bliss Street Food out, since we hadn’t tried it yet, and we weren’t disappointed. The owners even sent out some fajita nachos on the house!

The temp. was quickly dropping and I started to get chills right when we were standing in line. The girls had showered before Jorge and I got home and their hair was still damp, so we got our food to-go.

We were so hungry I didn’t even get pics, heh. I had the Mexican Gyro (OMG, so good!), Jorge had the Gringas (tacos), Alaethia had the pork tacos (she’s a firm believer in Taco Tuesday) and Emily had wings.

The next day was Jorge’s 33rd birthday! I couldn’t get the morning off, but I got to get the afternoon off after lunch. Michelle and I took some of our Grant winners shopping and then we got back to the office where I got some things squared away for the event on Friday and then I left work. I stopped for some cheesecake for my love and some snacks to go along with his iTunes cards I got him for his birthday. He kept insisting we not get him anything, but I know he’ll always use iTunes cards so I got him those :).

He’d gotten 3 days off during the week to just relax, which I’m glad for. He finished getting ready when I got home and then I took him out to lunch to Kumori (his choice!).

Even though I could hardly swallow my food, I gave it my all! Everything in that photo is my absolute favorite!

We ran some errands, got some Starbucks and then we had a quick break at home before picking up Alaethia from Chess practice. Mario had dropped Emily off already with Mom. So we picked up Alaethia and then we hung around at home. Alaethia asked, “So! Where are we going for Daddy’s birthday?!” Jorge and I look at each other and I say, “Well, I took Daddy out on a date for lunch sort of late. Where did you want to go?” She said, “That fancy restaurant we always go to.” Pappadeaux! It’s usually where we go for his birthday, but since we’d just gone on Saturday with his co-workers and bosses we decided to do something different. After much debate, we decided on IHOP, heh.

I could hardly stand my throat by then. But we had a great time :).

Thursday afternoon was going to be a hectic one. I get out of work earlier than usual on Thursdays since Alaethia has UIL practice. So I picked her up, and then we went home and changed since Audrey, Maddie and my girls were going to try and Zumba Kids class with their classmates. I’d been wanting to put the girls in SOME kind of class, but everything is either to expensive, or it conflicts with my work schedule. This would work out, if they decided to join. Emily had been excited about it and then decided that day that she’d rather not participate; she’d just watch.

We get there and they’re the first ones. Sofia, Brianna, Audrey and Maddie get there with their moms and they instantly get into it. Even Emily, who was in jeans and sandals, decides to join. They had a great time and Jenny and I signed the girls up straight away :).

I’M even considering starting the Zumba class! It’s not my forte, seeing as how I’m extremely uncoordinated, but it looked like a great workout!

The girls finished up and we drove the 30 minutes it takes to pick up the boys. Picked up pizza on the way home, got them all ready for bed and Jorge and I continued our Breaking Bad streak–until I passed out on the couch, like always. He’s such a patient man :D!

Friday was finally here, I felt so much better, despite the occassional coughing fit every now and then. We spent the morning making sure we had everything ready for the Food Park that evening.

Once that was done my love and I had lunch at Zoe’s to celebrate some good news I’d gotten that morning, while I caught up with the Breaking Bad episodes I’d missed ^_^.

Michelle and I once again had some Grant shopping to do with the ladies, so that made the afternoon go by quickly. Who’da thought I’d get to do/shop for crafty things in my job??

We went to the Park to check things out and once the guys moved some stuff around we went back up to our offices where I did some last-minute social media stuff and then left to pick up the kids. I had to time it all correctly especially since there’s always that 5 o’clock traffic jam in Penitas!

We got back to my office just in time and I took the kids in to pee before going back to the park. I had them find a good seat on the bleachers while I went around taking photos and talking to a few of the Food Truck owners.

Our singer that night looks and sounds like Taylor Swift, so the girls (and boys) were immediately smitten.

Jorge stopped by for The Teenager (Eenan) who wasn’t interested in the event but posed for a photo for Mama like a good sport and we switched for Justin, heh.

The kids had a great time, the weather was awesome, the food was tasty and the music was great. I was glad to see we had a good turnout! Excited for the next one!

I got home with all the kiddos, dropped them off and then John and I went to get groceries. Then we got home and stayed up watching Breaking Bad. We have one episode to go!!

I don’t know if it was because it was chilly again by the time the event was over, or that I stayed up late or WHAT, but I woke up feeling awful today. Probably worse than what I felt Tuesday. I can’t believe I forgot to buy OJ!!

Ok, Emily keeps popping in to check when I’m going to be “done,” so I guess I am! Going to think of what to make for dinner for everyone.

It’s 10:30pm. Jorge and I are watching the Patriots vs. Texans game and I’ve just finished setting up my little Dell laptop my love bought me for Christmas :D. Yes. I cheated and got my gift already. Like Javi said (either last Christmas or the year before): we’re adults and don’t have to wait till Christmas, buahaha.

We got an amazing deal on this laptop. I almost wondered what was wrong with it. You can’t beat $100! So far, I love it. My little Samsung was a trooper but her little hard drive was giving up already :(. I’d be in the middle of paying bills (because, really–that’s all I use it for other than some light blogging), and the darn thing would shut off midway. So inconvenient.

(Yay, Pats won!)

Can I talk about what a nerd I am? Well, it’s not really being a nerd, it’s me hiking up my big girl chonies and taking control of my finances. I went on a craze updating my Microsoft account and downloading the Excel app on all my devices (including Jorge’s phone) so we can update our bills/daily expenses from our phones so it reflects the same amount at all times. I feel like a genius! I won’t have to hear, WHERE DID ALL THE MONEY GO??. He can see for himself :D. Now, if I can just get Husband to keep using it!

Anyway. So, I didn’t end up starting my cleanse. I was all PMS-y, overwhelmed and hadn’t even had a chance to pack breakfasts and lunches last week so there was just no way. I spent Monday trying like hell to be positive but I was just so emotional! And I just felt like I had so much on my plate. Thursday was by far the most stressful day of the week, since I was helping Gerry with an event while she’s out. I didn’t even get to eat lunch and I didn’t get to finish a task that was due by Friday so I’ll have to speak to my boss about that tomorrow =\. BUT. For the most part, I aced last week.

Alaethia had her Christmas program on Tuesday and she did wonderfully :).

Emily had PJ day on Thursday, but we were in such a hurry that morning I didn’t even get a pic :(.

Jorge and I hung out after he got out of work on Friday. We ordered WingStop and just had a good, long talk as we drove around. I’d been bottling up my emotions all week and just let it out. I wasn’t even quite sure why I felt so upset (I tell you, PMS), but he listened while I babbled. And then he babbled and we just let it all out. I felt a million times better :).

I didn’t have the kiddos this weekend, but Alaethia’s UIL meet was yesterday morning so I met the girls and Mary at the site. It was loud and chaotic but I was happy to spend some time with the girls :). My little gal won 1st place last UIL meet and I’m just so proud of her! I know she and Audrey did magnificently.

I did some Christmas shopping yesterday, wrapped a few of the kids’ gifts and visited Gramma. I was annoyed that she’d been sick with a cough for a while and they weren’t giving her any type of medication or treatment. Shoot, I don’t even think they’d checked on her much. So I waited to speak to a nurse and made absolutely sure they’d start her on meds and nebulizer treatments. I went back to check on her today and they’d done both, plus ran an x-ray.

Jorge and I had made plans to possibly go to the beach last night, but when he called me on his way home from work he said, “What’s the plan, do we have one?” I said, “I don’t know, what do you feel like?” and he said, “Don’t tell me that, I’ll say stay home,” and I said, “That’s fine with me!” So we did. We lounged and watched the fight while we drank mango Moscato :). Junior visited a while, too.

And as for today, we cleaned our bedroom, wrapped presents and just spent the day together at home. Well, I ran a couple of errands before visiting Gramma, but I was home for the most part. I made us some awesome shrimp tacos for dinner. And now it’s 11:00pm and I didn’t get to finish cleaning my bathroom, empty files from my phone or put stuff on eBay. The weekend just goes by way too fast.

I gotta get some rest and be ready for this week. I just need to keep calm and complete my tasks at work one at a time. I can do this!