Post Surgery Photos!

 So- here are Lee and I just prior to them bringing me back into the operating room. I was not nervous until they wheeled me into the operating room and I had to move over to that operating table. That is when it really hits you that this is happening. That when I wake up- my life will be forever different!

Lee and my mom kept me pretty cheery up until the last second. Luckily, when I started to get super nervous- is when anesthesia took over- so that helped...

 Here was my bling. I was loaded up. I had my bracelet incase I needed a blood transfusion. Luckily I didn't. I lost some blood but not enough to warrant a transfusion! I also had my ID bracelet. My third fancy bracelet was the one showing I have no allergies. I also was able to wear my Thyroid Cancer Bracelet in. When I got into the operating room- they just attached it to my bed. So- all those rocking these bracelets around the world- I was rocking it too!! The picture on the right is a picture Ande sent me of her wearing the bracelet and holding her coffee cup that I have a matching one of!

I look lovely right? This is just when I woke up. My coloring is obviously awful from being in surgery but it doesn't help that I have Betadine up to my mouth!! So- that explains some of the orange coloring you see!

My surgery was supposed to start at 10:30. Lee said it was about 11:15 when they started and even though it was supposed to be done in 2 hours- it was just over three hours long. The Dr said it was because he was being super careful to move each nerve. He did an awesome job! I have no issues with my shoulders- which is awesome cause a lot of people do!  When I woke up in my room... this is what I saw!! I had a private room with an AMAZING view of Pikes Peak/Garden of the Gods/ downtown Colorado Springs! BEAUTIFUL!

I felt amazing. Honestly, the only issue I had was the sore throat from intubation! It hurt a good bit but I had no idea how I would wish for that being my only complaint... This picture is from the first morning I woke up after surgery. You can see the two drains and the surgical wound. I had over 100 stitches and then it was glued over.  Pretty freaky looking!

This is the view out of that same window.  We had an awesome snow storm the day after surgery. It was gorgeous. A nice view to relax too!

I did a lot of walking that first day. It felt good to be up and moving!!

 

 

So- day two- this is what I woke up to. Clearly not the most flattering picture. I had swollen up to the point that I felt like I was choking and couldnt swallow or breathe. I could do both. It was totally a mental thing because of the tightness I felt.  I was supposed to go home that morning but they called in the Dr and he came and checked me out. He was very soothing regarding my stress over the situation. He assured me that it would eventually go away.  It may take weeks/months for it to be completely gone...

I went home on Friday (surgery was Tuesday).  This is me on Saturday. Still super swollen! It has come and gone all day. I notice it is worse after I get up from sleeping. I ended up sleeping on the recliner because it is easier to keep me in the 45 degree angle they want me at.  I have taken a few Vicodins... to help with the pain/panic that comes when the swelling is really bad. I have to tell myself at moments that "Brenna, you can breathe!"
Lee and I took C to the park this morning for awhile. I stayed on my feet for a good chunk of the day- which will help with the drainage and the swelling. The swelling is due to several reasons... the major trauma of the surgery for one. Second- the Dr basically stripped the lymph system there which is making my body figure out where to drain now! It will take awhile- but it will figure it out.

Going to leave you with this- My friend sent it to me! Makes total sense and makes me smile honestly!!