Another Update since I went to CTCA Atlanta

oh misstaylor, you have so much going on in your world, and while I am so happy to hear that you have landed at CTCA that is working out for you, I hope there is some peace as well.  Hugs dear one.

Oh, MissTaylor....it's complicated, as most things in life are. First, thanks for replying! I just want to say that I do know that for people dealing with cancer / issues related to cancer, if the setting and the doctors are excellent, it's tremendously helpful. You sound completely different...you have hope.

My friend's sister lives right next to the CCTA facility in AZ, but my friend is toughing it out at a "less than ideal" facility in her rural community, because her friend has been renting her a room, and she needs a place to live, and her friend needs help. It's kind of like two sides of a three-legged stool trying to hold things up. There's more to that story, but it's not mine to tell.

I am--at this time--in the monitor-ever-two-months stage, so I'm going to sit tight and see how things go. I am 22 m. away from my hospital facility in Oregon, a large teaching hospital, so I'm okay for now! Take care <3

Hey, great to see you <3 I am so glad that you really like and trust your doctor. It's so important with what you're going through. If you trust her, listen to her. Sometimes it makes sense to wait and get more information, but if she says it's "go time," I think I would probably listen at this point. We have a farm, and I found little tricky ways to deal with the 40 and 50 pound bags. I had workers load them, and then utilized gravity to let them fall into place in the garage. This was after the first few weeks. You will find a way to do what you need to do, and I know you are going to take good care of yourself. I am cheering you forward, no matter what! Take care, ok? Deb 2

I started having major abdominal surgeries related to my child-bearing issues when I was 37, so I have experience having an 'Open' abdominal surgery with inadequate pain meds (I was in Cambodia at the time). I can say that here in the States (and most developed countries), doctors and nurses do a superior job with taking care of pain issues. Regarding the tender spots, you will have those. I recommend as much as possible finding ways to avoid "leaning against the sink," and I'm that person who never, ever stops moving. If you're in pain, sit down.

For you and your family:

Load up on Progresso soups and ready-made or frozen meals, get extra pet foods asap and get them in place, get a community of local helpers to sign up to help you (the churches can be very helpful, even for non-members, if you approach them), work with husband to plan as much as possible around down times. Stock up on milk, bread, etc. for at least a week. I was driving within about ten days, by the way. I don't do well with my freedom being interfered with, and I will always choose a bit of discomfort over being able to drive. Hmmm, come to think of it, I quit taking pain pills on the third day after surgery so I could drive myself to my stepchildren's biological mother's memorial service thirty miles away.

You may need to go stay with a family member or friend to give yourself a full two weeks of rest. You will not be able to care-provide for others for a few weeks, and let's face it: if you stall too long, things aren't going to get better. I always cared for my father, who was 240 pounds of neediness, but you will not be taking care of your people for at least a few weeks. Husband will need to make some plans to support the others.

Dogs: I have two labs, more than 80 pounds each. The older one is thoughtful, the younger one is not! They were a concern the day I came home from the surgery. In and out the same day. My husband put them in the garage and I went straight to bed. I did not take care of the dogs or my husband much for the first few days. You just can't. It's your turn to be taken care of.

Stupid cancer doesn't care about your obligations or timeline. If cancer were a houseguest, he would be the one tracking mud on your carpet, if you know what I mean.

The pain from my DaVinci Laparoscopic surgery--not bad! I took pain pills for about a week, and then some over the counters. The incisions they made were a bit painful, but I used Aquaphor after some time on them. I have occasional pain, and you will. You can't have organs removed without dealing with some residual pain, but I'd rather be alive and deal with surgery recovery than let cancer run his merry course. He's a bad houseguest!

I had my "big" surgery March 24th of this year, and I had radiation treatments (five total) in June and July. I'm an active person, but did deal with some major depression and anger issues, but that's emotional pain. I think it's as significant. I have found medications for depression and anxiety to be extremely helpful for me.

Within six weeks of surgery, I was on the riding lawn mower (on the farm, like you), and pushing 50-pound bags of livestock grain out of a truck. I don't recommend you do too much of that, to be honest, but I did whatever I could to work without involving my core.

Seriously, I'm so relieved I got it all done and over with---for now, at least. I'm getting checked every two months. You will find that they can't really give you all the information until the uterus is fully examined / biopsied. All the waiting and wondering is the worst part of all of this, in my experience. I think most women feel the same anxiety, and it is definitely helpful if you have a doctor you really like and trust.

I have occasional twinges of pain, and some days feel a bit crampy, but your innards will resettle as your uterus and etc. are gone.

It's very tolerable.

You have your hands much too full, but I am impressed that you are starting to think about the "how." That's really going to be a challenge. I hope your brother can help you prepare and ease the burden a bit. I am sorry I don't live near! I would help you.

Very sad. Maybe your parents should make him pay rent.

I'm sure it's extremely frustrating for you and your parents!