Journal entry by Bethany Hofmann —
Yesterday I had post-op follow up visits with both my surgeons (one removed the tumor and one reconstructed). Their offices are more than an hour from me, so I knew it would be an exhausting day. I had high hopes that I’d get my last remaining drain removed, which would’ve made yesterday’s my last appointments until August. 🙌🏻
It was not to be. About 2oz of blood and fluid is still collecting in my drain each day. The threshold for removal is about 1.5oz. So I’ll keep monitoring. Maybe next week!
Otherwise:
✅ I’m down to about one prescription pain pill a day, along with regular Ibuprofen and Tylenol.
❎ I still spend more hours flat or reclining each day than sitting or standing or walking.
✅ Bruising across my abdomen (from surgery) has really faded. I no longer look like I was someone’s punching bag! (...even if I feel like I was! 😉)
✅ I can laugh and roll out of bed with less and less pain each day. Not so for sneezing, but I’m developing some sneeze avoidance techniques!
✅ I feel loved! (See attached photo. 💗)
Patients and caregivers love hearing from you; add a comment to show your support.
