Dear Diary #10 - Just hanging out

Hey everyone,

Hope everyone is staying safe and healthy in these crazy times. 

It is officially two weeks from Christmas and I am struggling a bit to find the Christmas spirit. Things are going to look a lot different for so many this year. Even in our house. For those that are not local to Alberta, we are currently under Covid restrictions that don't allow anyone into your house that does not live there. That is such a strange statement and I feel when I look back on this blog in 5 years, or even 10, that statement will be very surreal. Darrin's Mom has named us as her cohort (if you live alone you can name two people), so she will be allowed to either come to our house, or us go to hers. I'm pretty much housebound at the moment, as I am not supposed to be driving with surgical drain in, so it is easy for me to keep myself isolated for her protection. Darrin is still going to work, but keeping everything else at a minimum and they are super careful at work with masks and sanitizing. 

The boredom has set in, for sure, but I am trying to enjoy the peace and quiet. A couple of days prior to my surgery I did move my computer and a few things home from the office, leaving Jayden with most of my work (she's a trooper, and I'm so lucky to have her at work with me!!). But now employers have been told to move everyone to work from home where possible, so Jayden has to pack up allllll my stuff and work from home herself. I feel pretty bad that this extends her time of playing 'Barb', but there is just too much uncertainty with what comes next for me to commit to taking all the things on again. It is a lot of work for one person, and it is easier for me to help her remotely than for her to help me. Thankfully this is by far our slowest time of year, so I hope it won't be too stressful for her. Also thankfully, my real estate side gig is slow at the moment, although for any clients that are reading this, please know that I AM still working! I am still happy to do anything I can to help you out! Never, ever, hesitate to pick up the phone! 

Some of my Christmas decorations have made it into the house, but I'm waiting for the motivation to put some up. Maybe today is the day, lol. Shopping is done, and I'm going to ask Darrin to help with wrapping this weekend (shhh, don't tell him). Since the MB kids won't be coming home for Christmas this year I do need to get my shit together and get their stuff sent off to them. I know they'll forgive me if it is late though, haha, that is how I roll. We will definitely miss the family time we normally get, but we are all trying to do our part. 

I am 8 days post surgery today and overall I feel pretty good. If I can whine for just a moment, I am hating every single second of this surgical drain. Literally every second of it. I'm tired of it being attached to me. I'm tired of it itching. I'm tired of it all. Okay, I'm over it (well not physically, but over the whining haha). The question everyone asks is how long do you need it for. The short answer is until is stops draining. Basically it is attached to a collection 'bulb' that I need to drain and measure the quantity. Until I collect less than 20ml in a 24hr period it stays. Dammit. My bff Wendy told me 5 to 7 days on average. My bff Gwen told me 7 to 14 days on average. I am at day 8. It is slowing, slowly. Last night I took off right around 40ml. Which is down from 60 - 70ml a few days ago, so at least it is going in the right direction. In a perfect world I can go in for removal on Monday. Please keep your fingers crossed for me if you happen to read this! 

I have my follow up on the 16th with the surgeon and am REALLY hoping for more information at that time!! Please! I'm still practicing patience every.single.day but I want to know all the things, and I want to know them now. 

It seems as though a lot of my tribe has the misconception that I should be lying in bed all day recovering. FYI that totally isn't the case. Other than the ^$*%* annoyance of this drain I honestly feel pretty good. I have some swelling and sensitivity where the lymph node was removed, and that is starting to rub some, but nothing worrisome or difficult. I was WAY more immobile with my October ankle sprain than this surgery. In many ways this is easier! The weather has turned a bit colder, and we did get quite a bit of fresh snow mid week, but I think I might dress up warmer and take the old dog out for a walk again today. I dragged Darrin out for a short walk as early as Saturday, post surgery. There is nothing better than fresh air and exercise for shaking off surgery fatigue. It's not -30 yet so I plan to enjoy it! 

That brings me to the end of the rambling for the moment. I'll be back after I see the surgeon next week. Keep cheering friends! So much love!! 

Peace and love

Barb

Comments

  1. LynneDecember 16, 2020 at 3:20 AM

    Good luck today. Will be thinking of you. Lynne

    ReplyDelete
  2. sallythewelshgirlDecember 16, 2020 at 4:01 AM

    will also be thinking of you today - sending big hugs XXX

    ReplyDelete

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