I suppose it's about time for another update; since it has been about a month since my last post. I know that post was depressing, but it's what I was going through and I'd like to be open and honest about that. I'm still going through it a bit, but time has healed it a little.
I've officially gone back into work and I'm on my normal schedule (which is an overnight schedule, but it's the shift I prefer here). It's a lot to get used to after working at home for a year and a half. I was hoping perhaps I could still work from home part time, but the GM has made it clear that "working from home" isn't a long-term thing they want to pursue. It was nice while it lasted, I suppose. I'm still hoping I can find somewhere to work from home in the future. That being said, it has been nice to catch up with work friends.
As far as cancer stuff goes, It's mostly the same. I went in for my 3 month follow up for my cancer surgeon, who literally doesn't have anything else to do anymore, and she finally said she was going to back off and let my cancer doctor take over; and if they have any concerns in the future, they would contact her. I'm glad to be done with that particular office, honestly. I don't think they really contributed anything to my recovery and it was just another place to go on top of everywhere else.
I got my monthly shot this week, and also talked to the doctor's nurse practitioner. They said there isn't really a lot they can do about my hot flashes, except hope that they get better with time. They can sometimes give a different anti-depressant that also helps with hot flashes, but they already went a certain route to avoid changing my anti-depressant medication. I also told her my shots were getting more painful for some reason, and she said she thinks maybe that has to do with the skill of the nurse giving it to me. I got a different person this time, and it didn't really hurt, but I did bruise and bleed a lot. They called it a "gusher," and got some blood on my pants. I'll insert a picture at the end.
I'd like to get my ovaries taken out at some point to avoid this. The nurse also said radiation could be an option.
I also had a follow up with my plastic surgeon yesterday. Things are healing up well, there are a few small scabs, but everything is looking good. I was told I can wear whatever bra or not-bra I want to and I can exercise normally again. Just probably not in the middle of the day, since it is summer. That is exciting, as I hate bras with a passion. None of my wire bras fit anymore, and most of my non-wire ones don't fit well either. I am left with a few bralettes and sports bras that don't always work with my clothing, so dressing has been kind of a pain. I'm dealing with a new body shape as well as ill-fitting bras that I had to wear during recovery, so there were a few meltdowns trying to find clothes to wear to work. Another reason working from home is better.
I have a 6 week follow up with the plastic surgeon, in which they will discuss doing some more fat grafting to fix the size and shape of the pre-cancerous side, and possibly lifting the reduced side some more.
Overall, pretty good news. My monthly shot treatment is just getting old. And I have to do this for 10 more years.
Picture of my shot site below.
