Page 209 - She's One Crazy Lady!

of time I was able to ask her so many questions:
Why did she want it done?
“Like you, to me it was part and parcel of the cancer journey. I wanted that feel-good factor back. This is a bonus – one of the positives to come out of having breast cancer.”
Did she come up against any opposition?
“Yes. My husband and my children did not want me to have it done but they all gave me their full support at the time of the operation and at home afterwards.”
How long was her operation?
“Ten hours.”
How long was her stay in hospital?
“Seven days.”
What was the most painful part?
“The tummy part, not being able to walk upright for a few days.”
What were her worst moments?
“The first couple of days after the operation and the feeling of being so hot while the new boob and the blood vessels began to take and settle down.”
How long was she off work?
“Just over three months – I needed all that time.”
Were there any stitches?
“Yes, lots, But they were all self-dissolving.”
How did she manage when she got home?
“I had a lot of help with washing, cooking and housework. My best friend helped me in and out the shower until I was able to manage on my own.”
I caught Marilyn’s eyes ... ‘if you think I’m going to do that...!’ We laughed! – I didn’t ever ask her, or anyone!
What did she wear after the operation?
“Nothing at all, for the first few days, then pyjamas.”
Was she glad she’d had it done?
“ABSOLUTELY!!!”
What was her best piece of advice?
“Just go with it! And take things quietly afterwards, don’t rush about
and don’t go back to work too soon.”
Like she said, everyone’s story was different. Mine was!
After I’d had the reconstruction, and I was at home, I wrote up my
account of the experience in length. (I wrote over 22,000 words!) Enough for a dissertation and for a book in its own rights! Don’t worry. I have re-read my ‘my first draft’ very carefully, as did Mr Varma, (who thought I was going to publish it in 2004) and have provided you here with a condensed account.
Back to the preliminary consultation. When I was called in Marilyn, didn’t wish me luck but offered a reassuring smile as if to say, ‘Go on then!’ I knew she was concerned and was worried about me, especially as she had listened to Denise’s answers to my questions – but she also
“Like you, to me it was part and parcel of the cancer journey. I wanted that feel-good factor back. This is a bonus – one of the positives
to come out of having breast
cancer.
”
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