Post Op Post + Hats & Cats

Today is the first day I don't ache constantly since my port + bone marrow biopsy on Friday.

I had thought the bone marrow biopsy would be the worst, but I was so out of it, that I hardly remember anything about it.  The port though- that was a pain in the ass (well technically, the biopsy was, as it was on my illiac crest and my ass/lower back is tender from it- but you know what I mean).

I explained what it was like to have the port in me to my friend Will Corr, who visited me the day after- and commented on my port "It's like you're in a Cronenberg movie."  Yup pretty much, except minus, you know- the gross parts + murder.

Most of the aching from the port, and not so much the incision- it was the pressure of having a "thing" placed under my skin + muscle.  When I bend over, I can feel the weight of the port moving around etc.  Odd sensation.

Day-of was pretty bad, day after a little better- and today I can lift my arm above my head, and it's not a constant aching soreness.  Then again the meds they gave me are pretty *awesome* and won't let me drive as long as I'm on them.  Hopefully today is the last day I'll need them. I am surprised by how quickly I recovered from it though, 2 days isn't so bad.  The lymph node biopsy I had a few weeks ago put me out of commission for a week- then again that was a much more substantial procedure.

I also got a package yesterday:

I got my first hat.  I don't think I've worn a hat regularly since I was 11.  I think I'll need 3-4 more hats, Wendy will help me- so I can have some style with my hat selection.  I've been wearing it around, to break it in and getting used to wearing a hat- since I'll be wearing one for the next few months.  Oh and that's the Omega Man in the back there behind me, I do not want to be in a post apocalyptic world where Charlton Heston is the only survivor, or Will Smith for that matter.  Maybe Vincent Price though.

Wigs are typically geared more for women than men for obvious reasons- also, all of the men's wigs look like they belong on 1970's porn stars. I'm going the "hat" route.  I'll post thoughts on hair loss and chemotherapy in the future probably. I'll get my hair cut down to 1/2" in the next couple of weeks, since I won't be exactly needing it during chemo.  I haven't cut it in awhile, so I'm getting pretty mop-muppet-headed right now.

Thursday I'll finally begin my first chemo treatment, #1 of 8 (hopefully I'll keep the same amount of "looking forward to it" optimism after my 6+ treatment).  I'm making up a schedule of exercise, cooking, and stocking up pre-chemo-appointment that I'll be doing every-other week for the next few months.  I'm also curios as to how it'll effect me, whether my reactions to the meds will be strong side effects or minimal side effects.  The Doctor told me with my health and age, I should do fine with treatment, but I'll just have to see come Thursday and the days after. I'll probably post more about that next time, and what diet changes I'll be needing.  But for now: