TT? Check!

[KelDC]

I am home!!!  As several people predicted, the worst part is the sore throat from the breathing tube.  It's horrible.  I've been drinking a ton of fluids (and peeing ever 15 minutes...that was fun with the IV stand in the hospital!).  I've taken pain meds a couple of times... they help me sleep, so I love them.  =)

I had some problems with my heart rate last night - it was super high,and the nurse taking my vitals at midnight says, "Whoaaaa!"  So, that freaked me out.  She spoke to the doctor, and he said it is very common.  It was better this morning, then spiked again, but I feel fine.  My blood pressure was low, too, but seems to be rebounding.  My calcium level was holding well....it went from 8.7 right after surgery to 8.3...he said it was fine this morning, too, but I never got the number.  

The surgeon said it went beautifully - very little bleeding, and it came out so easily that the operation was shorter than expected.  He took the bandage off today - all I have are steri strips. He said that there are absorbable sutures on the inside, so I don't have to have stitches removed!  Yay to that!   There isn't much swelling either... I'm in awe!

Of course, they ignored both the note and my verbal reminder that I am allergic to Betadine and used it anyway...so I have a rash all over my chest and neck.  It's very pretty. Thankfully, it does not itch, but I'm taking my allergy med tonight anyway.

I get to take a shower tomorrow, which might be the best thing that ever happens to me.  =)

My endo called me back today, and she is sending me a script for Synthroid. I have Cytomel, but as I am doing Thyrogen for the RAI, she said I can start my Synthroid now. I can take Cytomel in the interim. I will start it tomorow and hopefully adjust to it well.

I cannot believe that I had an operation yesterday and am home and mobile and able to do things. It's mind-boggling. I truly hope dscoochie is doing as well...she should be home tomorrow.  

Thanks to all of you for your amazing support, guidance, friendship, prayers, and humor - it helped more than you could know.  Thank you thank you thank you!!!

[KelDC]

Thank you SO MUCH for all of your kindness and support - I couldn't have done it without you.

I am taking it easy and resting a lot. My mom is going home tomorrow, and I am sad about that.  I took my very first thyroid pill (Cytomel) tonight....here's hoping I adjust well to it.  It's been about an hour and a half, and so far so good.  

Taking a shower this morning was the highlight of my week...seriously, it was amazing.

My surgeon is going away to a conference, but he told me to call his office on Friday and the pathology report should be in.  I am looking forward to having some definitive answers.  No lymph node involvement that he could see; so that was encouraging.

My neck is sore, but mostly when moved - coughing, sneezing, yawning, and nose-blowing are pretty painful. Talking is okay, though I am trying to take that pretty easy, as it hurts after a bit.  Swallowing is rough, too, but it's improving every day. I'm drinking a ton of fluids, and I've eaten some regular foods, too, with little trouble. I'm very tired, as well.

I have a picture of my neck w/the steri strips in place.  I have a new camera, though, and I have yet to figure out how to download it to the computer. I will try that tomorrow.  Not like I have much else to do right now!  =)

Again, thanks to you all for all the support - you are truly amazing people!  I am happy to answer any questions for those with upcoming surgeries, too. I know how much it helped me!  

[skeeter42]

Welcome home and hoping you are feeling better today.  It sounds as if we had the same surgery.  I didn't have stitches either.  Did you have a drain?  My throat was really sore from the tube as well.  

Keep us posted and as shannon828 said--picutres when you feel better!!

We like those pictures to see how everyones incision looks like!!!

[Trica]

Welcome Home!!!!!  I knew you could do it!!!!!  NO HEAVY LIFTING, It has alot to do with the way your scare will look.  I wouldn't even lift my son until my post op appointment.  When you stretch that area you are strecthing the sutures inside and they aren't as tight as they could be while healing.  I had the same type with the steristrips on the outside.

I am so happy it's over for you.  I know you were scared of being put under and now IT"S OVER AND YOUR AWAKE AGAIN!!!!!! YYYYAAAAHHHHH!!!!

[worriedinmd]

Welcome to the double smile club :))

- viv

[CatieC]

Welcome home - I'm glad everything went really well.  Now you can relax and let your body heal. Keep us posted on how you area doing. And when the steri-strips come off, show us your battle scar.

[stella5349]

I am so gald to hear your energy back. We all pulled for you. Surgery is so stressful-- just the word is ARGH..!!!!

Glad your home :)

[MJ13]

Congrats on such a successfull surgery!!!  Just make sure not to overdue things for the next week, especially lifting things.  I was surprised the neck muscles you use on simple everday things that you don't realize until you've become a member of the double smile club!!  Sounds like your calcium level is doing great also.  Just make sure to call your doc if your fingers, lips, or toes start stingling.  Again....Welcome to the Double Smile Club :-))

MJ

[MKlacza]

WELCOME HOME!! Hip hip Hurray!!! So glad everything went well..

The surgery really fo rme wsa the easy part. Its adjusting thats a little bear for me right now!

When you get a a chance, post a pic!!

[shannon828]

Wahoo!  You made it!  Thank you so much for sharing your experience.  I am completely freaking out about Friday, but heaing your story is putting my mind more at ease.  When do you get your pathology report?  Did they take any lymph nodes while they were in there?  We will be needing a scar pic at some point, you know?

So happy to hear it went so well, I never had any doubts :)

[octbride]

so it really wasn't that bad????? i am so scared...i just had a minor break down last night and i'm not until may 6!  is your neck really sore?

[kipland]

Awesome!!  So glad everything went so well.  Make sure you take time to rest and don't over do it.  That shower is going to feel SO good......I still remember how good that felt after mine.
Take care!

Lori

[ChitChatNine]

This is wonderful news to hear!!!!!  WELCOME HOME to your home and the community!

Cheryl