I planned a three day recovery. Monday for the surgery and Tuesday and Wednesday to relax, adjust to the pain, and get the anesthesia out of my system. I wasn’t in the hospital very long. I filled my prescription for Percocet but I chose not to take it. When I got home, I felt comfortable. I wasn’t in pain but I think it was the residual anesthesia in my system. I was really hungry, though. Mars volunteered to grab some take out for us. And while he was gone and because I felt fine, I decided to clean out the dishwasher. Really, really quickly. I didn’t need Mars walking in and catching me in the act. I didn’t use my left arm, the stitches were under my left arm. I was bandaged but not uncomfortably so. The biggest problem I will have for the next two days is taking it easy. I’m not the kind of girl who can sit still very long.

After lunch, I took a nice nap and I woke up feeling pretty normal. I took two Advil for the soreness, but it’s just that. I’m sore but I don’t consider it pain. Doctor Brother called me to check in. He was right. As the day grew longer, my throat got more and more sore. But, the cough drops are helping. I slept normally. Actually, peacefully. I’m happy that this part of the ordeal is over.

I spend day two of my recovery on Mars’ ugly old man recliner. The recliner has been a bone of contention between us for years. It’s ugly, it doesn’t fit right in the room, and it doesn’t match the decor. Did I mention that it’s ugly? But for me, today, it’s utilitarian. The tray table with everything I need bumps up right next to it. Utility.

It’s July and it’s hot out. The air is on and I’m experiencing something strange. Stillness. I’m on the recliner sitting still. It’s a weekday and I’m not at work. I’m sitting completely still and doing NOTHING. I realize something. I’m not really good at this. I would probably make a lousy housewife. Today is only the second day I have been at home recovering with nothing to do, mostly because I shouldn’t, and I am feeling restless. Alternately, I take a nap, read, surf  the web, and watch tv. Mars is at work so it’s just me and my little dog. And she’s not that excited that I’m home interrupting her routine. Day two is pretty uneventful.

On recovery day three, I’m out of my mind. I jumped on the internet to see if there are any food trucks around to pick up lunch and I call a friend to meet up after lunch. I probably shouldn’t be driving, but I do go back to work tomorrow and have to get there some how. So, I’ll see how I feel today. It’s another hot one today. Lunch is good and I had a nice time visiting my friend. I am feeling great. I’m still a little sore and I’ve chosen to medicate with Advil. No Percocet for this tough girl. After all the sleepless nights I’ve had in the past few months, I find myself back to normal. I’m sleeping soundly.

I’ve done some research on Stage 0 breast cancer and what I should expect over the next few months. I’ve been to many appointments and they’re all running into each other.  Before long, I should be starting radiation and I can’t wait to discuss next steps at my post-op appointment. Next Thursday.

Back to work tomorrow. Back to normal tomorrow. The new normal.