December 10, 2025 - Recovery

Recovery has been interesting. Can't lift more than 5 pounds, can't reach up very high, have to sleep on a wedge pillow or an incline, on my back, have to wear the surgical bra or sports bra constantly..... 

I started showering by myself a few weeks back and even though I can't raise my arms very high, I figured out that I can tilt my head to each side and wash my hair that way. That made a world of difference!! Miss Independent couldn't bathe herself and now can! Big moral booster! 

I've even gotten better about dressing myself - the bottom half wasn't an issue but putting on shirts was a challenge unless it was a button-up. We're into the colder temps now so that means long sleeve shirts and sweatshirts.... at this point about half of the time I need help. 

I ordered some front clasping bras so that I can change up my wardrobe some - the surgical one came up very high on my chest and, well, was pepto pink.... easily seen thru lighter colored tops. 

I've also returned to work... I have a desk job so it's not too challenging physically. I did have to have my co-worker open my soup can for lunch one day. Again, had to ask for help doing a menial task.. gut punch. Otherwise, work has been normal. I do have to get up and move around from time to time as sitting at my desk causes me to stiffen up a little. 

Took a couple weeks off from VCU for the Thanksgiving holiday. They had some abbreviated days and full schedules so it was no biggie. Nathan and I hosted Thanksgiving as usual. Adrianna and Jay came in from Chesapeake and Christian, Sam and the baby came over so we had a full table for Thanksgiving. Friday, Tracey, Chris, their daughter Izzy, their son Ethan along with his wife Ally and their son came into town. Naturally they came here, ate, chatted, hung out.. then my "foster daughter" Heather and her hubby Zak came in so again, full house Friday evening. Hearing all the chatter and laughter makes my heart happy. Saturday we went to the Marina and watched Santa come into town on his pontoon boat, followed by pictures with Santa. Always a fun time. Then it's off to town to get stuff for our Angel Tree kids. This has become the tradition with the kids and Tracey's family. 

  

We've had a couple of early snows this year too.... quite a bit considering how early in the season it is for it. I blame one of my "bonus moms" as she was planning a trip to come visit. I had just told her it doesn't snow this early up here.... Mother Nature decided to say "Hold my beer" because we got a few inches on Friday then again Monday. She came to visit anyway, just came up Saturday morning instead of Friday afternoon. It was so awesome to have her here. We spent the weekend chatting, laughing and just catching up. So much "into the moment" we took 0 pictures! She left to go back home Monday morning, ahead of the 2nd round of snow. A short visit, but I loved every single second of it. 

 

So, this morning I ventured back to VCU for another fill of my expanders. They decided to go ahead and fill with the remaining amount "prescribed" since I'd gotten excess in my previous fills and handled that well. I will say, today my chest is tight and raising my arms is definitely a little more challenging. This will subside in a couple of days, so at least it should, as my skin stretches to handle it. It's definitely a WEIRD feeling when they do the fills. 

I asked about wearing the bra constantly and I was given the OK to take a break periodically, just not the first few days after the fill. I did make them laugh when they suggested a tank top with the built-in bra... I reminded them I can't raise my arms high enough. Then it was suggested that I step into the tank... my response had them laughing out loud. I asked if they had seen the size of my rear-end... there was no way I could step into a tank! I usually have them laughing before I leave. 😀 Otherwise, healing is good and nothing bad to report! Can I get an AMEN!?!? Unfortunately, still have to sleep on the wedge or at an incline on my back... boo-hiss....

Despite the cold, snowy conditions, the roads were fine, just wet, so I made it there and back without issues. I have 2 days of appts next week so thinking I'll get a hotel and stay there instead of driving 2 days in a row.