Greetings! It's been a little over two weeks since my mastectomy, and I am pleased to report that recovery is going well. The bruise on my left forearm from the anesthesia is fading. I do have some unexpected numbness in my armpits and it's numb across my chest. The wound is healing nicely, though. Interesting to note, there was a picture of an eagle in the hospital room.
I was surprised at how quickly I adjusted to having the drains, and Freddie helped me that first week with the stripping and draining. I must say the Jackson-Pratt system works really well. However, I wish I would've asked more questions about the drains and what that would be like before the surgery. I was so drugged from the the mastectomy that I still can't remember the conversation we had where we were given directions on how to manage the drains by the nurse. Luckily Freddy was there and remembered it all and was able to show me.
My circle of community has widened, and I must say thank you to all of you who prayed and sent out positive energy, reiki, and held the intention for successful surgery and uneventful recovery. My heart is truly touched by the out pouring of support and love from people all over that I consider part of my community
Tuesday of this week I saw the surgeon's assistant and she pulled the drains out so now I'm free, flat, chested woman! It feels pretty good. I'm still budgeting my energy and limiting activities for a couple more weeks. But I'm excited for what my new life is going to bring. I feel like I've been given a fresh, clean start. I've ordered some button-down shirts from thredUP, which is something I was never able to wear when I was well endowed. Buttons just did not work with my bust.
There's been some grieving, but I would really call it more of an adjustment. I have been mentally and emotionally preparing for the surgery for months and I was really looking forward to having it done. It's a relief, actually.
Now I can say I am living in remission, choosing Thrivership. I'm excited to share all the things that I've learned with others, and I'm looking forward to creating circles of community for healing, holding events and workshops in the near future and beyond.
I can definitely feel the energy of Spring, I saw Green shoots at some nearby gardens (the Saint Paul Hotel and at the nearby Children's Museum) and I can sense the effervescence of activity in the Earth.
I'm reading Braiding Sweet Grass. Have you read this book? Oh, it's such a beautiful book. I'm savoring each chapter, trying to take my time with it. I learned about the three sisters. This book has me thinking about everything as a gift from the Earth, which it is. This type of thinking is a shift for our western mindset, where we obtain everything through a transaction. One never pays for sweet grass, it is a gift from the Earth. An offering is left in exchange.
Lately, I've been singing to my food as I prepare it, thanking the Earth for the plants and all her medicine. I feel like it's the least I can do at this time. And it feels like an appropriate offering.
Thanks for reading! Send me a message or leave a comment below here or on Facebook or Instagram. Let me know what's happening in your world. What are your joys? What are your sorrows? We must hold space for both.
Much love to you and yours. In gratitude,
Annette