Monday's Dr. Appt.

Monday the 10th Mom had her appointment with Dr. Malay. Dad told me that Mom had been crying that morning. She said she looked "ugly" without her breast. Spirits were low.

She was so looking forward to having the drains removed. Her appt. was for 1:30 but she wasn't called in until 2:30. She was not too happy about sitting and waiting. She was extremely anxious.

The nurse came in 1st and took the dressing off Mom's incision. The look on Mom's face said it all. She was "down". Tears filled her eyes and I almost had to leave the room. I hate when she cries. I know she is entitled and I know she will have many days like that, but I still hate when she cries. I just want to fix everything. NOW.

Then the nurse gave us the bad news that the drains would not come out. Dr. Malay came in and confirmed. Mom was draining too much, still. If they would have removed the drains, she would have swelled and they would have had to put them back in, which would mean another operation.

Dr. Malay told us to keep stripping the drains and let her know if the drainage was less than 30 ml for at least 3 days in a row. That is when the drains can be removed. :(

Dr. Malay gave Mom a hug, though and Mom smiled at that! She has another appt. for next Monday. Let's hope the drains come out then.

I was off work on Tuesday due to Veterans Day. When Mom got up, we prepared to do our nursing duties and strip the drains. Well, the damn things had somehow partially slid out of her during the night! I called the Drs office, who told me to call Home Health Care. They sent a nurse out to check on Mom. Thank God everything was fine. She said that as long as the fluid was still draining and there was no leakage from the incision, there was nothing to worry about. Mom's blood pressure was good and her heart and lungs were in great shape, as well.

Now we pray that things move along as they are supposed to and the Dr. removes the drains next Monday.

Mom has her next appt. with Dr. Simon (oncologist) on Nov. 20th. At that time we will find out when radiation begins. She still has 6 1/2 weeks of that to look forward to. Dr. Simons will make her smile. She has a way of cheering Mom up.

I will keep you updated.

Mo