On February 14, 2013 (yes, Valentine's Day), I was in surgery at the University of Nebraska Medical Center undergoing a total knee replacement. I was very anxious and nervous. It was actually my first time ever in surgery....no, I still have my tonsils, appendix, adnoids, and have never had a C-section with any of my 3 children. So, although I was dealing with severe knee pain and my orthopedic doctor had recommended this procedure, ultimately, it was "optional" in my mind.
It was also very different from my experience with cancer (AML Leukemia) even. That was a life-threating situation...I had no choice at the time to follow my doctors "orders" and undergo chemotherapy, a bone marrow transplant, and all the meds that go with it in order to survive. And yes....I was determined that it was NOT my time to go either.
So, back to the point. Best laid plans.....my orthopedic surgeon had told me that there was an approximate 6 week recovery period. No driving or swimming (I terribly miss my water aerobics classes) for 6 weeks. In-home physical therapy 3 times a week for 2-3 weeks and I opted for 4 weeks. Why? the pounding on my knee to assure the new prosthetic knee was properly and securely in place resulted in a severe case of sciatica. OMG....during week 3 I could barely stand straight up! I was hunched over in pain. I sought additional PT to get me through that misalignment and also a chiropractor who swore he wouldn't touch my new knee (and he didn't) to relieve what was excrutiating pain. I am now in week 5 of recovery and thankfully feeling much better. I am even walking around the house without a cane. Yeah!
So needless to say, the recovery period on top of the sciatica had me virtually laid out flat for a few weeks to say the least. My daughter's request for help with her fashion show (to construct shoes for her models) went undone. Facebook posts went out the window. Nevermind, tending weekly to my website (wwww.cancerkaleidoscope.com).And oh...you should have seen how many hundreds of emails I had when I finally got around to checking my inbox! Unfortunately, I even missed an order for a suncatcher that was put through my website.
The bright side: I had incredible caregivers! My husband and aunt where there to help me with chores, give me rides, make choices for me that I simply was afraid to do, and at the 4 week mark, even took me to the movies to see a flick I had been waiting for since it's announcement many months ago. My youngest son did much of the cooking. My middle son, did most of the transporting his younger brother to and from friends houses, taekwondo classes and confirmation class. My oldest daughter (the fashion designer) called and texted constantly to see how I was doing. Calls, texts, and cards came in from friends and family...and even a care package from my sister with a lovely, handmade get well card from my 10 year old neice. I was in such pain...but prayed for strength each day and thanked our Lord every day for being alive and blessed with a wonderful support system.
So, my apologies to my followers for neglecting to blog. You see...I am a total gal with a glass half full. I imagined being back to my simple little desk job in 3 weeks. That I would at least be able to sit at my computer a little each day. But sometimes even a strong sense of positivity and the best laid plans fall by the wayside. Lesson learned: listen to your body, rest, be patient, and take the time you need to heal. Soon enough you'll be back on your feet and raring to go once again.
So....I'm back...and next time I blog, it will be the #3 ingredient in my recipe for Survivorship! Stay tuned....
Blessings,
Lisa
If you or someone you know is needing care, check out this website:
https://mycancercircle.lotsahelpinghands.com/caregiving/home/
It allows for coordination of schedules, meals, rides, etc. so that there is no stone unturned and the patient gets the help he/she needs.
I wish I had known about this during my cancer recovery, when virtually EVERY neighbor brought lasagna to us for dinner!
