I had surgery yesterday and look a bit like Frankenstein this morning, but I'm home. It was a long day as I had to be at the medical center at noon and did not get home until 9 pm.
The longest/hardest part of the day was the nuclear test - not sure medical term for it. The poor technician kept apologizing and as I told him, "not your fault, it's your job." He was upset that he had to shave a patch of my hair - he thought it was a beautiful color and said it may change color a bit from the procedure. Again, I reassured him that it will grow back not his fault. He injected the radioactive material via needle into my scalp - let me just say that hurt like hell. I gritted my teeth so hard my jaw is sore today. I had to lie still while the material goes through the body which was fine. At one point I had to hold my arms over my head for over 30 minutes as the machine scanned. Although the tech provided something to grip, it was hard. So you know my shoulder joints are hurting today. Well, this test can take up to two hours and guess who took almost the entire time. My lymph nodes were not cooperating (stubborn like me I guess). Finally got what was needed.
The surgery itself lasted about three hours - I was the last surgery of the day. The melanoma was removed and they did a skin graft to place on my scalp for healing (I had been warned). They removed the lymph node (not sure how many). Good thing I'm not vain about scars on my neck. I also have a bun (again not sure medical term) on my head for protecting the area. I'm telling you I look the cutest I ever have....LOL!
I was very groggy when my BFF Patti picked me up, but we made it home. I felt off kilter and apparently walked that way (you'd think I was drinking or something). I had some soup my friend Mary had brought over with a mini croissant and was done for the night. Now to read the after care instructions...too tired to understand last night.
They sent me home with a donut for my head and some hair caps and such. I did sleep fairly well considering I was propped up.
Won't know anything further for at least a week. Then follow-up with doctor in about 10 days. Good thing I have some cute hats to wear.
Hopefully, the above make sense as I'm sipping my first cup of coffee today. Take care. Chat soon. Blessings to all! Marie