I started Physical Therapy!!

Hello everyone,
BIG NEWS...I started PT today with a wonderful person who is very experienced in helping women  who are recovering from a mastectomy.  WOW!!  She asked such great questions, was very encouraging and gave me a ton of HOPE that I will have a full recovery.  When I was an athlete in college my goals at PT were to get back for the next game.  Today one of my long term goals was to try and reach the cups on the top shelf and rotate my right shoulder back.  It made me laugh when I was filling out the questionnaire..how life changes.

One of my most annoying symptoms is nerve pain in my upper chest/arm pit area.  It feels like I have a sunburn on that skin and everything that touches it hurts.  She explained that those nerves were cut and now are misfiring.  She reassured me that the nerves grow slowly and that pain should lessen over time.  THANK GOODNESS

She cautioned me from overdoing it with the exercises at this point...just trying to increase flexibility not increase strength.(she must have seen it in my eye) I will try and follow her instructions and be patient in healing.  She also mentioned that going under anesthesia takes a real toll on your body, she has read that it takes 1 month to fully recover for every hour that you were under...that is over 6 months for me.  I guess I will be more patient and not expect to be back to normal 10 days after my 2nd surgery.

I have continued to be so BLESSED by all your kindness and encouragement.  This week I have gotten several cards from friends outside Spokane...how kind!  I also got the most beautiful flowers from a dear friend of mine.  I know I say this every post...but I have been shown so much grace and mercy and kindness.

Prayers:
*Genetic counseling appointment with the Providence geneticist(Nov.7)
*Nerve pain to lessen with time
*Upper back tightness
*Final decision on ovary surgery

Praise:
*Wonderful first PT session
*Sunny weather this morning after several days of rain in Spokane
*Going on walks and to lunch with friends...it is so encouraging to me.

God bless you all!