Feeling OK

Today is day five post-op and I’m feeling pretty good. I had hoped to post an update sooner, but between pain medication, sleep, visitors and the fact that sitting upright can still be a bit uncomfortable, suddenly here were are.

I feel much better than I thought I would at this point in the process, but today I am feeling TIRED so I will keep this update brief.

The mass is out. It was even bigger than it looked on the CT scan–more than 16 cm instead of the 14.4 cm estimate given by the radiologist. Upon my request, Dr. S texted me a picture of the extracted tumor. To me, it looks like a Chipotle burrito made of pork. If you’d like to see if, let me know. It’s not for everyone.

Surgery involved five incisions – four small running from the start of my left floating ribs to my left hip, one larger where the mass actually came out. Dr. S described it as being like delivering a tumor via C section given that the bigger incision is down by my bikini line. From what I can tell, it’s the small incision by my hip that hurts the most. I suspect that incision is closest to the former home of the mass.

Update: there are actually six incisions, not five. I need to pay closer attention!

Tomorrow is my follow-up appointment with Dr. S (including, hopefully, a pathology report on the mass*). Today I am doing my best to keep my mind occupied so do feel free to say hello. Unless I’m sleeping. And I’m likely sleeping.

For your entertainment, here’s an inadvertently alarming selfie I posted while still under the influence. Red velvet cake via Make My Cake and my friend Adrienne.

Later I will tell you more about the surgery if you would like to read.