Some independence is good

[Rubes1984]

Today I got to do a few things myself and darn did it feel good. After my lobectomy I have not been able to have a proper shower due to surgery wound sites and staples. A shower for last few weeks was only a half body and all my wounds needed covering with plastic + tape as they could not get wet. Today I got to have a real shower and wash my hair. I know that sounds very princess but I can't believe how much self care means to our mental health. And I got to do it independently. Showers are still difficult tho seeing my 3 surgery wounds and then recalling the surgery, the pain and the fear it brought. My wise fiance thinks I should smile when I look at my wounds and say "thank u my friends u saved my life". What a wonderful way to look at it. I am so greatful I have him in my life and I love how he can get me to see and think bigger about my cancer experience.

[SILLY]

I can imagine having a proper shower would feel wonderful after the not proper ones . It helps you to feel more normal. I remember not washing my face for almost 3 days except to have the water running over it. A nurse told me to do that the day after my op and I was given no other instructions about it on leaving hospital.I didn't feel it was clean. It's great that you have your fiance to help you to feel better about things. Keep getting well but don't push yourself too hard. Let your fiance spoil you a bit.

[Pamela]

Hi Rubes I can so relate to that! I did not even get a sponge bath in the first two days after my op, due to short-staffing. When I was finally helped to the shower with a bag over my arm splint, 2 drains and a nasal feeding tube, I was left to fend for myself. Very difficult but oh, so good! For the rest of my stay (11 days) my friend/carer/house-mate took over showering me and included the most welcome hair-wash. We met on-line and he followed my struggle to get treatment in the country. After my diagnosis, he moved me to his place and my 90 year old mum to an excellent aged care facility nearby. And he continues to be a most wonderful support and source of strength to me. It was his attitude towards my facial disfigurement that enabled me to stand tall in public when my doctor had confirmed my question 'Am I likely to scare kids in the street?' with 'Probably!' After doing so much for me in the early stages, it was a little difficult for him to let go when I started to do things, as he was concerned I would hurt myself. Without him, I wouldn't even be here - he's such a blessing in my life 🙂

[mg0080]

Hi Rubes You rock!! How wonderful a shower is! I understand :-) blessings mg

[sunny]

Hi I can relate to your "shower experience" and its like heaven. It is really sad to read that pamela didnt even get a sponge bath after her OP. The simples things can be so joyful-water tastes like champain if you could't drink,standing/walking is the best thing on earth( really THE best) afer beeing in a wheelchair for 1 year. All this little things can improve your well beeing so much and its really sad that the health system is struggling and this small and so important things fall off the wagon. Rubes, pamela and silly :you are all very strong and inspiring and I will look up at all of you. How encouraging. I wish you well, wish you heaps of strenght and that your future path is protected and shelterd. Love sunny

[Pamela]

Hi Sunny Thank you for your kind words. I am gaining so much from people on this site, including putting my own situation in perspective and seeing the strength of those who are bearing so much, either physical, emotional or mental. Prayers and good blessings for your health and well-being, too. Warm (((hugs))), Pamela 🙂