One thing I’ve learned after multiple surgeries now is to appreciate little things. Since it was my third time with drains after my recent procedure, I knew what to expect, but I still hated them and couldn’t wait until they were out.
Besides the freedom of movement from the drains, I was also so excited to no longer have to wear the “drain shirts” or shirts with pockets inside for the drains. Prior to my mastectomy I had ordered three of these button down shirts from Amazon and they are great but after a few days of wearing the same three shirts over and over I got tired of them very quickly. I wanted to wear a Phillies shirt or anything other than the blue, gray or purple button down shirt I’d been wearing every day since my last surgery.
After finally getting my second drain out on Friday, I almost forgot it was removed as I was getting ready for bed. I was changing into my pajama bottoms and ready to climb into bed with my drain shirt that I’d been wearing all day and overnight. Then I realized I can change my shirt! I can finally change out of the drain shirt! I almost ran over to my dresser in excitement to put on the matching pj top.
Yes the little things are so fun to celebrate in this long journey. On Friday night I celebrated being able to wear the shirt of my choice and not being limited to the three button down pocketed shirts I have. Hey if I timed it better, I could have been a vampire for Halloween. I had drains with blood (and other gross bodily fluid) hanging out of me, it would have been so realistic! Just kidding, trying to find the humor where I can.
So the excitement the end of this week, aside from the Phillies, was being able to wear another shirt. Small steps can lead to bigger steps and that’s ok. I don’t need giant steps to get where I’m going, just one step at time.
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