Post (1st) Surgery Gratitude & Pathology Updates

Starting With Gratitude

As I navigate this journey, I'm overwhelmed with gratitude for so many things. My recovery has been smoother than anticipated in several ways:

• I've been able to sleep on my back much more successfully than expected

• I tapered off pain medication more quickly than anticipated

• The overall healing process has progressed well

My husband deserves special recognition - he's been my rock through all of this. On his very first day back at work after my surgery, he had to come home to help give me one of my required shots rather than letting me attempt it myself. His constant support, even when highly inconvenient, has been invaluable.

We also have to celebrate all of the wonderful support from the items folks have sent and celebrate the fact we are at 85% of the goal on Go Fund Me - that’s ALL YOU!! THANK YOU!

Recovery Updates

I'm happy to report my blurry vision (a side effect from anesthesia) has almost completely resolved. This made working extremely challenging last week, and I'm looking forward to improvement in the coming days. I also have some sort of skin rash/hives that they are attributing to the surgical prep, gotta keep it interesting, right?

One of the most difficult aspects has been the restriction on using my right arm - I'd probably give myself a C or D grade for compliance! The resulting swelling and achiness serves as a reminder to be more careful. Not being able to use my dominant arm has created significant challenges in my daily life (this was mostly comprised via voice to text - it takes much longer…and I still need to clean it up!). I did some folding of laundry one handed, and have so much guilt over Robie having to do ALL the laundry -especially when I’m being asked to shower daily, fresh clothes are needed when I have healing wounds, and my wardrobe is now severely limited.

I'm now learning just how many items in our home are positioned above shoulder height. Currently, I can still reach these things with my left arm, but after my next surgery, I won't be able to lift either arm above shoulder height. This means anything placed high - towels, dishes, hanging clothes - will be completely inaccessible to me. We live in a house built/designed by a couple who were both over 6 feet tall, so nearly everything is mounted too high - from towel hooks (even hand towels), to clothes racks, and shelves. Before my next surgery, we'll need to either relocate these essential items to lower positions or I'll need constant assistance. This has been a valuable learning experience that's helping us prepare more effectively for the challenges ahead.

Pathology Results

Now for the medical update. The good news which we are extremely grateful for - no metastatic cancer in the lymph nodes, woo hoo!! Happy Dance and we’ll stay here a moment. This is a very good thing. They biopsied four lymph nodes, making this finding quite conclusive - the cancer hasn't spread through that route.

However, other biopsies did find additional cancer, which changes the surgical approach to the reconstruction. I'm still processing this information and need to discuss it further with my surgeons to understand exactly what it means. While the plan won't be as straightforward as initially intended, I'm committed to rolling with whatever comes next. I'll share more details in upcoming "Being Honest" segments of the podcast after I've had those important conversations with my medical team. It’s probably more detailed than these updates require.

Support Updates

For those looking to help:

• We now have a meal train set up for both local and distant supporters

• For those from afar: You can place orders at local restaurants, and Robie or our friend Kim will pick them up (Tuesday or Friday nights during my long recovery to take some of the stress off Robie having to do all the cooking). You can sign up online - https://bit.ly/SRMeals 

• For local friends: We have someone coordinating the calendar for meal drop-offs as well. Please send me a direct message if you'd like information on how to participate with the local option!

• After the first surgery, Robie’s done the cooking and we’ve been eating out a bit as not being able to use my right arm has made me unable to even fold clothes… and unable to complete and get out info for meal trains! If it’s easiet for you, you are also always welcome to just Venmo Shawna (@ShawnaRodrigues) or Robie (@Rober-Lawrence) and tell us it's for dinner on a certain night! (Tuesday he made reservations for us at 900 Wall since it is my last meal for four days! - I’m liquid only 2 days before the surgery and 1 day after with no food at all for the 12-16 hours in surgery).

A Bit of Honesty….

Yesterday was a hard day for me. I recorded a segment that will be released on Being Honest that talks more about it, but there are hard days. It’s rough on my love when I have bad days and there is nothing he can do to make it better. I just want to make sure we keep it real. I’m focusing on the right things and keeping my head in a good place, that doesn’t mean this isn’t hard and that there aren’t bad days. You have to let yourself experience those, it’s part of life. ❤️ 

Funding Progress

I'm thrilled to share we're in the final push with just over $2,200 left to reach our GoFundMe goal! Your generosity continues to amaze me, and I'm so grateful to each person who has contributed to lightening this burden. Each bit adds up, I’m still surprised, humbled and grateful, that the majority of our donations have been $100 or more. If you’ve been holding back because you are only in a place to give $30, know that it still matters and is deeply appreciated. https://bit.ly/GFMShawna

Thank you for being part of this journey with me. Your support means more than I can express.

With heartfelt appreciation,

Shawna