family support – Why me? Why Not?

Sweet Slumber

Published on February 24, 2020September 2, 2026 by Lisa HockadayLeave a comment

I’ve been home for almost 30 hours and awake for perhaps four of them.

I’m in good hands. Mom, Bobby, the boys and our friends are allowing time to move forward while I slow down and recover. I slept in the recliner downstairs with B close by on the couch.

It’s early Sunday morning, and I have already made a new friend. Don’t ask me her name, but she is awesome. She is my home health nurse.

I knew she was coming. I planned to wake up early, shower, put on a cute pink post-mastectomy outfit and eat breakfast. I even wanted my medications working their magic before she rang the doorbell.

Instead, I awoke to a stranger smiling over me as I attempted to sit up, half-dressed and wiping drool from the side of my face.

There is no time for vanity.

My nurse, like so many nurses, is a gem. She begins my day by reassuring me that I’m healing.

I’m tired today. Exhausted, really. I take medication for nausea, and AJ wants to watch a show with me, but I don’t even make it through the opening credits.

I will temporarily be walking with a cane. I’m using muscles to stand that my body is not accustomed to using. Two hours later, I take more medication and I’m out again.

Bobby fashions a shower chair for me from a laundry hamper. The shower feels so good that I stay until I’m wrinkly and the hot water runs cold.

Clean body, clean drains and cute pink post-mastectomy clothes. I opt for a change of scenery and spend some time in bed. I attempt to watch another show with AJ, but I can’t resist the comfort of my own bed and once again fail to stay awake.

I miss spending time with the kid. Even while I sleep, he stays.

The day is now turning into evening, and we are waiting for dinner from one of our amazing friends and neighbors. Mom wants to watch American Idol.

Our evening is planned!

XOXO,

Lisa

No Place Like Home

Published on February 23, 2020September 2, 2026 by Lisa Hockaday4 Comments

Good news! The doctors took me off the IV and later told me I was doing well enough to go home earlier than planned.

Bobby had my things packed in a flash. It still took most of the night and the following morning before I was finally discharged.

We came home to a fabulous welcome from our friends and family. It was so touching that the ugly cry completely took over.

It feels wonderful to be home, but I am exhausted. I’ve already taken several naps, and I also have a home health nurse caring for me. I promise to share more details soon.

My original plan was to sit at the table with my family and play games, but I’m not quite at that energy level yet.

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Two Days Post Surgery

Published on February 20, 2020September 2, 2026 by Lisa Hockaday1 Comment

We received wonderful news: Only the sentinel lymph nodes were removed. This is a good sign that the cancer has not spread.

Last night, I was able to sleep in three-hour stretches. Throughout the night, the nurses remained vigilant—clearing drains, checking tissue, changing IV fluids, administering countless pills and monitoring my heart rate, blood pressure and temperature.

Regardless of the hour, even at 3 a.m., going to the bathroom is quite an ordeal. Bobby was sleeping so deeply that I resorted to throwing pillows and empty cups to wake him.

We unhooked cables, leg cuffs and monitors. I gingerly inched out of bed and, shuffling behind my IV cart, made the arduous journey to the bathroom. The journey back is another story in itself.

Last night, I received well wishes from so many friends and family members. My mom and the boys came for a visit and brought baskets of gifts filled with love. My boys took turns walking with me through the halls of the ward.

I hope to see them again tonight, but there are weather warnings, and we don’t want them traveling on unsafe roads.

It took some time to get comfortable this morning, but right now I am feeling pretty good. My teeth are brushed, my belly is full, Bobby combed my hair into a ponytail and I’m snug in my bed.

The doctors say I’m healing beautifully and expect me to leave on Saturday or Sunday.