Feeling pretty good!

I'm a 62 year old breast cancer survivor (lumpectomy, chemo and radiation in the early 1990's). Over 30 years ago I had my right ovary (and appendix) removed during emergency surgery when it was discovered a cyst had turned the ovary gangrene. On December 10 I had a dermoid cyst on my left ovary, my left ovary and my uterus removed. Today my doctor removed the steri-strips. I had been doing walking laps around the hospital and at home since the day after surgery (I had been exercising prior to surgery an hour a day every day for many years - I maintain my weight and try to eat good.) I am amazed at how good I'm doing and how good I feel following this surgery. Don't get me wrong - there is some discomfort - but I expected to have some if not a lot of pain (I took an occasional Advil when I got home - haven't taken any in days.) I have made it a point to wear the binder and to follow everything the doctor says - she says I can now drive, but I have to wait an additional 4 weeks for sex and to get back on the elliptical machine. I think I feel so "good" in part because I found out I don't have cancer again! That weighed soooo heavilly on me (I was very angry) - and I felt anything else was minor. I can deal with the discomfort of getting in and out of bed - it gets better every day. I have made it a point to hold my nose when I feel a sneeze coming on - I sip water when I feel a cough coming on - and I hold myself when I laugh. There is still a bit of swelling above the incision (the doctor did not have to cut the muscles - she moved them aside for the surgery). And starting tomorrow the doctor said I can get on the treadmill again to start walking. The best advice I can give anyone is to follow "the rules" the doctor gives you. And I think it's important to exercise and eat right. And this site has been very helpful.

That is great that you are doing so well. It is good to hear good news. Continued best wishes to you!