Christ is Risen! Alleluia!

17 April 2022

          Alleluia! My Lord is risen! His resurrection from the dead is a liberation for us from our sins. Let us go forth and boldly proclaim His triumphant victory over darkness and all that it represents. We are assured that His love for us has given us new life, new hope. We should have complete trust in our Lord and a faithful following of His teachings.

       For today's tea, Derrick took great pains in making Easter bunny pancakes, which were too adorable to be devoured. It was a delightful tea, a little celebration of Easter at home, a perfect end to my convalescence at home as I return to work tomorrow. 

Day 28 Post-Op

 14 April 2022

        Four Thursdays ago, a jittery, apprehensive bunny was wheeled into the operating theatre for her total hysterectomy. Later, in the evening, I was safely returned to my hospital room, in pain and in cold. The former was soon alleviated by means of a portable painkiller dispenser. As for the latter, an angel found my socks and helped me put them on.

        This angel and I have shared 33 years of friendship. We've argued and made up, we've gone through thick and thin, we've attended each other's weddings (I was even her bridesmaid), we've gone on a memorable trip to Melbourne together (and Santorini's on the cards for our 50th birthday)...she is truly one of God's greatest blessings to me.

With Angeline (the Angel I was referring to) at Great Ocean Road

        Four Thursdays later, I am almost fully recovered. Apart from the occasional light-headedness, I have no other complaints. I have resumed most of my normal routines, including cooking. I will resume driving this weekend (no choice as I have to return to work next week). Hubby just reminded me over dinner that I am still to steer clear of lifting heavy things, especially when I go back to work.

        One of my usual activities that I miss is my exercise regime. As much as I miss it, I know it's too soon to resume working out on my crosstrainer, dancing zumba, lifting weights or even doing some of the torso-stretching yoga poses. Ah, perhaps tomorrow during my follow-up, Dr. Chuah can give me an indicator when it's safe to do all that again.

The Return of the Kitchen Goddess

9 April 2022

          It's already day 23 post-op and I've been gradually resuming my normal routine. Besides taking short, slow walks outdoors, I've also started taking the trash out, watering my parched plants and have gone for rides with hubby. Today, for the first time since my surgery, Derrick and I had brunch outside. It was at our favourite eatery, Mushroom Pavilion, which has less diners in the morning. In addition, I resumed cooking, albeit on a much smaller scale. Derrick was most excited to feast on his wifey's cooking and gleefully went to the market to procure all the items on the given long list. Nevertheless, he thoughtfully came to check on me when I was in the kitchen.

       It definitely feels good to be almost fully back to my usual routine. As much as I love and anticipate my parents' daily visits (with food and nutritious soups), it breaks my heart too to see my two precious darlings having to go out of their way to pamper me. After all, they are both already in the eighties. Although I delight in being treated as a princess by Derrick, I do feel bad at times as I have never been one to lie idle.

       However, there's one thing I've been doing during my convalescence that I would definitely miss when I return to work. Resting at home with all the time in the world, I get to shop online. And there's the assurance that I'm at home to receive the delivery. This evening, I was thrilled to receive another Le Creuset purchase - a 19cm Marseille rectangular stoneware dish. My mind is already whirring with recipes to put this new baby to use.

Me waiting for the courier delivery

My new baby

        "Irene, oh Irene, to stave off your shopaholism and protect your bank account balance, it's best you go back to work soon!" 😂

Baby Steps To Recovery

2 April 2022

        As planned, I ventured out of the house this morning for a short and slow walk outdoors, accompanied by hubby dearest. I had planned for a 10-minute walk, as advised by the physiotherapist on the Internet. But I found that I'd completed a 1 km walk in 15 minutes when I checked my watch later. This included 3 pauses during the walk as I felt light-headed at times. 

Happy to get some sunshine and fresh air, albeit for a short while

     It was also time to remove the dressing over my wound. Arghh! Now I can view my wound clearly. It does look ugly and when I sit, I can see the indentation on my lower abdomen. Derrick examined my wound and said it's healing well and it's very clean. He explained that the indentation is because of the absence of the organs. I don't like the look of it and will aim to do abdominal exercises to flatten my belly as much as possible. This, of course, will have to wait until after 3 months.