Making a new post for this so it's seen. I think my repeated updates on the latest page were just getting overlooked.
So it's been just over a week since I've had this surgery, and I've had a couple people asking why I mentioned having a big incision on my chest (I mentioned it in passing in my previous update). I think I sorta forgot no one would know much about that. I purposely didn't go into full details before the surgery in favor of not worrying people. I didn't want people to be scared for me and express doom and gloom, because I needed to be optimistic myself. But since it's after the fact, I suppose it's okay to be a bit more open.
What you probably do know is that after having had testicular cancer taken out last October, this was a precautionary surgery where they would take the other testicle out (this one didn't have cancer, but due to the kind I had in October, it was at high risk of getting it). This time around, they also removed all of the lymph nodes around my kidneys (although I misheard and thought they said around the heart at first, so it's probably even better that I didn't say anything too soon). I guess if this cancer were to spread, those lymph nodes would be the next most likely place it'd spread to. To achieve this removal, there is a line going from the top of my abdomen to the bottom of my belly. It was a very intense and invasive surgery. And no easy task either; I was in surgery for about eight hours.
I have a picture (link below), but click at your own risk. The pic is from yesterday and it's already healed quite a bit, but it's still pretty scary-looking, and may be uncomfortable to see if you're faint of heart. I know I was shocked. But in case anyone wants a visual, I've got you covered. (Also, it's a big wound, but otherwise, safe for work; no private areas are shown.)
http://imgur.com/Qxi57GQ
Anyway, I'm no medical expert, but I assume the incision is the way it is in favor of making everything the surgeon needed accessible in one cut (the testicle was taken through the same incision). So it's one big wound, but it actually hurts less than if several were made (it honestly hurts much less than my other surgery back in October), and I'm to understand it will heal faster.
With that said, on the plus side it's only been a week since this surgery, but it's made a lot of progress and the pain is already much more manageable (I mean, there's still plenty of pain, but I can deal). When I was discharged from the hospital this past Friday, many doctors and nurses were frankly impressed by how fast my condition's improved. So am I! A good attitude can make anything happen I guess. :D
***
Despite my good fortune so far, it's too soon to say when I can get back to regular posting for Rain. I will be doing doctor visits and tests for a while no matter how fast I recover, and of course, I don't want that to get in the way. But I'll keep you posted as soon as I'm able.
While it's a little hard for me to sit in my drawing chair for any length of time right now, typing this out has been pretty comfortable and easy. Maybe we can expect some more written stuff from me during this time. It's better than just sitting around, you know? ^_^
Anyway, take care for now, all. I thank you all for your good vibes and attitudes and all that through this. Please feel free to keep 'em coming; the power of positivity goes a long way. I hear fanart and fanfics do wonders to expedite the healing process as well. ;P
Seriously though; thank you. Much love, Rain Beaus~! <3
You're wonderful, and I am sure we all eagerly await new chapters, but I am equally sure we can wait until you are ready for it. Good things take time and focus, and healing is a good thing too.
I don't think I've commented on the cancer this time around, and I feel pretty bad for it. I'm glad to hear everything's getting better for you though. And if you're going to write, maybe you should try to write a full scene of Ky and Drew's date? ;D
I'm a new reader, I just started reading yesterday and caught up today. I love this comic. It resonates with me and my personal experiences, though I am a trans man and not a woman it seems the experience is similar overall. I really hope you get better soon. Take care.
I hope the recovery process goes smoothly, take as much time as you need before you get back to drawing! That's a pretty gnarly incision, but it looks like the surgeons did a good job.
I just wanted to tell you that I love your comic and I hope you get well soon !
I looked at the picture and was wondering if the doctors expect you to have a large scar?