I apologise for the delay in filling you on. The photos were taken but the instrument to translate them had gone ( child ) so I couldn't progress and I didn't think you'd want to hear from me without the pictures. Indeed it occurs to me that you might never read the text at all but flick straight to the illustrations - a kind of surgical 'Readers Wives' ! Anyway, truth be told, I'm writing this retrospectively . At just over 8 weeks and the view is even better from here but I do, of course, need to plot my journey, for both of us.
The first couple of photos were taken on the day before I returned to School for the morning. I was concerned that I'd volunteered to go back too soon and I did feel very emotional, welling up with tears in the face of the warm welcome and encouraging words I received. I pointed out my scar to everyone I encountered. The tension inside me, wondering what they were thinking, was too great not to. Another person might have handled things differently, perhaps with dignified silence, not inviting comment, but I know myself and the opinion of others, their validation mattered.
I had covered the scar with the M&S Amazing Concealer but , honestly, it was still too sore , and before long I'd rubbed it off, preferring the emollient properties of Vaseline. It was a good day. I was quietly proud of myself for getting back in the saddle and putting my face back on but I have to say, it was exhausting . I guess a major triumph was the fact that not one child mentioned my scar .And believe me, if they had noticed, they would certainly have made comment. Pretty good for just over 5 weeks.
It was one thing to brave a class of 5 year olds, quite another to make Parents Evening for my 15 year old that night. My husband went as by 5 o' clock my courage had left me along with my energy.
These last 3 photos are taken on Saturday 12th November , almost 6 weeks after the operation. No make up and looking a bit sorry for myself but the scar itself has begun to flatten by this stage and the lump in my lip, presumably where the stitch has yet to dissolve , has reduced somewhat. I feel less clumsy eating now and in just a few days the skin over the scar can tolerate foundation and concealer.
To celebrate we go out to dinner - to Rudding Park. It's the first time I have felt like bothering to make the effort and genuinely believed that no one would know what I'd had done unless they truly scrutinised me. I don't have full sensation back in my cheek , lip or the side of my nose, but the mobility is back and, as my dear old Dad would say, feel almost human !
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