Hello everybody! It is Tuesday, April the 13th. I have just walked through my front door for the first time since surgery. I just left the surgeon's office and have come home for a little while while my mother is out running a few errands. Oh, how good it is to be in my own house using my own computer! My parents do not have internet service at their house, so I have been trying to stay connected by using my cousin's cellphone. I have been trying to put an occasional update on Facebook, and check those messages, but have been unable to receive my regular emails or update my blog. A big thank you to Cindy B for keeping that updated for me! (The collards, lasagna, jelly doughnuts, etc. were heartily welcomed too........thanks!) I just looked and I have 87 emails in my inbox!
Okay, so here's the latest. I went back to see the surgeon this morning for my followup visit. I had two drains in my chest and underarm that were draining fluid from my incisions. Due to the minimal amount of drainage coming from Drain #2, he was able to pull that drain today. Being an RN, I have pulled many drains in my day, so I was very aware of what was going to happen. To my surprise, I hardly even felt it! God is so good! I was dreading that so much. The surgeon was very pleased with how I am recovering, and told me to see him again on Tuesday, April 20th to pull the other one. He also made appointments for me to get started with chemotherapy and radiation. He removed 25 lymph nodes from under my arm, and 6 contained cancer. Because of this, radiation is automatically recommended. The chemo is a precaution for any stray cancer cells that might have gotten past my lymph nodes into my bloodstream. So.............those appointments are scheduled for the 23rd and 26th.
I am doing extremely well, and I believe that is directly a result of the prayers that have been said on my behalf. I required one dose of pain medication, and one dose of nausea medication on the day of surgery and that has been it. Even though I am sleeping in a recliner at my parents' house, I am sleeping all night every night. For the most part, I am able to do whatever I need to do, but I am being careful not to overdo it. I have spent many a day taking care of my mother after surgery, and now she is returning the favor. Even though it is humbling to have your mother wash your hair, cut up your food, and help dress you, there is also something very tender and comforting about it. I am now being tucked in every night with a kiss on the cheek! And who wouldn't be enjoying that!
Thank you so much for everything. The outpouring of support has just been phenomenal. I have enjoyed every visit, every message, every morsel! Even though I have a long way to go still, it has been so much easier with so many of you praying for me and supporting me, as well as my family. Thank you so very much. If you're in the vicinity of Bear Grass, stop by and say hello. If nobody's there, we're probably just taking a ride on the golf cart...............
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
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