Home Sweet Home Part Deux

Hi family and friends,

Mark and I returned home from the hospital on Sunday afternoon after 6 days. Thankfully, the free-loader was not what we thought he was. Instead of being an infection, the pain and bloating was caused by excess lymph fluid. During the surgery, they took out 12 lymphnodes so the lymph fluid that the lymphnodes would normally drain has no where to go. The scar tissue from the surgery is also causing drainage problems. I basically have to wait until the lymph fluid can develop new channels through which to drain. Until then, I am pretty bloated but luckily Mark has many comfy pants I can steal to wear.

While in the hospital, I was on antibiotics to treat what they thought was an infection and I had a catheter in my stomach to drain the fluid from the abscess. We spent a lot of time watching the Game Show Network so if you thought Mark and I were good at games before....don't "Press Your Luck".....We were so thankful to have such great visitors and thank everyone who came to either relieve Mark of his caregiver duties or to keep us company. We are happy to be home now and enjoying sleeping in our own bed. It stinks to be released from the hospital after surgery only to return 2 days later.

Today, Mark and I had a follow-up appointment with my gynecological oncologist and radiation oncologist that went very well. While in the hospital last week, Mark and I were given preliminary results from the pathology of my tumor after the surgery. We were told that the surgery went very well and the doctors feel very confident they were able to remove all of the cancer. Our doctors reiterated today the positive pathology report and although we are still not in the clear until I am tested 2 months down the road....this is GREAT news. My radiation oncologist said today that "he couldn't be more pleased with the results" and that he thanked my surgeon for such a successful surgery.

I am still in quite a bit of pain from the surgery and am really swollen from the lymph drainage. While they drained much of the fluid, I'm still left with excess in my abdomen. The plan is to see a specialist and start doing some physical therapy to help with the drainage. We are all hoping this will just be a temporary side effect.

Until then, I am just elevating my feet and now enjoying some time with Jaclyn who came to visit for a couple of days....lots of girly movies and a pedicure ahead.

Love, Hugs and Good Health!!