Monday, October 29, 2007

Blood Work

I had a good weekend, with very little side effects. Stomach did bother me, nurse today, told me to go ahead and take an anti-nauseous medicine, that way it can work, before I let it go too far and I do get sick to my stomach.

Got my blood work back and there is only two things they really look at, when deciding the amount of interferon I can receive. That is my white blood count, which is at 1.9. Back in July it was at 6.1. It is low. They also look at my Seg Neutrophil. It is at 22, and back in July it was 20.5. I guess that one is also low, but I am still receiving 49 million units of Interferon everyday this week.

Mom has to buy a thermometer tomorrow, because she has to take my temperature 2-3 times a day. If my temp hits 100.5 or greater, then we have to call the doctor.

I have had a headache today, but not bad as last week. I still took a pain pill this afternoon. I got an hour nap this afternoon. Last night, I had lights out before 11 pm, and didn't' want to get up when my alarm went off at 7 am.

God allowed me to see two people I haven't seen in years this week. Yesterday, at church, I was able to see a childhood friend. Last time we saw each other was 7 years ago. It was really nice to see him again. Today, I saw somebody from high school, who I recognized, but couldn't remember his name. He remembered my name. In an email to a friend, I said, I wonder who else God will allow me to see this week, I haven't seen in a long time.

Saturday, October 27, 2007

End of Week 1

One week down of high dose and three weeks to go. Thank you Father, for letting yesterday be and easy day for me. I was cold all afternoon, and I did have a headache. I did take a pain pill in the afternoon. Last night went to my niece's open house at her school. I saw my best friend and her family. I took pics of my niece's work that was being shown. Who else did I see? The p.e. teacher, music teacher, and sixth grade teacher. Why do I mention them? Because I had them when I was a student at that school back in the early 80's.

Last night, my high school and played my mom's high school. We went to arch rival high schools. They play for bragging rights and a bell. We drove past the game on the way home, my team was winning at the time, but alas, my team couldn't keep the lead.

I slept in my bed last night, first time in a month. I can't sleep on my right side, but can on my left side and most of the night on my back. During the week, I will sleep in the recliner, because of the needle connected to the port.

I drove today, and went to Wal-mart and the grocery store. I took my time. Tomorrow, I am going to church in the morning, and will probably go to my parent's church for the evening service. I had a small headache this morning. I haven't been cold, no shakes. I have felt great today. My stomach has bothered me a bit today. Father, thank you for allowing me to have a great weekend, and not feeling any of the side effects.

In the past week, the colors have really been changing. I was driving up the driveway this afternoon, and the tree behind the house, just looked gorgeous. This is what I have missed the whole time I lived in TX. Fall is my favorite season.

I had sent out a mass email before coming to my blog asking people to pray, because I found a hard area in my upper thigh going towards the groin. I felt in the same area on my left thigh, nothing is hard, just soft. This could be nothing, but I am going to ask the nurse at the hospital Monday morning, when I go in for my treatment. If the nurse thinks I should get it checked out, I will see if I can get in to see my surgeon Wednesday morning. I don't have to see him until November 14. I do see my onc this next Thursday morning. I do not want any new problems. Lord, I give this to you, and please help me not to worry about it.

Thursday, October 25, 2007

God's Autumn Palate









We got home around noon today. I had my camera in the car, so I walked up the driveway, so I could take more pictures of the trees. They have changed more since Saturday. These are all from my parents yeard.

Receiving my Treatment







The top pic was taken on Monday, the rest were taken today. *Note*: My mom took most of the pictures. There is a couple of pics showing the bag of Interferon. That bag is holding 49 million units. My mom thought I was weird in wanting to have these pictures taken.

Wednesday, October 24, 2007

Week 1: Day 3

Today is day 3 of the high dose. I woke up with a headache, basically had one all day, still do. I get Tylenol before the treatment starts to help my temperature not go up. Today I started at 97.7 and went up to 98.7. The Tylenol I took this afternoon hasn't helped my headache, it is finally not has bad has it was earlier this afternoon.

I couldn't take a nap this afternoon, because of the headache and I was cold and shaking. I talked to God about it, and tried to sing mentally, but that didn't help either. God answered my prayer, by not stopping them both when I wanted them to stop. Hot water in the shower does help the headache for the time you are in it. At one point, I was covered up with three blankets this afternoon.

Going to talk to the nurse if there is something stronger I can take for the headache, tomorrow. She will call over to the onc to ask him. I have been warm off and on again since supper time.

We are now leaving a blanket in the car, for when I need it. I am tired right now.

Tuesday, October 23, 2007

HD: Day 1 & 2

This week is the first week of the high dose. I have had two treatments so far. I am getting 49 million units of Interferon. First a needle was inserted into my port yesterday morning, and it will stay in till Friday morning. I am supposed to keep that area dry when I bathe, but the saran wrap and tape doesn't want to stay very well.

I am given fluids (saline) to flush my port, then the Interferon takes 30 minutes to run through the IV. Then I am given a shot of saline and a shot of hepron (for anticlotting).

Before the Interferon was done yesterday, I felt tired, but after I got home, I couldn't really sleep, though I did try. I get the shakes, I don't always feel cold, but I shake like crazy, with teeth chattering. I finally stopped last night after supper, when I covered up with a heavier blanket. I also have had a headache. I take Tyneol, but the headache is still there. It does become a dull ache, but it is still there.

Today, I didn't get tired, but I did take a short nap this afternoon. I have had a headache and my lower back has hurt. I was shaking with teeth chattering this morning, before I even left the hospital. I came home, and covered up with two blankets. The shaking stopped, and started up a tiny bit before I fell asleep this afternoon. I spent a good part of the day in my dad's recliner today, covered up with two blankets, the viberator and heat on. That has helped my back.

I am going to Biblestudy tonight, will have a blanket with him, to wrap up with. I will get more side effects as time goes along. I will have these side effects for the next year. Please keep me in your prayers about the side effects.

Sunday, October 21, 2007

Colors of Autumn










As you have been able to see, different trees showing how their leaves have changed colors. Many trees' leaves are still green. We haven't had a frost yet, has been warm. This is usually a very beautiful time of the year. My friends down in TX, this is the one season, you basically don't get, and the one I had missed the most, the 8 1/2 years I lived in TX. Enjoy the awesome creation of God.

Friday, October 19, 2007

Less Pain, More Swelling

I was called this morning, but turned it down, didn't like the assignment. Was called again later, this time around 6:30 am. This job was for elementary art, at one school. Better than yesterday, which was two different schools. Mom said last night that she would drive me today. I got mom up after 7 am, so we could leave by 7:30 am. I had five classes of art, plus 15 minutes of recess duty. I did a lot of sitting, but also some walking around.

Mom picked me close to 3 pm, and we went to the pharmacy I got my stockings from, because the doctor wants me to start wearing it, and it doesn't fit. We can only return one, the one not opened. My leg was measured, and given a different one to put on, and it didn't fit. I had to make an appointment for next week to be measured for a stocking to be special ordered-made to fit my leg. We looked at my leg to measure it and to try the stocking, and saw how swollen my foot, ankle, and lower leg was. I have done more the past 3 days than I did the past 3 weeks. After we came home, mom wrapped my lower leg, ankle, and foot with the two ace bandages we have. I sat in mom's recliner,except for supper and now sitting here at the computer.

Earlier today, mom and dad moved one of the old recliners out of the living room upstairs to my bedroom. I will be sleeping upstairs again, but I am not going to use my bed just yet.

Less pain today. Still hurts though. I take it easy sitting down and standing up.

Thursday, October 18, 2007

I worked today

I haven't worked in little more than 3 weeks. I haven't driven since I worked, both were the day before my LND. I got called this morning to do middle school music and called a bit later to do fifth grade in the afternoon. Middle school music was only for the am. I do not do middle school, but this music teacher also does elementary music. The special teachers for Akron schools, travel between at least two different schools.

I have a hard time getting the name of the teacher correct from the system. I drove to the middle school, and said the name, they said no, maybe I should've been at a different school. I go there, and they said no, so I got in my car, and called the first school I went to and found out, I had the wrong name and this teacher put in the wrong school into the system. Thankfully, this teacher had first period free. It was seventh grade music-three classes. I had 20 minutes to get to the second school and eat lunch in the car. I finished my lunch in the classroom. I did fifth grade reading in the afternoon.

Driving hurt my leg, and so did walking. If I get called for tomorrow, then mom will drive me. I want to go to church on Sunday. My leg did swell some, especially in the thigh. I sat most of the day.

After tomorrow, I will work again until after Thanksgiving, after I have started the low dose.

Wednesday, October 17, 2007

They are out!

The drain tubes came out this morning. I didn't think they would, but they did. The seepage had tremoudously decreased in the past week. I think that was the deciding factor with the resident for them to come out. I took a pain pill first, and waited about 15 minutes to let it start to take effect first. A different doctor took out the one of the left first, didn't hurt, but it sure did squirt out fluid, more than he was expecting. The one on the right (the one that hurts) hurt a lot! It didn't seem to want to come out at first. I really felt that one! It is good to have them out. It still hurts a bit to walk, and still fights a bit tight, but that will now start to go away.

The resident wants me to wear the stocking now. She said to put the ointment and a gauze pad over the blisters before putting on the stocking. The stocking doesn't fit. Mom and I have to take it back over where we got it from on Friday, so I can be resized/meaasured again for it.

I start my treatment on Monday. The high dose for interferon. I will write more about that next week.

Indians won again last night, 7-3. They have now won 3 games in a row. If they win tomorrow night, then they will go to the World Series and play the Colorado Rockies. I hope they will win. I do hope C.C. is on his game tomorrow night.

Tuesday, October 16, 2007

Tomorrow

Tomorrow morning, I have an appointment to see Dr. Lewis and his resident. My mom thinks the drains are coming out tomorrow, but I don't think they will. I think they will stay in for another week. I am still draining more than 30cc for them both per day. I read on the MPIP board that the longer they are in, least likely they one will get lymphodema. I do hope that is true. I did have swelling in my foot right after the surgery, and I have some in my right thigh due to having surgery. I do hope Dr. Lewis is not has busy as he was last week. Because I am planning on going upstairs afterwards, to Dr. Patel's office. I need to let him know if the drain is still in or has come out. I also have to pick up my anti-nausous medicine (samples). I am going to ask both doctors to write me a note saying that it is okay to sit down periodically when I sub for medical reasons. I want to sub, but if I do sit down, and administrators come in to check on me, or to observe, thy might not like it seeing me sitting down.

I have now walked down to the mailbox and back twice, yesterday and today. Wore me out a bit. I sit in the recliner as much as possible, but do walk around the house.

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LAST NIGHT

Last night was game 3 in the ALCS. Indians won 4-2. Boston was shut out until the 7th inning, when Jake Westbrook gave up a 2 run home run. He was pulled from the game after that. Jake was on his game last night. Lewis pitched a 1/3 of an inning, then Bentacourt pitched the 8th, and Browoski pitched a 1-2-3 9th inning. Kenny Lofton hit his first home run in about 3 months in the 2nd to get us on the board last night. Tonight is game 4. I do hope we can win it tonight and again Thursday. The Rockies are going to the World Series.

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LEAVES

I was walking down the driveway this afternoon, and there was this one pretty tree. The leaves on this tree are changing to a pretty red. Some leaves were half red and half green. There are trees that have leaves on the ground. There is still a lot of green. The trees that have started changing, are mostly changing at the top and working its way down. Spring came late to NE Ohio this year. We haven't even had our first frost yet. Are we going to wait until Thanksgiving, like TX does to have its first frost?

Sunday, October 14, 2007

What a game!

The last two nights, the Indians played in Boston. C.C. was not in top form Friday night, and they lost 10-3. Last night, it was Carmon vs. Schilling. Both of them were pulled during the 5th inning. It was a see-saw of a game. Each team hit 2 home runs. Carmona came out in the 5th, let a guy get on base, was pulled. Perez came out, and got 1 out and gave up 2 HR back to back, then he was pulled. Lewis came out and ended the inning. I am not sure who pitched the 6th and 7th innings or even part of the 8th. Bennetacourt came out during the 8th and pitched the 9th inning. By this time the score was tied 6-6.

Third out of the top of the 9th, I fell asleep and woke up at the top of the 11th. I heard that Mastney pitched the 10th, and was 1, 2, 3 up and 1, 2, 3 down. Casey Blake started the 11th and got the first out. We got 7 runs and one out. Three of those runs came by Guiterrez 3 run HR. We batted around. Casey Blake was the 10th batter and got the third out. Casey got both the first and third outs of the 11th inning.

Browoski pitched in the bottom of the 11th. He did allow a couple of guys get on base, but gave up no runs. Boston ended the game by making a double play. Final score 13-6. The series is now tied at 1-1.

Because the Indians won last night, they will definitely play 3 games at home. They will be played Monday, Tuesday, and Thursday night. If Boston wins at least one of the those three games, we will head back to Boston. I hope we win all three games at home. If we do, then we will go to the World Series. It has been 10 years since we were in the World Series. I want to play the Rockies in the World Series.

Wednesday, October 10, 2007

Drain Tubes

I had a doctors appointment this morning. My appointment was for 10:45 am. They were running behind. I wasn't called back until a little after twelve. I saw the resident. She stripped the tubes. She said the tubes need to stay in for at least another week. We are ready for them to come out. I read on the MPIP board, that the longer they stay in, the less likely of getting lyphodema. The only swelling I have is in my thigh, and that is due to having surgery.

I am having seepage from the two drain sites. I have more seepage with the one on the left, and that is the one that doesn't hurt. The one on the right, have less seepage and that one hurts, stings, bothers me. I do feel a tightness in my leg.

My mom wants me sleeping upstairs. I tell, I am not ready to try to sleep in my bed. Going up a step bothers me. She talked to dad about taking one of the recliners upstairs to my room, so that I can sleep in the recliner. They would love for me to be working. I would too, but I'm not going to with drain tubes coming out of me.

Dr. Lewis said to keep my leg elevated, which I do. I am supposed to become more active, but when I do, there is more seepage. Mom had to do a load of laundary on Monday, because of the seepage.

Lord, thank you that I do not have much swelling. Please let me not have a problem with swelling later on in my life. You have a plan for all of this. I still do not see how having cancer is part of your plan for my life.

Interesting Tidbits

The following I got from reading the Bible, from doing a Beth Moore Bible study, and from Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible.

1. In I Samuel, David was hiding in a cave from Saul. It says that Saul went into the cave to relieve himself. Do you know what that means? It means, Saul went to the bathroom.

2. In the book of Acts, Paul got a haircut.

3. Peter denied Jesus 3 times. John 21:15-17, Jesus asked Peter 3 times if he loved him, and told him 3 times to feed his sheep. Acts 10 (?) Peter is praying, and around noon, he saw a vision, a sheet was brought down from heaven full of animals and 3 times, Peter was told to get up and kill to eat.

4. Hagar was the first single Mother. Hagar's son, Ishmael, was the first name of a baby given by God.

5. God spoke directly to Hagar, then later again as an angel of the Lord.

6. God spoke to Hagar and Rebekah about their pregnancies.

7. Isaac was the only patriarch who was monogamous.

I recommend all of you to read the following three books by Liz Curtis Higgs: Bad Girls of the Bible, Really Bad Girls of the Bible, Slightly Bad Girls of the Bible. The last one I am currently reading, and it is a brand new book.

Tuesday, October 09, 2007

Boston Here We Come!

There are a lot of happy and a lot of unhappy people. If you are an Indian fan you are in the happy group, an Enemy fan, in the unhappy group. Some people wanted Wedge to have C.C. pitch on a three days rest. Wedge stuck to his plan, Paul Byrd pitched last night, Kelly was the catcher, making Victor the first baseman. That meant Garko had the night off.

For the fifth time this season, Grady Seizemore started off the game with a home run. The Enemy used their game one pitcher, who was removed in the 2nd inning, Mussina came in relief. He stymied our guys for a few innings, but we came around. We scored 6 runs. Paul only gave up 1 run in the first 5 innings. In the sixth, he gave up a home run, and that was the time for him to go. Perez came in for the third time, but sad to say, he also gave up a hit and a run. That made the score 6-3. Perez pitched 2 innings. The other Rafael pitched in the 8, one, two, three up, and one, two , three down. Our closer came in the 9th, gave up a home run, but still saved the game. The Indians won!!!!!!!!!!!!! They were jumping on top of each other! They were excited about winning the game!

Friday, starts the American League Conference Series in Boston. The Indians need to win at least one game in Boston. If they can, then they will play all three games in Cleveland next week. The first two games will be in Boston-Friday and Saturday. Monday of next week, we will be back in Cleveland.

In the NLCS, are Diamondbacks and the Rockies. This is the first time since 1995, that the Rockies will be in the playoffs.

Regis Philbin says that winter started last night, because his team lost and are no longer in the playoffs. He gave his prediction for the World Series: Colorado Rockies vs. Cleveland Indians. I go for that. Go! Tribe! Go!

Monday, October 08, 2007

Sarcoid and Indians

I called my onc this morning and left a message. A nurse called me back, later, to let me know that the blood test for sarcoid came back negative. That is good news. If they think they see it in the pathology report, and I test negative for it, what did they actually see? Some other tests on the blood hasn't come back yet. The next time I see him, he should have the lab reports with the answers that he wants.

I have had the drains in for almost two weeks now. I seem to be changing my shorts at least twice a day. Mom did laudary on Friday. Today is Monday, and we had to do a small load this morning. Where are the holes are in my thigh, where the drains come out, there is leakage there. Gauze pads protect the holes and the tubes. One stings and hurts a bit. One hurts more than the other one, when mom strips the tubes. I leak through the guaze pads onto my shorts like crazy.

The Indians lost last night. They still have the lead in the series, 2-1. Jake Westbrook didn't do his job last night. I hope Paul Bryd does a better job tonight. It was not all Jake's fault. The bats weren't completely awake. Nixon could've done better in right field. If we loose tonight, they come home and will play Wednesday night. They need to win. The winner plays Red Sox starting Thursday or Friday night. Go Tribe!

Saturday, October 06, 2007

Go Tribe Go!

Wednesday the baseball playoffs started. The Cleveland Indians played Thursday and yesterday. The Indians have home-field advantage for the first round. They have to play The Enemy (NY Yankees). Two great games. Thursday night, C.C. Sabithia pitched. It wasn't his best outing, but he was in the lead come middle of the fifth, when he was done pitching. We scored five runs in the bottom of the fifth. We won that game with a score of 12-3. We hit four home runs, did really well with men in scoring position. We were hot!

Last night was a completely different game. It was kinda a pitcher's duel. We got men on base, we just couldn't bring them home. The pitchers were Petite and Carmona. Carmona made one mistake, and a home run was hit in the top of the third. The Enemy lead 1-0 until the 8th inning. All of a sudden these bugs, called midges come out of nowhere. (They are around in June til the beginning of July.) They were a problem for the other pitcher. A wild pitch, got Grady on base. Grady was able to move around the bases and was able to score and tie up the game. The bugs didn't seem to a problem for the Tribe just for The Enemy. Carmona was on the money! He pitched a three hit, one run game. He pitched 9 innings, and ended up with a no decision. Rafael Perez pitched two innings last night and got the win. Perez also pitched two innings Thursday night. The game was 11 innings long. We tried to win in the 10th, but couldn't do anything. The bottom of the 11th, we load the bases again, Hafner comes up to bat and hits the ball into the outfield and Lofton scores the winning run. We won 2-1.

The Enemy took all six regular season games this year. They were the only team to sweep us. We swept a lot of series this year. All of the announcers think The Enemy should just be handed win, like they have already won the World Series. They do not like Cleveland. We are up 2-0 games. We will play the next (two) game in NY. We just need one more win. It would be so sweet if we can sweep in three. Let's go Tribe!!!!!!!!!!

Thursday, October 04, 2007

To Cut or Not To Cut That is the Question

I read the MPIP board numerous times while I am on the computer every day. I just recently found out about a side effect of Interferon from reading the posts. It is hair falling out-thinning. Becoming bald is a side effect. The thinning of the hair can vary in how bad it is from person to person. From the posts I have been reading, the thinning starts around month 3 of the treatment. I called to ask the nurse of onc about it.

I love having my long hair. I have had long hair for over 20 years. From kindergarten to fourth grade, my hair was short. When I was in the fourth grade, I started to letting it grown long. My hair goes to my mid back/bra strap area of my back. Last weekend, it was difficult to brush my hair. It took me awhile.

I will not know how the side effects will be for me until I start the treatments later this month. If I am feeling crappy for a long period of time, having short hair would be easier to take care of. I do not know what to do.

Lord, should I cut my hair? What is it you want me to do? Please give me wisdome in knowing what to do. Amen. If I do cut it, I want to cut enough to donate it to Locks of Love.

Wednesday, October 03, 2007

Pathology Report

I had two doctor appointments this morning, one at 9 am and the other at 9:45 am. I was late to the second one. Which is okay, since I have to wait longer in the waiting room to see the doctor. I saw the onc first. He shared some good news with us. He'd thought we had already heard the news. My lymph nodes came back clear! No cancer was found in them. The pathologist did see some bengin stuff looking like sarcoid. (The doctor I saw for second opinion back in August said I might have sarcoid.) The onc wanted blood drawn to be tested for sarcoid. I will find out in a couple of days if I have sarcoid. I am not completely sure what it is. Sarcoid can be found anywhere in the body. By doing immunotherapy, the sarcoid can become active, and that is something to watch for. One symptom of sarcoid is a nagging cough, which I have had since I was a kid. As of now, the high dose of the interferon (immunotherapy) is scheduleded to start Monday, October 22. Each treatment will last about 3 hours. I will go to the 7th floor of City Hospital to recieve my treatment. The nurse went over the side effects with us this morning. She is going to fax us the schedule for treatments and office visits tomorrow.

My second appointment was to see the surgeon and the resident. My incision is looking good. Both of my parents have seen it. It is normal to have redness arond the drain sites. I showed both the surgeon and the resident my blisters. Once I have healed from the blisters, I have to try the stocking again, and if it is still way too tight and causing problems, then I have to be remeasured for it. I saw some redness above my right heal this afternoon. So that means all of the ace bandages are off of my leg. My leg is supposed to be wrapped, but if I want the sores to heal, I can't have them wrapped.

The resident decided to leave the drains in for at least another week. She said I am still draining too much. For the drains to come out, I am to only drain 30cc (30mL) total for both drains per day. I drain between 60cc-100+cc per day.

Mom, Dad, and myself went out to lunch at Spaghetti Warehouse today. I called it a celebration lunch.

Holy Father, thank you for answering my prayer the way I wanted it answered. You know I didnt' want this surgery, but if I didnt' have it, I'd be wondering if any lymph nodes would be cancerous or not. Thank you for no more surgeries. Lord, if I do have sarcoid, please do not let it become an issue.

Tuesday, October 02, 2007

Playoff Season

The first round of the Playoffs start tomorrow. The Indians will be playing the dreaded Yankees, otherewise known as The Enemy. The Enemy swept us all six games this season. We need to win, if we are going to make it to the World Series. We have home field advantage this round. Sabithia pitches on Thursday, Carmona will pitch on Friday. Westbrook will pitch on Sunday. Byrd will pitch on Monday if needed. Then on the 10th, Sabithia will pitch again, if a game 5 is needed. The Indians start on Thursday. Every game of the first round will be on TBS. Go Tribe! Go Tribe! Go Tribe!

Tired

I am so tired today. I have theories, but not sure as to why I am so tired today. I was on the computer yesterday afternoon and evening. From 4-8pm, I was not in the recliner yesterday. I took my antibiotic around 10 pm last night. I took Bendryl around 11:30 pm, and went to sleep around 12:30 am. (I took the Bendryl, because the area where the port was placed, itches.) I woke up a couple of times in the night. I woke up around 7:30 this morning, so tired, that I went back to sleep until 9 am. I even tried taking a nap before lunch today. I feel tired.

Monday, October 01, 2007

Oh, What Fun We Had!

The fun started Tuesday morning. (If you haven't figured it out yet, I am being sarcastic.) I was taken back before 8 am. The nurse started pre-op vitals and stuff. She had to draw blood this time, and glory be! my veins co-operated and she got 3 vials of blood. I was praising God. Then she goes to start an IV in the back of my left hand. She got the needle in, but my vein decided to roll. She stopped right there and then. The nurse called down to the operating room to tell them they would have to start an IV. God chose to answer that prayer, but saying no, to my veins not co-operating.

I was taken down to the operating room a little before 9 am. I hugged my parents bye. In the operating room, I was given warm blankets and warm towels. These two nurses tried, right elbow, left hand, right hand, left foot. The anthesologist came in, he tried the right side of my neck. Before trying to start an IV, they would give me a shot of numbing medicine. He got an iv started on the left side of my neck. You never want an iv in your neck! It hurts! You can not hold up your head very well. Six days later, I am still sore.

I was taken to recovery around 1 pm. The surgeon took out the superfluous lymph nodes, just underneath the skin. I was given 2 drains. My mom has to dump the drain bulbs 3 times a day. They do not drain much.

Taken up to my hospital room around 8pm, little later. That bed was so uncomfortable! My back hurt! I couldn't move very well to get comfortable. I couldn't even move the bed up or down by the buttons until Thursday. I was admitted to the hospital, because the surgeon wanted to try to get my port placement moved up. I was originally scheduled for the port placement, October 3.

Had quite a few visitors on Wednesday. I kept asking the nurses Wednesday evening, for the Indians score, they didn't know. We didn't' pay to turn on the tv.

I got my port placed Thursday afternoon, the last one, by Special Procedures. The port is on my right side, in the upper chest area. That area is sore, do have a bit of pain there.

What else hurts? My neck is still sore. I have blisters just behind my right knee, due to the ace bandages wrapped too tightly around my knee. Thursday, my stocking was put on my leg, not completely or correctly, so that no pressure would be put onto my incision in the groin. The stocking caused blisters in two more areas. Those areas are a little below my two drains. It hurts to stand up, sit down. Sometimes it is uncomfortable in the recliner due to the blisters. By one of the drain areas, I feel a pulling sensation.

I see both of my doctors Wednesday morning. But it feels so good to be home! Thank you Lord, the surgery went well.