Although I would love to have an acoustic session on my blues harmonica (bucket list #22), my surgical drain tube was removed today. My surgeon, Dr Sercarz, is on vacation so one of his residents, Dr Duarte, was tasked to remove the drain and pronounce the pathology results of the surgery. Drain removed and survey says:
- 25 lymph nodes removed during surgery; 24 negatives, 1 malignant (approximately 5cm)
- All biopsies negative
It was such a wonderful feeling to be free of the drain, my constant companion for the last six days. Every day since the surgery I have felt better and better, stronger and stronger. Two partial baths (couldn't get the neck wet) were really not enough as I began to understand how ripe I could actually get over the span of those six days.......wow!
On a more personal note, I had the opportunity to go with my mom to her church and receive the gift of the Anointing of the Sick from Father George. Although I was born and raised Catholic, I cannot express the emotion I felt as Fr. George lead my mom and her friend in prayer, anointed my forehead and palms of my hands. I discovered that Saint Peregrine is the patron saint of those with cancer and has a shrine at the Mission in San Juan Capistrano. Road trip! Powerful.......
On to Phase II: appointment with my radiation oncologist to determine what protocol to use is scheduled for this Friday. Back at work tomorrow.
Please keep in mind my request to keep on eye on Stephanie, Wesley and my mom. They have done so much for me these past few months that I want to give them everything that I can. So I am reaching out again to you to keep them in mind. Wes just went to the prom and had a blast. Stephanie is juggling a new job and my health at the same time while my mom worries enough for all of us (she was very surprised to hear I am going to work tomorrow). Start with an email, maybe a phone call, lunch or a movie (remember that the popcorn is delicious but highly caloric). Just something that is not directly cancer related, I have got that part covered.