03-31-22 NO CANCER!!
The alarm rang at 5:45 and I made a black coffee and A live Facebook video explaining what today is to be all about. I had not shared it across the Friend list and wanted to ultimately share what the results would be either way. It was hard to do but I am really glad I did as the love and prayers, wonderful tributes came pouring in. seems a great number of people I know see me as tough, and special. That filled my cup. I weighed in and have lost 28 pounds now which took me 5 years to put on and just under 3 months to take off. Only 35 to go! I cleaned as instructed, packed for the two nights over and got my CPAP machine ready, watered my plants, fed the pets, put on my WonderWoman Shirt and Space llama socks and was ready for Roger to pick me up at 6:45. He dropped me off with a big hug as the sun was rising. I checked in and was promptly given a bag for my clothes and two gowns, booties and a cap. After I got changed they gave me a couple Ativan which began to work right away. I was there for a while before they rolled me to the operating room. It was cold in there! The mask to put me under didn’t work until after the extremely painful installation of the IV in the back of my left hand. Sigh.
The next thing I knew I was waking up with my friend Paula holding my hand. I was told I was moved back to the Day Surgery ward as I was going to be released that day. This was super confusing and I hadn’t talked to the Dr yet. It was 2 and I was thirsty and starving, even to get up to go to the bathroom was difficult as I was lightheaded. The nurse didn’t seem to have much information. I began to panic as what was happening didn’t match any of the information I had asked about. A lovely nurse, Heidi made me a coffee and brought cookies and cheese before leaving shift. There was also too much chatter and I couldn’t reach my bag with my earbuds and IPad. Just as I got them the nurse came and explained they were really busy as it was the overflow but she did bring me a popsicle. There was a sticker on the end of my bed that said Bed in Hall! I asked for more Ativan and she said it wasn’t on the chart. I asked if I could have food as I was also getting hangry. She came back shortly with Ativan and said Dr. Rode would be here in half an hour. I then messaged for Mom to come. Tracy came to visit for a bit and then Mom showed up as she was going back to work. Dr. Rode showed up and was almost giddy as he explained he had thought it was Cancer but it came out easy and faster than expected which meant I could go home. He showed me pictures of what he did and said to follow up in two weeks with him to remove the last of the dissolving stitches and sooner if I see any signs of infection or anything. Mom went to pull her car up and I got dressed. My bag was over the 10 pound limit so the nurse put my stuff in a wheel chair and I walked slowly beside her down to the car. We stopped for a quick moment at the store and then came home to make a live video to let everyone know the great news. I am completely exhausted at this point. We had a bevie with Tracy and then I went in to start responding to messages which were overwhelming. Mom and I hung out on the couch after I put on a nightgown, drank some Ensure and sucked on lozenges for my very sore throat.
Dinner was leftover salad and shrimp with edamame and watching Young Rock and Beyond the Edge. My system feels better now. I shall head to bed to relax and sleep as needed. I have 4-5 or 6 weeks before I am supposed to be completely healed and can lift heavy things again but I can drive after tomorrow. I am told to just listen to my body and rest when needed.
I am very calm now but am feeling so much relief and joy. As freaked out as I was I truly didn’t believe this was how my story would end as I am going to make it to 105 and I have many more adventures to take.
triumphgal 