I'm humbled

Wow, to say I have wonderful friends and family is and understatement. I was not expecting so many to do so much. My mom said it looked like a funeral home there were so many flowers - and more arrived after she left! So many cards, we've run out of room on the window sill. A collective "Thank You" to everyone !

White and yellow roses from Jill,


A gorgeous arrangement from the gang at work - there are Starburst Lilies that smell heavenly.



Just as the roses started to fade, a beautiful arrangement came from Sunita to take over their place on the piano.

A lovely Cyclamen from the Ladies who Swing (I hope I can keep it alive!)



And today: chocolate dipped fruit from my wonderful friends the Blaauw's. How did they know that's just what I need to get my appetite back?

And my most favorite of all, a cake from Katrina. Can you see all the love she baked right in?

So sleepy!

Yesterday morning was busy and it WIPED ME OUT!

I had a 9:30 doctors appointment. Karl had to drive me and Katrina had to come along since there was no school, so it was a hectic "get ready to go" morning. The appointment went well - I got my drains removed and some stitches out (TMI?). Then, Karl drops us off at home and he goes to work. So, Katrina and I snuggled up and watched some TV. Lunchtime rolls around and since I am not a big PBJ fan (which was what Katrina was going to make us for lunch), I suggested Culver's. I refuse to be seen in public in my fuzzy pajama pants, so it was a quick trip through the drive-thru for some kids meals.

After lunch, I could barely keep my eyes open. I laid down with the TV on, and pretty soon it was 3:30! On a normal day when Katrina is home, she doesn't leave me alone - "Mom, look at this" and "Mom, watch this" and a never ending narrative of what's going through her head. Yesterday, though, she played her Wii game and watched TV and I never heard her. She said she came upstairs to check on me, and I was asleep so she closed the door so I wouldn't wake up when she got a snack. She has to be the best kid ever.

Today, I'm taking it easy. I do have to go to the drugstore. Maybe I'll do some knitting, but the project is getting bigger, and it's kind of hard to hold it up. Guess I'll have to start something smaller - socks.

Tidbits

There are many reasons why Meriter Hospital was named one of Thompson Reuters Top 100 Hospitals. The excellent care I received, the beautiful facilities, their commitment to excellence. Those are all great criteria, but it's the little things that really stood out for me. Like the afternoon CNA who cared for me right after I got out of recovery - Zac. Not only was he a hottie, but he wrote on my white board "Welcome Becky!!" with a little smiley face. He made sure I could find my glasses, and was quick to come in when I hit my call button.

The hospital is actually known to have good food. Their cafe is supposed to be excellent, and I believe the general public is invited to dine there any time. But for patients, we have room service. No filling out a meal card for me - I jut called down, and they actually answered "Room Service, what can I do for you?" And yes, my food was good. Visitor can order as well so they can eat while they visit. (Karl opted for McDonalds - BLECH!)

It was actually an enjoyable stay.

Excellent!

I got my first real look at myself last night when we changed my bandages. Not gross, not upsetting, just really weird. When I catch myself in the mirror, I'm kind of hunched over because it hurts to straighten up all the way. But then I do, and it's just so odd. I was an early bloomer - and was downright busty by the time I hit junior high. Being flat is so foreign.

I had an appointment with the DR this morning. He likes how things are healing, and will probably remove the drains on monday. The pathology report was back already, and it was excellent news - clean margins and no lymph node involvement. A HUGE relief!

I'm feeling pretty good - not terribly sore. Now, if I would just get my appetite back, I'd be happy. I'm queasy because my stomach is empty, but I don't want to eat because I'm queasy thing going. Bring on the Jello!

Happy pills!

I love my pain pills. They don't make me too loopy - just sleepy. This is as close to PUI (posting under the influence) as I'll get.

First night at home was good. One cat seems to understand something's amiss - he usually walks all over me at night, sits on my chest, etc. He's been very good, and at one point I woke up and he was sleeping on my pillow with his head on my shoulder (do I hear the collective Awwww?). It's a good thing because he's the fat one. The other cat is not so concerned, she's just happy there's someone to lay under the covers with her (she's the bald one), and walks wherever is most convenient.

My mom is here playing nursemaid (aka driving me crazy). She gets grossed out easily, so I won't ask her to help with bandage changes or anything. Mostly she makes me tea, which is very much appreciated.

I'm following Dr's orders: getting up and walking around every hour or so, no heavy lifting (not even the cat), eating lots of fiber.

Well, time for another happy pill and subsequent nap.

Honey, I'm home!

Yup, I'm home already, less than 24 hours after I got out of surgery. I feel pretty good- sore, stiff, but pretty good otherwise. My mom keeps yelling at me to sit down and quit doing things! I'm tired of sitting though.
I'll have pathology results friday or monday, so now it's just waiting and healing. It is really weird to look down and not have anything there.
More later - my mac & cheese is ready.

This is it

So I had my lymph node mapping. I thought it was just a dye, but no. It's a radioactive tracer. So, apparently I'm "hot" for the next 12-24 hours.

Of course, we're having a snowstorm today (and tonight), so driving to Madison twice for separate appointments was not fun. The roads were passable, and only saw 4 cars in the ditch on the last trip. Tomorrow morning will be snarky because it will be so early (oh, and we have to leave even earlier because of the snow).

My bag is packed: toothbrush, socks, underwear, knitting - good to go! Having a fabulous dinner in - pulled pork enchiladas with salsa verde. The house smells so good! My mom made it to the house without sliding off the road, and boy did she bring the luggage! At least I know she's staying for a few days and I won't have to worry about getting Katrina off the school in the mornings.

Hopefully by this time tomorrow I'll be awake and hospital cable will have Versus so I can watch the bike race.