1/6th of the way done. Ok, I know that's only 2 out of 12 but it's a fraction. Started out ok. Got to appt on time and had the same great nurse I had last week. We tried to get blood from the port and of course if gave us trouble. So on to the exercises. Sit up, shrug shoulders, let arms hang down. The funny of the day is when she told me to turn my head and cough. WHAT?? I didn't have that kind of operation. She realized what she said and started laughing. I finally stood up and bent forward and hung my arms down and it worked. But then time slowed down. We had to wait to talk to the doctor to see if we could lower the pre-med (anti nausa) Finally got approval and got started. Then I had to see the doctor after the treatment was over so I had to wait again for a little bit. She was very pleased with how I looked and how well I was doing. Everything felt fine. She said a little fluid on the left side but that was normal. She said my radiatioin time will be great - I should have 4 treatments by the time I start radiation. Felt really good today, except we had a baby shower lunch and I was trying to help clean up. I had to stop and go back to my desk. Don't think I should have tried to do work after having a treatment today. But the rest of the day I felt fine. Should be a good week. I feel great about progress. Well, I hope I don't ever hear the "turn your head and cough" line again. Too funny.

Winding down after a restful Sunday. I had to get my son up early and then I tried to go back to sleep. I ended up coming out on the couch with the tv on and resting off and on. Didn't do much of anything. Which I guess is good and necessary. My son came home around 3 and we went out for pizza. I made some spinach dip for work tomorrow - we are having a baby shower lunch for one of the attorneys. I've just been hanging out watching football and doing some laundry. Don't know why I wait until Sunday evening to do it. I guess I put it off and then realize it has to be done. I'll be headed to bed shortly as we start off the week again tomorrow. Up early for school and #2 treatment. We're moving right along. Hope everyone has a good week at work and school.

Good day. However it started early. I could have reallyl slept in but I got up and got my son to his appt this morning by 8a. Came home and tried to rest a little. Ran a couple errands and headed back to pick him up. Went to lunch with my friend and her son - then went for ice cream to support one of the middle schools. Came home and picked up the dog and took her to PetSmart to have her nails clipped. Back home - and took a nap. We then had to return 2 movies and got something to eat. I knew it was going to be a busy day. My son has plans tomorrow but I get to stay home and relax. I'm still feeling good and ready next week. I plan to enjoy the rest and relaxation tomorrow, in between doing laundry.

Happy Friday. It started out raining again but cleared up nicely. I brought donuts to work, which everyone enjoyed. I thought it would be a nice gesture after all work has done for me. It was kind of a slow, mild Friday. Tried to get my son to call the animal shelter to get information for his Eagle project. We ended up going to the shelter when I got home and got the contact infomation we needed. We then walked around for a few minutes and saw the cutest couple of puppies. We played with one of them (beagle/pug) quickly as they were getting ready to close. We'll have to go back there again and I am hoping I can restrain myself from looking at them any more or I might just bring one home with me. Our dog woould love it. Any way, I felt pretty good today. Still no signs of any problems. My hair feels a little thicker. I was wondering today if I were to put some gel in it, could I get it to stand up. Don't think it's quite there yet, but soon. Oh well - off to bed. We have a busy weekend.

It was a rainy day, all day. Another good day with nothing of significance to report. I guess that's a good thing. Got some work accomplished, had lunch with a friend and wasn't as tired today but ready to go to bed now. I was hoping to stay up to watch the Dolphins but there is a weather delay so I won't make it for the whole game. I can only hope they will pull off the win. As a follow up to my physical therapy, my neck was a little sore last night, I think from the arm raises she was having me do. It felt much better this morning. I have not done my exercises today - I better get on it tomorrow. Glad there is only one more day of work, which also means one more day closer to my next treatment. Hopefully those will come and go quickly - and be over with before I know it. An update on the hair - it is growing back and I have been going without any wraps most of the week. It is growing quite quickly and feels really soft. I hope I don't lose much of it this time. It sure does make it easy to get ready in the morning. And no frizz when it rains.

Day 3 and 2nd physical therapy appt. 6:00 came early this morning. We were a little slow moving and I ended up having to take Nick to school. I am headed to bed as soon as I am done with the blog. I need to get on "old people's time". I had a decent day other than being tired - mostly just from lack of sleep, not from treatment. Physical therapy was good and my therapist was happy to see that my range of motion had increased a good bit. Full range is 180. I started at 110 and today was at 160. We worked a little on strength today as I need to build up the muscle as well. My arm is a little sore but manageable. I finally made it to 5:00 without falling asleep at my desk. I came home and we eat shortly after. I had to lay down and took about a 45 min nap. I probably could have slept until morning. All in all a good day and progress was made. Two days left in the week and start all over again. I am thankful for making it thru another day and one step closer to healing.

Day 2 after chemo and it feels like just another day. I had no stomach issues to speak of, I was able to eat normal with nothing bothering me and was not affected by any smells. So far I feel fine. The only issue I seemed to have was last night I got hot so I had to lower the air a little. This morning my son said his room was freezing. This is just the beginning. I hope the rest of the week goes as well. I do need to work on getting to bed a little earlier, however I was not as tired this morning. I have physical therapy tomorrow so we'll see how much stretching I have accomplished. Stay tuned for the update.

It was a wonderful day of firsts today. My son had his first day of high school and I had my first chemo treatment. It started out getting up at 5:45 am and waking my son up. He finally got out of bed by 6:05. He was ready to leave by 6:30 for me to take him to the bus stop. When he walked outside and saw that it was still dark, he said "are you serious? this is old people's time" I told him that is why he needs to go to bed no later than 10p. He said that was for old people. Well off we went to the bus stop where he and 1 other boy waited it out for the bus. He enjoyed it so much he plans to do it again tomorrow. Nick's day was boring, according to him, because all they did was get papers all day. My day was not quite as boring. I came back home and took a shower, ate breakfast and waited for my sister in law to come get me. Off we went to the Oncologist office. Had a great nurse that I had not met before. I really liked her. And the best part of the morning, she was able to draw blood from my new port. Yipee. No exercises this morning. It took a little while since this was the first time. Didn't get out of there until 11:45 from an 8:30 appt. It should only take about and hour to hour and a half next time. Things went well and she said since I did so well with the first one I should have no trouble with this one. I actually felt pretty good all day. A little tired from the weekend and lack of sleep last night but other than that I felt fine. No problem eating or feeling sick. I went to my brother's for dinner. Thanks guys. Busy day ahead tomorrow with school, work and scout meeting. Hope I can sleep tonight. I guess the anxiety is over with first day of school and getting treatment started. Now it's just routine.

What a fantabulous weekend. Saturday morning I went into work for a couple hours. Had to make up time from the week. Nick and I left around 10:30 to pack the car and pick up the dog and then headed to St. George Island. My friend, Gail, has a house close to the beach. When we got there we took a short nap then headed to the beach, with the dog, and had a blast. My dog thought she was a lab this weekend. She is not fond of water but somehow Nick got her to get near the waves and then she was actually getting the ball from the water. It was so fun to watch them. Went back to the house and made dinner then watched a movie. Oh yeah, Nick tried to fish from the bridge but it was really not great weather for it. Slept ok. The dog was a little nervous in a strange house. I was up at 7 but after taking the dog out I fell asleep on the couch until 10. Nick wanted to go back to the beach so off we went again with the dog. She had so much fun. We were in the water the whole time. She would only go as far as she could stand up, which was pretty far since it was low tide and there were sand bars. She would not go far enough to have to swim. We saw quite a few dolphin farther out which was cool. We got back and gave the dog a bath, and both of us as well. Nick and I went to play putt putt (I won - got a hole in one the first hole). Then went and had pizza. Played air hockey (he won) then cleaned the house and packed up to leave. Got home around 6 and I went grocery shopping. Nick got all his stuff ready for school tomorrow and I am getting ready for my first treatment tomorrow. I put on 12 bands this evening for the 12 chemo treatments. I am looking forward to a good night sleep and the start of a new chapter. I felt pretty good this week. My arm got a little sore today but seems to be find this evening. I also got a little sun. The dog has been sleeping most of the night - I think she wore herself out. Good luck to those starting school this week.

It has been a long day. Obviously if you notice the time I am finally getting around to this. It started out by going to orientation at school. Had to be there at 8:30. It started with a presentation that lasted 30 min, including the band playing. Then off to homeroom to get schedule. OMG. Trying to follow the map and find the classes was quite confusing. Nothing at all like my high school. There was probably 400 9th graders trying to find their classes. We ended up not leaving until after 10:00. And of course I had to go to work. But what a cool day. I got to work about 11:10 and shortly thereafter my boss was going to lunch and was taking my office buddy, Crystal, and asked if I wanted to go too. So I get to work, then leave for lunch about 20 min later. Stayed a little late though and will be working tomorrow to make up some time. I think we are going to the beach this weekend as one last hurrah before school and chemo. Don't be surprised if you don't see a blog tomorrow as I don't know if I can get internet at the beach. I am off to bed so I can get up early and go to work so I can go to the beach.

Good day except got up sore, which I am guessing was from therapy yesterday. I was tired when I got up, but that is because my son woke me up a few times because he couldn't sleep. Gee, he can't sleep so he won't let me sleep either. He was given strict instruction tonight not to wake me up. I am glad tomorrow is Friday. I could really use the weekend. And that just means that Monday is closer and treatment starts. I have to put new count down bands on this weekend. I went to a Scout committee meeting tonight, as I am secretary but haven't been to a meeting for a few months. Since they have not really had a meeting during the summer, this one lasted 3 hours. Not something I really needed to do. However we had to go over budget, camp trips, future high adventure trips, fundraising and other stuff. Now I am really tired. I guess this weekend I can spend typing up the minutes and getting them sent out. So it's off to bed as tomorrow is school orientation. Lots to do this weekend to get ready for all that's happening next week.

Ok - therapy can really be a pain. Literally. Met with the therapist today - really like her. She went over lots of stuff today about causes and precautions of lymphodema. An interesting fact, I can go years without signs of lymphodema and then it surface. I have to watch anything that happens with my right arm - permanently. That include cuts, bug bites, activity, pretty much anything that may happen to that right side. It can make the lymphatic system over-react and create swelling. I have some exercises to do 3 times a day to help get full range of motion. The goal is to get full range back before starting radiation. Radiation will create some fibrosis and stiffness so having full range will be easier to keep up with during radiation. The therapist worked on stretching my arm 2 ways and pushed it a little farther than what I could do. I am a little sore and hope it will improve with diligence in doing my exercises. On another topic, my hair has been growing back and today was the first day I went the whole day (even out in public) with nothing on my head (no wrap). I asked my son this evening if he minded me going to the store without a wrap. How sweet he is - he said no, you won't embarrass me - only yourself. I love his honesty. I do see a bit of gray in it so that will have to be taken care of when I get enough back to style it.

Today was interesting and enlightening as well as frustrating. It started out with my first appointment (bra fitting and fake boobies - well technically prostetics). First you discuss what size you want to be and then you check out the different style of bras. Once you get the bras you want to try, then you get to play with the sizes. I quickly figured out what was too big and what was too small. I picked a happy medium. The only thing is, they are definately heavy. Lifting the bra to put on is like lifting milk jugs (pardon the pun). The problem was, when I went to my next appointment and had to weigh in, I think I gained about 12 pounds. I don't think I will wear my bra when I know I have to weigh in anywhere. So, I picked out 3 different style bras and was able to get 2 colors each (thanks to the insurance). They are actually comfortable and it doesn't feel much different. Just an adjustment. So, I wore it back to work and told a few people. They thought it looked great. Then off to the oncologist to get set up with next treatment. This is where the frustration comes in. My appt was at 12:30. I didn't go back until about 12:50, then sat in the room until about 1:20. I almost fell asleep. Aside from that, the doctor said everything looked good and she was positive and pleased about things. She said she wanted me to have a few chemo treatments before doing the radiation. She got me set up to start next week. Yee Haw. So after an hour and a half I was back at work again. Shortly thereafter I had to take the bra off. It was getting annoying. I may have to re-think the reconstruction part again. NOT. I guess some days I can have a chest and others I won't. I guess I'm kind of lucky that way for now. Tomorrow is therapy.

Monday Monday. Not bad for a Monday. Had a decent day at work. My arm seemed to be a little more flexible today and did not get tired at day's end. Have a lot to do but managing to keep up with things. We went out to eat and then to the laundry mat to wash Nick's big comforter for his bed. Came home and have been watching the Dolphin game. I hope they can pull off the win. It's gonna be a busy day tomorrow. I heard from the Oncologist and I have an appt tomorrow and should find out my chemo schedule. I also have my bra and prostetic fitting tomorrow. How exciting. Ok, that might be a little weird. I am actually looking forward to getting up and having a full day tomorrow. Going to be now so I can get a good night sleep.

Whew - I can't believe. This is my 100th post. How amazing is that!!! And to think I have come so far. I am hoping to get things settled this week with appointments so I can see the end a little more clearly. Right now it is a faint light and I am looking to see the huge spotlight. Had a great day. Got up and went to church then had lunch with my friends Rebecca, Darren and Kevin. Came home and started clearing out my son's room to make room for a new bed. My brother came over with his truck and even with the tropical storm headed our way we managed to get the new mattress home without a soggy mess. Got it set up and put new sheets on. Went to my friend Ann's for dinner and had fish and shrimp. Great cooking Troy. I think I am ready to start the work week. Hoping to be quite productive. Happy 100th to me.

Not too bad of a day even for a Saturday. Got up early and had some breakfast. Tried to wake my son up so we could go shopping but he was not quite ready that early. I ended up going back to lay down and fell back asleep for a couple of hours. It was 1:30 or so before we finally made it out the door to get anything done. Went to two furniture stores and I think we found a matress he likes. Went and had lunch, shopped at Sam's and then home. Nick had to go to a movie and game night with scouts and I went to Walmart. Then I started thinking about ice cream. Since I hadn't seen my brother or sis in law all week I called them and we went for ice cream. I am guessing my son is having fun since he has not made it home yet. I think my arm was glad for a day of rest since it has not bothered me much today at all. I hope everyone is enjoying their weekend.

TGIF. I made it thru the week. It has been tiring but it has been nice getting back in the swing of things. I have gotten quite a bit done, slowly. It has been a challenge with my arm, however I have been trying to see what works to make it better. We went to the mall tonight and just walked around a little. Got a baby shower gift for one of the attorneys at work. I am ready for bed and looking forward to sleeping in. We might go looking for a bed and dresser again tomorrow. One more week before school starts so maybe back to school shopping.

Sometimes you just have to be insistent to get what you want. Called the oncologist office this morning and the nurse finally called me back (this is a new nurse for my doctor). She proceeded to tell me that the next available appt is 8/31. I told her I needed something sooner. The previous nurse knew what was going on and always fit me in based on my circumstance. Anyway, the nurse was trying to tell me that that date was the next one. I told her I was not waiting two and a half weeks that I needed to get started on my next chemo. I gave her all the info regarding what has happened thus far. My doctor is working at the hospital this week so she said it may be a day or two before she can get back to me. If I don't hear by Mon, I will be calling again to come in next week. I can only be patient for so long then I get pushy. A wonderful trait I inherited from my mom. Work was okay today but my arm started hurting pretty much from the elbow to my wrist. I had to rest it a few times throughout the day. I took some tylenol when I got home and propped my arm up for a little bit. It's feeling a little better. I just have to make sure I take it easy so I don't start having problems. I am really glad tomorrow is Friday so I can rest some this weekend. This too shall pass and I am hoping it will pass quickly.

Days like today remind me that I am not in control of the schedule of things. I went to my radiation appointment today, expecting to get the process started with what is know as simulation. Of course, since I just had the tube removed yesterday and it has only been 2 weeks since the second surgery, the doctor said I wasn't quite ready yet. With the effects of radiation it would not be good until I heal a little more. The hole from the tube needs to be closed and there was still some swelling from surgery. My next appointment to try again is the 24th. I am still waiting for a call back from the oncologist to get the chemo started (which I will call again tomorrow). I guess things will happen at the right time - it just doesn't mean it is on my time. I am glad there is only 2 more days of work for the week. I could really use the rest. We had a bowling night tonight with some of our clients. I am usually on the team, however due to recent events I had to be sidelined and be a cheerleader instead. Maybe next year. My arm is getting a little more flexible but I can definately tell what the limits are. Still have to be very careful. I hope therapy will help with that. Well I am off to bed to try to catch up on sleep. As Tigger would say TTFN. (Ta ta for now)

I have to say that my sis in law (aka Drain Nazi) has been relieved from her duties. I had the drain tube removed today. OMG it hurt like a son of a biscuit. She didn't even warn me this time. But now I have a hole that will take a day or two to close up. She covered it with gauze but this evening it was soaked and when I took the gauze off, it would drip down my skin so I had to cover it quickly. I guess I trade one thing for something else. I hope it doesn't create a problem for my radiology appointment tomorrow. I did get the go ahead to call the oncologist to set up my chemo treatments and put a call into the person who does the bra and prostetic fittings. I also have an appointment set next week for therapy for my arm. Not sure what I'm in store for with that. By the end of this week I hope to have my plan in order for the next 12 weeks. With school starting in another 2 weeks my attention will be diverted in other areas so hopefully it will go by fast. I put in another full day at work today and was getting a little tired by the end of the day. Since I don't have to stay up until 11 tonight I may just go to bed in the next 15 min. Maybe I'll be able to get enough sleep.

What an exciting day. I went to work for a full day today. My body was getting a little tired late in the day, but I made it the whole day. And at this time, I only have 2 more drain times to get thru. Actually in about 10 minutes it will only be 1. At least I hope that is the case. The doctor did tell me should would probably take out the tube tomorrow. Gosh, I hope so. I guess I am ready for another day tomorrow. I will probably be exhausted by Wednesday, not being used to actually doing something with my time. After tonight, I hope I will be able to get to bed early and actually get some sleep. I think once I get my next treatment scheduled and in action I will sleep better knowing I am in the final phase. I think the waiting is what has me on edge. I just want to get moving. I'll let you know what I find out tomorrow.

Back to a typical Sunday for a change. Breakfast was a bagel and then a movie. Saw G.I. Joe. It was really good, however I hate when they have so much action going on you can hardly see what's happening. My son loved it. And I got to watch Channing Tatum - what a cutie. My drain numbers were way down today - Yay. I am hoping it is low tonight then I may see if I can get my tube out tomorrow instead of Tues. You say what is one more day??? It's matters. It is really a hassle, not comfortable and is sore most of the time. 24 hours would be a blessing. Then I can put my sights on the final phase. Been working on my son's iPod this evening, helping him buy songs and updating his list. Gotta go to bed soon as I will be going to work tomorrow, hopefully for a full day. Depends on how my arm feels thru the day. Still hard to move in certain ways and don't have near the strength I would like, but it is getting better little by little. Stay tuned - I am trying to add a few more pictures.

What an exciting day. Up at 7, tried to go back to bed but couldn't really go back to sleep. Nick left with his aunt to head to the beach and go fishing. I just hung around at home. What a big surprise when the pressure washer guy showed up to clean my house. Well, clean the outside. I understand I am to thank my brothers. Thanks guys - it looks awesome. No sooner did he leave that my SIL got back with Nick and we had to go to a scout function. It was to the FSU weather department to learn about weather. After a couple of hours we all went to eat then back to watch the weather balloon launch. It's kind of cool. It launches 2 times a day at many stations all over the states at the same time. Then a few of us stopped at TCBY for an evening snack. Finally back at home and watched a movie. And now it's time for bed. My arm was feeling a little better today but I can tell later in the day that it starts to hurt a little just from doing things like walking, standing around, not really knowing how to hold my arm when I'm just hanging out. I think it gets tired. When I finally sit down in the evening and rest a little it feels better. I guess I just have to learn or recognize when to take it easy and not over do. And just when I have it figured out, something will change. Gotta learn to just go with it.

OMG - it's after 11 already. I am really late tonight. Went to work today for 1/2 day. Actually took a lunch today with Crystal and Jessica. What a nice change from the last 4 weeks. Brought some work home with me to do this weekend. Ran some errands when I got home. Went and saw nephews take their black belt test at Tae Kwon Do. It was pretty cool. I had not actually seen a test done before. Stopped by a friend's house then picked up Chinese food on the way home. Time has gotten away from us this evening. I am ready for bed and plan to relax most of tomorrow.

I think the saying is - it's like riding a bike or it could be -it's like driving a car. That's what it was like getting back in my car this morning. I was able to drive myself to work after all this time of being driven around. I went to work today for about 4 hours. Had lots of emails to go thru and my co-workers were very generous in leaving plenty of files on my desk for me to start to tackle. It was a little difficult working in my normal manner as I can't use my right arm just yet to it's full extent. I had to move things closer and put my mouse right in front of me. You don't realize how much you just do things without thinking and how enabled you are until you get into you normal, everyday setting. I did alright, but my arm was a little tired when I got home and so I just rested most of the afternoon. Made a casserole that the church ladies dropped off last night. I plan to do the same attempt at work tomorrow to get back into the swing of things. It did feel a little weird after not being there for the last 4 weeks. I am sure that in no time I will be back to the usual routine of an 8 hour day and it will seem as if I was never out. My bosses and co-workers are great and have been tremendous support thru all of this. I am really lucky to have the job I have and work for and with the people I do. I appreciate all of them. Thanks. I would love to be going to bed right now, but I have to wait for my 11pm nightly calling of the Drain Queen. I can't wait to not have to do that anymore - however, as I said before, I don't know what I will do without seeing my SIL 3 times a day. My dog has become very fond of her and gets all excited to see her. It's almost as if she watches for her. We may have to plan some occasional visits. LOL.

Where do I begin. I was planning on going to work today for a few hours to get back into the swing of things. I seemed to have had enough sleep when I got up at 7, even with the extremely weird dreams of nothing in particular and from one extreme to the next. And I wasn't even on medication. However, when I woke up my arm was bothering me a little and the drain site was a little sore. I laid back down and next thing I know it's 11:30. Nick and I went to get a bagel (seems to be the breakfast of champions lately) and came back home. As I was sitting at the table checking emails I felt dripping down my side. Sure enough I started to leak a little around the tube site. Nick called my drain doctor and she came to check. Since this happened the other day and we told the doctor, the doctor did not seem to think it was a problem so we weren't really worried. Needless to say, by that time there was not point in going to work. It can't be too soon to get this irritating thing gone. Some ladies from church dropped of a casserole, soup, cookies and biscuits. How sweet of them. Nick and I had picked up a steak yesterday so he cooked it on the grill tonight and it turned out great. We will have casserole tomorrow. We shared the setting of the table and cleaning of the dishes. What a great team. Well another day down and hopes of going to work tomorrow. I am not sure I remember how to drive the car, as my son has been driving the last 10 days. Lucky me.

Let's play "good news/bad news" - what do you want to hear first? Ok, since I can't hear your answer I will start with good news. Much to my surprise, I actually slept last night until 6:30 this morning. I was in a so-so mood not knowing what to expect today. When I was sitting in the room waiting for the doctor and talking to my sister-in-law, I was almost on the verge of tears. I just really didn't want to hear any more bad news. Ok, so for the bad news, which is also somewhat good news, out of all the lymph nodes taken out (which I think can be up to 20) only 1 was positive. I think that was good news so to speak since it was only 1. More bad news, I was not able to get the tube out (not surprised) because I am still draining a lot of fluid. However, if it gets where it needs to be before next Tuesday, I can call the doctor and she will take it out. So I also had to change my radiation appointment to next week. I am feeling okay for the most part. Arm is a little better but still some bruising. Doctor said things looked great and I had to wait a little bit longer to do any kind of exercising the arm. I am planning on going to work tomorrow for a few hours to see how I do. Had a Chicken dinner dropped off from Jill at church and visited with her and DeeDee for a little bit. It was nice to chat. My son helped with dinner and dishes. Have you told you all that I have an awesome son. Anyway, just trying to make it to the weekend and move on to healing. Oh, the other funny story of the day, since my sister-in-law takes her job as the Drain Queen very seriously, as we were talking to the doctor today, the doc referred to her as the Drain Nazi. It was quite funny because she is very maticulous and thorough and wants to make sure she does everything right (which I definately appreciate). It was a "you had to be there" moment - but the funny of the day. Haven't shared many funnies lately.

Still awake at 3:30 a.m. Are you serious? Could not fall asleep last night. I even tried to lay on the couch to see if that would help. I finally took a pain pill to try to help me sleep. I am guessing somewhere around 4 I fell asleep and then up at 7 for tubes. Stayed awake and tried to get a few things done around the house. Had quite a few errands today so I woke up my son around 10 and we got moving. Went to several stores and seemed to get all we were looking for. I had called his dentist this morning because he had 2 loose teeth that had the new teeth coming in already and the others just wouldn't come out. He has had almost all his teeth pulled (except 3) so needless to say, he does not like going to the dentist. Just as I had suspected - they pulled both. He was not very happy but he already has teeth part way in and he didn't even bleed. He made some sloppy joes in the crock pot, which turned out pretty good. We just hung around the house. I have my doctor appointment tomorrow and I would like to say I am excited, however I am not very hopeful that I will have the tube removed. I had some issues today with a little bit of leaking as well as more drainage tonight. I am guessing she will want me to keep the tube in a few extra days. I am also getting a little paranoid, not really knowing what she may say about the pathology report from the nodes. I don't want any more surprises or bad news. Just tell me everything looks great and I can get moving on. I am thinking it will be another rough night trying to sleep. I have to look in my pharmacy cabinet to see what I can take to help me out. I seem to be collecting quite a variety of options. Cross your fingers that I only have about 12 hours with this drain tube and not another few days.

5 more to go. Time doesn't always go as fast as you want. One more day and then the doctor. Had the usual Sunday starting with a bagel. Then on to Beall's for some school shopping. Found some really cute dinner plates on sale 70% off. Great deal. Came home and relaxed - did a couple loads of laundry. Had some homemade chicken soup dropped off from the McKays from church. Great healing powers from what I've heard. Went to Walmart for odds and ends. Then watched one of my favorite movies - Hitch. I did not have to use a pillow under my arm all day which is a new thing. I'm guessing it is good since it meant I was able to put my arm down a little more today without hurting so much. I am still sore but it is getting better each day. Again, I really have to thank my sister-in-law for being so attentive and committed to helping me and being there. My sista from another mista. LOL. Always wanted to say that. Anyway, I really could not have gotten thru this drain tube business without her. Not to mention keeping up with my appointments. Tomorrow is another day of whatever errands we can come up with so my son can do more driving. He looks forward to finding a place we can go so he can drive us. It has really been nice having someone do the driving for me all the time. He is even opening and closing my door since he knows it is hard for me to do right now. However, he did say when I get better he won't keep doing it. At least I get a chance to train him on being a gentleman even if it is only for a week or two. Such a great kid.

8 more times to empty the drain tube and hopefully I will be done with that for good. Still have quite a bit of bruising under my arm on both sides where the arm touches itself. The incision does not hurt and seems to be healing well, it's just the bruising that is sore and makes it hard to use my arm too much. I am hoping that will go away soon. Had a pretty good day. Nick and I took the dog to a self-serve dog wash to attempt to give the dog a bath. It was kind of a cool thing, although the dog did not like it much. Came home and took a nap. Had dinner dropped off by Chad from work. Great dinner Chad (Jennifer). Went to my brother's for some family time - had some awesome 4 layer chocolate cake. I think I will have a sugar high for 3 days. Now just relaxing until my nightly visit with my sister-in-law. Don't know what I will do with my evenings when she doesn't have to come over anymore. Since tomorrow is Sunday, I guess Nick and I will have to do our usual bagel and movie. Not many good movies to see. At least not ones he can see.