It is another hot sultry day here in NE Alabama. The sun is hot, the grass is turning brown, the fig tree is shedding its fruit, and the fire (forest) alert is now red. I know most folks who read this blog hate the snow and ice of winter but, believe me, the sweltering heat is no pleasure either. OK, the weather and my rant about how uncomfortable it is done. Now on to other items.
Today is our 9th anniversary. We met on Oct 23, 1998 and were married on 1 July 2000. Harry said it was a good time for a wedding because he’d always be able to remember our anniversary. We both forgot until this morning when the reminder came up on my computer calendar. We are just sliding through the day with smiles for each other and lots of “I love you’s.” We’re old farts – what can I say.
Today was also the day I went for a full discussion with my surgeon regarding my lab reports. The lymph nodes are clear. However there is a problem with the tissue margin that removed the tumor. So – hi-ho, hi-ho, it’s back to surgery I go. Dang it this really messes up my plans. This surgery will be to remove a wider margin and also take a shallow part of muscle. We knew this cancer was deep and near the chest wall so no surprises there.
I have to admit that I’m a bit depressed today. By tomorrow I’ll have my attitude adjustment in place and be ready to move on. I’m still a very blessed and lucky old gal. I’ll post again soon. If it’s a couple of days don’t think that I’ve gone into a major slump. That just ain’t me.
I truly appreciate everyone’s concern and prayers.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Half of Report
Lab report on lymph nodes is negative. The doctor hasn't gotten the report on margins of removed tissue as of 4:45 today. In any case, having the negative report on lymph nodes is wonderful news. I see the surgeon tomorrow morning. I'm sure there'll be a final report then.
I'm really, really tired this evening. Thanks for caring. Will try to post a better blog tomorrow.
Hugs to everyone along with loving thoughts
I'm really, really tired this evening. Thanks for caring. Will try to post a better blog tomorrow.
Hugs to everyone along with loving thoughts
Monday, June 29, 2009
Monday and No Lab Report
Monday is almost history and my final lab work wasn't ready today. It should be in the doctor's office tomorrow. I really feel like it will be clear. Until it's in black and white on an official lab report I'll still be waiting.
I can't believe how good I feel today. I'm sore and don't have a truck load of energy but I don't feel drained either. There was a breeze here this morning and I sat outside in my favorite lawn chair and just enjoyed the fresh air.
Harry worked all day long getting the back yard back into shape. He trimmed bushes, shrubs, pulled weeds, and all the other stuff that goes into a major cleanup. Our back yard hasn't had much attention this summer. I knew he was just worn out and I didn't feel like I had enough energy to cook so I took him out to our favorite Mexican restaurant. It's close to the house and we went before the evening crowd. Now we're both really tired - and full, too. I didn't eat any really spicy food so I think I'll be OK.
We didn't cook yesterday, either. The kids did come by and spend some time and it felt good to get those little hugs and kisses - and the big ones, too, for that matter. No matter what I'm still the luckiest old gal in the whole wide world.
Rest time. My best to everyone.
I can't believe how good I feel today. I'm sore and don't have a truck load of energy but I don't feel drained either. There was a breeze here this morning and I sat outside in my favorite lawn chair and just enjoyed the fresh air.
Harry worked all day long getting the back yard back into shape. He trimmed bushes, shrubs, pulled weeds, and all the other stuff that goes into a major cleanup. Our back yard hasn't had much attention this summer. I knew he was just worn out and I didn't feel like I had enough energy to cook so I took him out to our favorite Mexican restaurant. It's close to the house and we went before the evening crowd. Now we're both really tired - and full, too. I didn't eat any really spicy food so I think I'll be OK.
We didn't cook yesterday, either. The kids did come by and spend some time and it felt good to get those little hugs and kisses - and the big ones, too, for that matter. No matter what I'm still the luckiest old gal in the whole wide world.
Rest time. My best to everyone.
Friday, June 26, 2009
A Million Thanks to My Family and Friends
Hello my family and friends;
Have I ever told all of you how much you mean to me and my recovery? Well let me tell you now. I'm positive that your prayers and well wishes were heard and helped to assure a good report for me. As Harry said the cancer was removed via a lumpectomy and the mass in the right breast (benign) was also removed. The sentinel lymph node at my left arm was also removed and appeared clear. We will have the final report on the node and the margin on the tissue containing the cancer either late Monday or early Tuesday.
I'm tired but relatively pain free. Meds take care of that. I am beginning to get little messages from the "Kingdom of the Lymph" I understand that may be with me for a while. Aggravating but small stuff when compared to what might have been.
Harry is a good nurse. I think I'll keep him - after all I do love him.
It's back to bed for me. Again thank you all a million times over for your concern, prayers, and support.
Mary Ruth
Have I ever told all of you how much you mean to me and my recovery? Well let me tell you now. I'm positive that your prayers and well wishes were heard and helped to assure a good report for me. As Harry said the cancer was removed via a lumpectomy and the mass in the right breast (benign) was also removed. The sentinel lymph node at my left arm was also removed and appeared clear. We will have the final report on the node and the margin on the tissue containing the cancer either late Monday or early Tuesday.
I'm tired but relatively pain free. Meds take care of that. I am beginning to get little messages from the "Kingdom of the Lymph" I understand that may be with me for a while. Aggravating but small stuff when compared to what might have been.
Harry is a good nurse. I think I'll keep him - after all I do love him.
It's back to bed for me. Again thank you all a million times over for your concern, prayers, and support.
Mary Ruth
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Progress Report on Mary Ruth
Folks;
Guess what, Good News.
Her surgery today lasted about 1:45. The doctor told me that everything went normally and just as he expected. He removed the area that was cancerous and also the lump from the other breast. He took sample tissue from the lymph (sp) node and it appeared to be normal from a visual reference. All this will undergo lab analysis and we will know the results on Monday.
She is at home now. When we got here she wanted water. She had water and a pimento cheese sandwich. She took her prescribed pain medication as a precaution, took a potty break, changed to her night clothes, and went to bed. She is resting somewhat comfortably.
She wanted me to especially thank all of you folks for the prayers, thoughts, and good wishes that you have sent her way. Stay tuned for updates from the ole gal herself!
Thanx
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
The Day Before Tomorrow
At last it's the day before tomorrow. Tomorrow is the day I finally go to surgery. It seems - to me at least - that it has been a long time getting here. In truth my medical team has moved very fast. For that I'm thankful.
I'm tired beyond belief but I'm not in pain and I'm not depressed. I see no reason to 'awfulize' (a term I picked up from someone I used to work with) this situation. It will pass.
I asked Harry to please post for me following surgery. He decided he'd like to make his blog a comment to my post because he already knows how to do that. So, for the folks that follow my blog: You should see a comment to this post sometime tomorrow evening.
I probably won't post again until after my adventure into surgery but I will be back. I just bet that I'll have stories to tell!
I'm tired beyond belief but I'm not in pain and I'm not depressed. I see no reason to 'awfulize' (a term I picked up from someone I used to work with) this situation. It will pass.
I asked Harry to please post for me following surgery. He decided he'd like to make his blog a comment to my post because he already knows how to do that. So, for the folks that follow my blog: You should see a comment to this post sometime tomorrow evening.
I probably won't post again until after my adventure into surgery but I will be back. I just bet that I'll have stories to tell!
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Time Moves Slowly When I'm Waiting
Sunday night and the world is sleeping - all except me, that is. Tomorrow I go to the hospital lab to have my pre-surgery lab work completed. Will the lab work, testing, and waiting never end? Of course it will but waiting is never easy for me. I have no energy so I just sit and look at what I need to be doing. I want to get this show on the road and get it behind me.
Sunday gathering happened today and both out of town kids called to wish Harry a happy Father's Day and to ask how I'm doing. It was really good to hear from them and know they are doing well. The little fellows were really sweet to Papa (Harry) and brought him golf tees and a six pack of "adult beverage" (beer). He also has a gift card for his favorite steak house. All in all it was a good day. Oh I forgot to say that Harry cooked a wonderful meal today. James said that Papa's baked chicken breast was the best ever! Jesse's plate spoke for him.
Soul tagged me for this MEME. Here it is:
What makes me happy are these twelve things:
1) Time spent playing and talking with my grandchildren
2) Knowing that I have a loving husband who I love dearly
3) A clean house would make me happy if I had one
4) The quiet time when I can breathe deep and center myself
5) The love and support I feel from my family and friends
6) The smell of fresh air after a rain
7) The open road that leads to new and interesting places
8) Listening to a whippoorwill (Do you know what that is?)
9) Reading a good book
10) Sunsets on the beach
11) Mountain Streams
12) You, my blogging friends, make me very happy
I'm not going to tag anyone but I'd be interested in hearing what makes you happy.
Sunday gathering happened today and both out of town kids called to wish Harry a happy Father's Day and to ask how I'm doing. It was really good to hear from them and know they are doing well. The little fellows were really sweet to Papa (Harry) and brought him golf tees and a six pack of "adult beverage" (beer). He also has a gift card for his favorite steak house. All in all it was a good day. Oh I forgot to say that Harry cooked a wonderful meal today. James said that Papa's baked chicken breast was the best ever! Jesse's plate spoke for him.
Soul tagged me for this MEME. Here it is:
What makes me happy are these twelve things:
1) Time spent playing and talking with my grandchildren
2) Knowing that I have a loving husband who I love dearly
3) A clean house would make me happy if I had one
4) The quiet time when I can breathe deep and center myself
5) The love and support I feel from my family and friends
6) The smell of fresh air after a rain
7) The open road that leads to new and interesting places
8) Listening to a whippoorwill (Do you know what that is?)
9) Reading a good book
10) Sunsets on the beach
11) Mountain Streams
12) You, my blogging friends, make me very happy
I'm not going to tag anyone but I'd be interested in hearing what makes you happy.
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