Graphics by Jen Hageman. Photo by Liz Leisure.

Thanks girls!!

Thursday, October 13, 2011

My Surgery

I had my colon resection on Friday, Oct 7th at 12:00. The surgery lasted about 3 hours. Everything went according to plan. They removed the part of my colon that was bloked and moved my colostomy from my right abdomen to the left side. It looks a lot nicer that the last one I had also. It's much smaller! Yeah! I was very sore the first few days. I was surprised that my "plumbing" started working as soon as it did! I was able to start eating on Wednesday. I had TPN (IV nutrition) up until I was discharged home but the doc thinks I'll be ok without it! Yeah!!! I'm really tired of lugging that bag around every night!

Thanks to Gary for staying with me the entire week in Philly. He stayed at the Radisson this time instead of in my room. It was nice becuase he met many friends that had family members in CTCA as well. I'm glad, that helped the time pass quicker.

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It's 2010! Time to Reflect...

Almost 18 months cancer-free...how long will it last? Such an aggressive cancer, this damn Leiomyosarcoma! Every CT/MRI I have had since my completion of radiation in August 2008 was VERY stressful. Even when I didn't realize it, "SCAN"XIETY loomed in the back of head. Knowing that I had a 50% chance of the cancer returning. Wondering if NOT having chemo back then was the right path. Since my doc's hadn't dealt with many sarcomas, did they really know the BEST treatments?
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The last year and half has brought me so much joy and contentment. To be a GRANDMA! Wow. I love it! To become so much closer to my family. My sis is my best friend now! My husband and I couldn't be any closer. I get to see my daughter and her family every week when I go to babysit my little Maxton. My stepdaughter moved in with our youngest grandson, Marcus, for 6 months. He is a little angel. My Mom has been so much help to me through all my health issues. My stepdad and I have become closer than I ever thought possible. He has been down the cancer road as well. My Mother-in-law has moved closer to us and our relationship has grown. And then I began working at Samaritan and have some wonderful friends! I love that place so much! It's worth the 45 minute drive.

I HAVE A WONDERFUL LIFE!
And I know how to live it...by the seat of my pants! :)

Life should NOT be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in an attractive well preserved body, but rather to slide in sideways, chocolate in one hand, a beer (or tequila) in the other, body thoroughly used up, totally worn out, screaming "woo hoo, what a ride"

**HEY! DON'T FORGET TO GO TO "OLDER POSTS" JUST ABOVE THIS ON THE RIGHT. LOTS OF COOL INFO THERE TOO! YOU DON'T WANT TO MISS ME WITH TIM MCGRAW!