...only smaller. We've been planning to remove a tumor in lymph nodes behind my left clavicle bone since May. The surgery is tomorrow in Kenner and both Julie and Sharon are here with me to have some fun. Dr. B., in our post op appointment today, assured me this surgery would be no big deal compared to my surgery in December. But I have to go under full anesthesia and spend the night because of the location of the lymph nodes. My 6 month scans look good. I still have the mysterious pain in my upper abdominal area which I made sure to tell him about. After much poking and prodding, Dr. B. found it and determined it was a hernia around my scar. He's going to fix it after he removes the lymph nodes. Sort of a two-for-one. He can cut into the scar tissue and will just have to determine when he gets in there if he needs to put wire mesh or stitches to hold it. It may extend my recovery time, but hopefully not by much. It seems it was a byproduct of surgery and healing. So the little surgery got a bit larger, but still nothing compared to the previous one.
All has been well since my last post. I've been adjusting to not thinking about cancer 24/7. It's weird making that switch from my every thought being consumed with it to sometimes not thinking about it until someone asks me if I want a tomato or a banana. It's the best kind of paradigm shift.
Dr. B. told me something funny today. And if you don't know, most surgeons aren't typically very funny.
Dr. B: Can I tell you something now that the big surgery is over and it was successful?
Me: Of course. (I would listen to him read War and Peace if he asked me to)
Dr. B: You're surgery scared the shit out of me.
Me: Smiling. It scared the shit out of me too. Before or after the surgery?
Dr. B: Both. I just kept thinking what in the hell have I gotten myself into?
Me: Big sigh. See? It all worked out. And I still would rather have died trying than just have that tumor squish my portal vein and die a slow and painful death thinking you weren't any braver or different than Mayo or MD Anderson. (he laughed) And there's no need for anymore of this kinda talk mister. Let's just get in there and get out tomorrow. Keep it short. Am I first this time?
Dr. B: Oh yes, you'll most likely delay someone else's surgery this time. (he rolls his eyes)
I'm happy to say Julie and Sharon have both experienced their first Johnny's muffaletta. It was a good day for them. They are busy puttering around Kenner and Metairie while I'm in our room doing an abdominal surgery prep. All is well and life is goooooooooooood.
pow smak,
jan
