Okay, this is funny. I was getting my thoughts together for this next blog post to update you all on the surgery. When I opened my computer to my blog, I realized I've already updated you! That first week was such a blur. I thought I had slept through those first few days, but obviously not. I wonder what else I may have done or said that week which I don't recall? Thank you if you came by to visit and/or to bring a meal - I do know we have had enough to eat - I've actually gained weight since the initial post-surgery loss! Our family is so grateful.
My younger sister, Kristy, spent the first 14 post-operative days with me at home. She was invaluable to me and my family. We realized we hadn't spent extended time together since we lived together way back my senior year in college! We had a wonderful time together. My older sister, Janet, also came to spend a weekend with us. And the three of us were together again.

Krist left two days ago and I've waxed melancholy. My body is healing slowly and I feel so physically weak. I still have one of the two drains which are necessary after surgery of this type and it's because I tried to do too much. My post-op visit with the surgeon was yesterday and when she saw I still had the drains she said, "You cannot do anything with your left arm other than what's absolutely necessary; like taking a shower or brushing your teeth. No housework. No doing the dishes, nor folding laundry." I started crying. That was exactly what I'd been doing. I just hate feeling useless! Who doesn't? My heart feels tender. A LOT has happened, and my emotions must be catching up with me.
What is the next step on this journey now that I am minus one boob and 19 lymph nodes? Well, I can say I'm cancer free! That is HUGE!!! Praise be to the Living God! I probably should've started this blog with those words. :-) But I still have months of treatment ahead of me to be completely whole again, so I guess that's why I didn't.
I've reached a HUGE milestone. I have no more detectable cancer in my entire body. :-)  But, just like when you have a sinus infection and you're supposed to take all 10 days of the medicine even if you feel better after 5, I must continue my treatment for 8-10 more months even though I feel "better" after 6. Next step is radiation. Should begin in early October and last for 6 or 7 weeks. It will be targeted radiation on the area that underwent surgery.
I want to feel strong again. I want to be able to do the things I normally do and more. I want to hike Klingman's Dome again, or swim in the Gulf of Mexico again. My heart leaps at the thought of having strong legs and arms again. I will.
In the meantime I will rest like I'm supposed to. Visit with those of you who come by to see me. Eat good food. And enjoy this recliner.