Recovery continues

Now into nine days after surgery. I am extending the time between taking medicine and reducing the pain medication. We have had beautiful flowers delivered, delicious meals, great visits from friends,emails,and calls. I will see the doctor on Tuesday and hope that the drains will be removed. Then I will be able to move around. More later.

I'm home

July 26 and I am home. Dr. Izenberg, the plastic surgeon stopped in early this morning. Gave me good news that the pathology report showed no more cancer and I could go home. Hallelujah!
My recovery will continue due to drains, soreness and just rest.
Thanks to everyone for your good wishes,prays, food, cards, visits,and friendship while I continue the treatment. Enjoy the summer weather. Martha

July 23d

Day after surgery ... It was an 8 hour surgery. Needed a blood transfusion. I am very sore and having difficulty getting a deep breath. Three lymph node were removed. I am getting excellent care. Holly spent last night with me, Joe will stay tonight... I can't reach for things and need help. I took two walks today and am sitting in a chair. I can't sleep because of the tightness in my breath. Hope I can sleep tonight. Martha

This is the day

I am packing up to go to the hospital. Surgery is scheduled for one o'clock today. This is just another step in heading toward good health. The cancer will be removed. Thanks for all the prayers and healing thoughts. I'll make another post when I get back home.... 3 to 5 days. Love, Martha

July.15

Today is my grand daughter, Nora"JoJo" birthday. She says she is two years alive.
It is also a surgery day for me. My spiritual reading was perfect... from the book Jesus Calling, saying do not worry but give you burdens and concerns over to God... So that is just what I did. Surgery took about an hour and half. I have an incision about 8 inches long. I have pain meds that are helping. The big surgery is next Friday. I will be hospitalized for several days afterwards. Otherwise, I am staying quiet and healing today. Enjoying the beautiful day. Martha

Summer time

Today was a beautiful Michigan summer day, fresh warm air, sunshine, and blue skies. The Women's Golf Association at our golf club had a two day Rally for the Cure. The men and women made donations for the Hickman Cancer Center at Bixby Hospital in Adrian, Mich. We raised $1400. This money will be used for families of cancer patients that need financial assistance. We have had this event for many years but the last few years we have donated locally.
My college friend, Corinne, joined us today too. It was great being with her.

Martha

Catching up

I haven't written since the middle of June. Since my last chemo treatment energy, stamina, clearer head, and better health have come back. It is amazing how the chemo slows one down. I went to a retirement party for a fellow counselor soon after chemo ended and I was struggling to stay with a conversation, keep focused, etc. I am glad to return to my former self.... I am about 70% there.

Next, is preparing for surgery. I have 2 surgeries.... July 15, 22nd at St. Joe's Hospital in Ann Arbor. The procedure is the tram flap. I will have a double mastectomy followed by the tram flap which uses a segment of the lower abdominal skin, fat and muscle to reconstruct a new breast. It is about a 5 hour surgery and a 3 to 5 day hospital stay. I am a bit anxious as I go into this long surgery but I have talked with several friends that have had the same doctors and surgery, they are pleased with the results, there is a recovery period so you know where you can find me... at home.

We enjoyed a wonderful July 4th weekend with my two sons and their families. It was extremely hot so we enjoyed swimming and playing some indoor games with the little ones who range in ages from 7,5,4,and 2years of age. It sure is fun watching the cousins interact. We enjoyed the traditional cook out too. I hope you had a great holiday as we all celebrated the freedom and independence our country provides.

Martha