"Pretty incredible"

Just a quick update as it's been a week since surgery.

Yesterday we received the final lab report confirming that her lymph nodes are negative for cancer.  Great news in and of itself.  I can't tell you how relieved I am. 

We do have our first meeting with the Oncologist Friday where we should see the results of the genetic testing that was done and we should also be making a decision as to the need for chemotherapy.  We're prepared for treatment if necessary, we're hoping they tell us it won't be.  For you praying types, there's a focus for ye (and know please that we so appreciate your prayers).

I'm learning that my wife did one heckuva lot more around the house than I gave her credit for.  I'm wore out but I'm also treasuring every minute I have with her.  So far she tells me I'm not smothering her (and she's not the fibbing type) but she really is doing remarkably well.  She insists on walking daily and has worked her way up to walking more than a couple of miles now in a single jaunt.  Pretty incredible.  I'm thinking I'd be curled up in a fetal position if they'd done to me what they've done to her.  Tuesday evning, she insisted we go to Plaza to have dinner, this not an hour or so after a 2 mile walk.  No margaritas for either of us (which was quite the sacrifice) but she did get to enjoy some of her favorite avocado dip.   And of course, the company of her family.

Please do keep praying.  This war will be a long one, but right now, we're winning the battles and kickin' some serious booty.

Comments

[Larry Sheldon]

I am not a doctor, I am not medically trained at all unless you count being raised by parents who could not afford much but who did understand more than they got credit for, rearing three female athletes, and living to be 73 (well, in another two weeks or so).

And unless you count being the husband of a woman who Has Been There. She was diagnosed in 1994, had the surgery, reduction surgery on the other side to restore some balance, did not do the chemo.

But what she did do was all the exercise she could tolerate (or maybe a bit more because of one of our daughters and I leaning) a bit.

She did all the PT, And as a result she suffers the minimum possible--very few "I can'ts.

I recommend that. (She has had other surgery too --knee surgeries, rotator cuff repairs -- and except for the first cuff repair where the surgeon didn't "believe in" PT, she has recovered essential full use (better than full use, in some cases).

So I recommend that you make it clear that you love her even when she begins to wonder, agree on a signal that means "I really must stop for a bit" that you will honor and that she will not abuse.

To the extent that I have the power, I guarantee that in five years you all will be glad you did.

[Tom]

Praying. And yes, of course....treasure every moment. (From one who knows.)

[Morgan K Freeberg]

That's really wonderful. Great news, Rick. All my hopes.

[Locutisprime]

Great news Rick!

[chuck aka xtnyoda]

Good, good news!

My little Sis had the same when she was only 33. She turned 59 last week and is healthy and robust as any 59 year old on this planet.

Her dear husband walked ever step of the way with her. A good, good man.