It's great to have good friends and especially great before having surgery. Yesterday I had plastic surgery on my leg for melanoma. So far all is going well and reports are good. Earlier last week, two of my girlfriends went shopping - as most women like doing. In this case, they decided to make up a recovery basket for me to help me with my bed rest days. There are 7 notes along with some fun stuff to open. Today I got to open my first card - and, Carol and Marcia, it did make me giggle. The goodies for today look good too. How did you know Cheetos were one of my favorites. The tea looks good - very thoughtful to buy me "diet" tea.
My other close friends are ones sent home with me from the hospital. I've never used crutches before and am thankful I'm able to put weight on my sore leg; otherwise, this could be disastrous. Also, a little like the airplanes, I have a little "black box" with a tube attached to my leg. It's called an Acti-VAC pump and the pump is wrapped inside a bandage on my leg. From what I was told, this is suppose to cause the wound to heal from the inside out; rather than outside in. I guess we'll find out when it comes off next Thursday.
The surgeon originally told me that I'd be spending one night in the hospital BUT yesterday said it would be up to me and how I felt after recovery. Fortunately, everything went according to schedule from check-in, radiology, and even a little early for the 2:00 surgery time. I've never been in a hospital so had no clue what to expect. When I woke up in recovery, I thought I was still waiting to go into surgery. Gotta love those drugs. The first thing the anesthesiologist told me when I woke up was "I think you can go home" - then, I thought I was dreaming. I passed all the necessary vital tests and walking with crutches plus eating (hadn't eaten or drank anything all day). I was home around 8:00 pm. These are my other "good friends" but only for this week.
Last but not least, I've got a very attentive and wonderful "nurse" who has been doing remarkably well - even with his sore hip. I couldn't do this without him. He is having a follow-up surgery on his hip on July 5th so I have to be back on my feet by then so I can take my turn at being nurse. So far we're going good - and it's only Day 1.
Patrick thought I needed a photo op when we got home from the hospital yesterday. I bet he didn't think I'd dare use the picture here. Note the neat bed tray - specially made by Patrick. He does enjoy making things - anywhere from bread, pies, cookies, bird houses, and now trays. What a guy!
If you have my e-mail address, drop me a line - I've got lots of time on my hands these days to chat.
