First saw Dr. Harris, my general surgeon. He looked at the surgical site and assured me everything looks great. I, personally, wouldn't say it is great looking at this point, but I guess as far as healing goes, it's looking like it should be. Everything just still feels so tight and sore. Normal at this stage.
Dr. Harris also delivered the awesome news that I have NO lymph node involvement! Hooray! And, definitely NO radiation necessary! Hooray again. While we pretty much knew this already, it is nice to have the final biopsy back it up!
They set up an appt for me with the oncologist, which will be next Thursday, Feb. 7.
It is still recommended that I have the Herceptin due to the HER2 positive receptors. They will probably surgically place a port for this type of chemo. That way I don't have to have a new IV every time. It sounds like it may only be once a month for a year. I will know all this for sure after I have the consult with the oncologist.
So while it still seems like I have a long road ahead, it doesn't feel like it will be a really tough road. I feel so fortunate and blessed to have caught this early enough that there was no lymph node involvement, and it was isolated to the area it was. It really keeps my mind at ease!
My second appt today was with Dr. Kiener, my plastic surgeon. The rest of the staples were all removed today! The two remaining drains may come out on Friday, but more likely next Monday. It just depends on how much fluid is still draining by Friday.
I must say, I still feel so blessed to have the medical team that I have. They have all been wonderful. The drs, nurses, scheduling staff, and receptionists have been so attentive. That doesn't always happen these days! It sure is nice when it does!

Today when we got home from my Dr's appointment, a package from Amazon was on my doorstep! I opened the package to find a wonderful meditation cd. I looked in the package and on the outside of the package, and no where did I find anything to indicate who sent this to me! I would really, really like to know the proper person to thank for such a kind and thoughtful gift that will really benefit my healing time right now! I love it!
So if it was you, could you please email me and let me know?!?
Thank you so much! I have been feeling so blessed by the outpouring I have received. It's simply amazing!
My email: loisfrancesis@gmail.com

So I got more of the staples out today, and two of the four drains. Yippee! Slowly but surely getting there. I guess the back drains will stay in for at least another week.
Back in again on Wednesday, when they'll probably remove the remainder of the staples.
That's all for right now.

So I was pretty excited to be able to take a shower finally. Scott had installed a new handheld shower and there are built in seats in the shower. Sounds pretty easy and straightforward, right?!?
So we decide to empty the drains first and take the corset off. I start to feel a little nausea coming on, but try to ignore it. When I see the full surgery site in the mirror for the first time, wow. I guess it was a little overwhelming for me. More than I realized it would be. I make my way to the shower finally, and step in. Right then I realize I need to lay back down. Not good timing. So, I make my way back to the bed, with Scott's help of course, and get the corset back on. This whole incident was pretty upsetting to me. Everything's been going so well, so it was a bit hard to have this minor setback. And most of it all in my head!
So today, my big accomplishment will be the completion of my shower!
Wish me luck!
On a good note, the drains are looking better and collecting less fluid. Really hoping those will come out tomorrow!
The pain isn't too terrible either.
Happy Sunday, everyone!

So very happy to be back home, almost as much as the doggies are to have us home! But I think "Aunt" Kristy spoiled them quite sufficiently! A huge thank you to Kristy and our neighbors, the Merrills, for taking such good care of our mutts!
Our accommodations at Becky and Jared's were quite nice, as well! It was good to get some uninterrupted sleep!
I had my visit with the plastic surgeon today and all went very well! They checked everything over and it looks like I am healing exceptionally well! They removed half of the staples and will probably remove the remainder on Monday. Also, it looks like the drains will probably come out on Monday, as well!
I am still fairly sore and trying to stay on top of it with meds, but really, not as much pain as I had anticipated.
I attribute how well I am doing directly to the wonderful care, prayers and good thoughts I continue to receive! Thank you all for contributing!
Didn't get the "final" word yet on the node biopsy, but should hear on Monday. I will also return to the plastic surgeon on Monday, then back to the regular surgeon on Wednesday... Whew! Still waiting to get in with the oncologist.
I think I might just sleep all day tomorrow! Haha!
So happy Laura is here now, too! <3

Yay! Out of the hospital and staying at Becky and Jared's tonight. I have a post-op appointment tomorrow with Dr. Kiener, my plastic surgeon. I have four drains still attached that will stay until there is little or no fluid left to drain. This is why I will be closely monitored by the plastic surgeon for a while.
The general surgeon, Dr. Harris, is going to get me set up with the oncologist for a consult appt. He said we will let the surgery heal for a while before starting any additional therapy. Also, as Scott mentioned in the last blogs, we will hopefully find out the final results of the lymph node biopsy tomorrow(Friday) or Monday at the latest.
I'm just so glad the major surgery is over!
I can't even begin to find words to explain how thankful I am to ALL of you for every prayer, good thought, card, flowers and just pure LoVe that has been sent my way! I have felt it all and I know I would not be doing nearly so well without all of it! So from the bottom of my heart, thank you, thank you, thank you! And... Keep those prayers a-coming! I am so blessed.

Just another note. Dr. Harris said the initial test of the lymph nodes were negative and they will have final results on Friday. They took three others as a precautionary measure so they should never need to go back.
Mary that is an incredible story. We love those.

Well after a 4 hr. wait she finally has a room. Tahoe tower 417 or T417 for short if you call tomorrow. She is doing ok but still pretty out of it. They sugested no visitors or calls tonight. I'm sure she will be ready to talk to everyone in the morning.
Scott

For all of the wonderful family and friends. Lois is in recovery and doing fine. The lymph nodes were negative (thank god) and surgery went well.
Thank you all so much for all you support, thoughts and prayers. I am so proud of my lovely wife for her strength an courage through all of this. I know her battle isn't over yet, but with your continued support I know she will have a complete and full recovery. I will send more when she is comfortably resting in her room.
Thank you all again.
Scott

On our way to Reno for my surgery. Scott will try to post something here as soon as he hears from the surgeon after my surgery. It is scheduled for noon, so hopefully it will start on time!
Thanks again for ALL the wonderful thoughts, prayers, good thoughts and everything else that will see me through!