Round one, almost done...

The second surgery was scheduled very quickly. They said it would be similar to the first and they were just going to go in and remove more surface tissue. I had an earlier surgery time than the first one, so it seemed like everything was moving much more quickly. The doctor came in and explained the procedure which threw me for a loop because in my mind surface tissue meant closer to the skin, not more muscle. They were going to take out more muscle. I knew they said that I would keep the mobility of my leg, I might be slower but I did not expect it to be that much more. I was scared. They came in and were ready to take me back, I didn't get the "margarita shot" until I was headed out the door. Then by the time I was in the OR I was still wired up. They started prepping me and I could feel the anesthesia in my chest. I told them that I thought something was wrong, I could feel it across my face and in my lips. Then I woke up in the recovery room. The healing process took much longer than the first surgery. They left the drain in over the weekend. The incision was much bigger than I expected and instead of using steri strips, they stitched it up. I have never seen stitches on me before. I cried in the shower because I looked like Frankenstein. The drain and the stitches were removed that next week. That was an experience in itself. The best part about that appointment was that they had the pathology report back. They were able to clear the margin and remove all the cancer cells. The tumor was gone. I could breathe again. There was a small "hill" at the bottom of my incision. My leg started to collect fluid and blood. I had to stay in bed for a week with my leg up and warm compresses. I was so happy that the fluid went down and I did not have to get it aspirated.

Today was another emotional day. This is the last bag of my first treatment. It still has a few hours to go. Then they will flush my system out with another bag that will take about 12 hours. Then I will need a shot to help rebuild my blood count. I was mad today. I feel like this is so unfair. I have been in the hospital since Monday and it was only supposed to be a four day treatment. I feel like I have done my time here, I should be ready to go. The night nurses ran the premeds individually and threw off my timing.  My uncle has been texting my all day, trying to make me smile. I talked to two of them today. They had me laughing so hard my cheeks hurt. I pictured myself after my treatments are said and done, starting the rest of my life. Happy and healthy with my beautiful little girl.