I have been home for 1 week now and doing much better. Nothing like sleeping in your own bed. I had the twin bed taken down out of the dining room, and go upstairs to my bedroom to sleep. It took me quite some time in the beginning, but I can do it now with just one foot on each step. It's good the railing is still holding though.
There is nothing like sleeping in your own bed to make you feel better. I do go upstairs to my bedroom everyday, even though it took me several stops on the staircase in the beginning. At least the railing is still holding, thank goodnes.
Dr. Stoeckle (surgeon), gave me the green light to start taking showers again and man, does that feel good. He said I'm doing great and was really impressed with how well my wounds are healing, especially my abdomen.
While preparing for David's wedding is wonderfully occuping my time for the next week, I have been able to get out and run a few errands each day, but those afternoon naps sure feel good.
I have decided to have a 2nd port-au-catheter put in - this one on my left side. When I get back from the wedding, I'll have both abdomen and shoulder wounds cultured, then put on antibiotics for a week.
The surgery is scheduled for the 22nd and I'll have IV antibiotics while I'm in the hospital.
Because I have previously had CHOP chemotherapy and taken a hiatus, Dr. McCoy (oncologist), told me that the mass will not accept it again, so I have to go to the "secondary" level of treatment. This will involve admission to the hospital for 2 days every 3 weeks, and having IV chemo infused at a slower pace. While the "h" word scared me to death, after talking to my "longest best friend" Ann Rhudy, I am convinced that is exactly where I should be.
The biggest "pro" for this treatment is that I will only have to have it 4 times, rather than the 8 or 12 I was looking at with CHOP.
I'm having CTs done again on my abdomen, chest and neck on Monday, which will give Dr. McCoy time to review them and discuss my case with his mentor at UVA (yes, yes, I know - UVA - but they do have some excellent doctors!). I'll probably begin that treatment at the end of April/first of May.
My office has brought food, I'm walking a mile with friends each day, and getting plenty of rest, so feel I am improving a lot. It just goes to show that Dorothy was right, "There's no place like home."