Update on things...

Just wanted to post a hello and a brief update. The past few days have been a whirlwind of activity, goings-on and overall stress. First of all, FIL is now home after his few days in the hospital. We was taken to the ER Wednesday morning in the wee hours. We went over prior to my lumpectomy to see him at his hospital before heading over to mine for my surgery. He was diagnosed with congestive heart failure and a touch of pnemonia. He is much, much better and went home yesterday. My surgery Wednesday went well. Sentinel node biopsy was negative. We get the full pathology back this coming Thursday. Hopefully it'll show clear margins and then I can move on to radiation and hormone therapy. Have appointments with the oncologist and radiation oncologist set for the week after. Got to take my bandage off this morning. I can actually shower today. Yea! I'm impressed as the incision is only about 2 inches or so. Has one strip of surgical tape (seristrip) across it. Then I have a smaller incision from the sentiel node biopsy up in my armpit with tape on it as well. All is swollen but overall not bad at all. Lastly, we put our dear sweet Lady (border collie) to rest last night. It was time. She was going downhill. She had the seizure a couple of weeks ago. After being in the kennel over the holiday, she cried the first hour in the car on Tuesday and she isn't a crier. My ex had her later that day and said on Wednesday that she twice laid down on her side and cried and was also having diarrhea. He brought her to me Thursday evening to spend time with her on Friday since he was working and I was home. We had some nice time together. I took her to the ER vet Thursday when I realized there was blood in the stools. anyway, we made the decision together that this was it. We were all there with her last night... Rich and I. Ex-hubby and new wife. Four loving parents. She fought the tranquilier with all her might. Tough gal. But she is at peace. Lady almost made it to 19 years old. She was on extra borrowed time for a number of years and in great health except for the past month or so. I'm sad but happy to have had her in my life these last 10 years. She brought me so much joy that I cannot even being to describe. I've already looked for her twice this morning and luckily I smiled rather than bawled. Think I'm cried out for now. So, that has been my last few days. Incredibly stressful but as always I'm still standing. Be good folks and I hope 2007 is a great year for us all. Best wishes, Kathy

Kathy, Glad your sugery went well and your FIL is out of the hospital. I am so sorry to hear about Lady however. I've been through that with my own dog and the grief is very difficult. Please know you are in my thoughts. I hope the new year brings lots of wonderful things for you and your family. Wanda

Oh Kathy........ I have been through this twice in the past 14 months..... and I am still crying over both losses. Yes you had her for a long time, but its never long enough, is it???? I'm so so sorry. There are no words, and all you can do is hug Rich and hold on to the memories and the good thoughts that you have. When you can look at some old photos and know that you did the right thing for her. One of my pets we had to put down, the other went on her own..... i'm not sure which was more difficult. I send you love and hugs.... truly I do. I have never been blessed with children, so I think I poured all of my nurturing needs into my doggies.... and maybe I carried it a bit 'too far' who knows? You are so strong to say you smiled rather than bawled, and with all you have on your plate..... you continue to amaze me. You really do.... your strength.... my lord. I just dont know how you do it.... please dont feel you cant break down though at some point and bawl... you are, after all.... human! hugs, Jes