my surgery update

Thank you all very much for keeping me in your prayers and thoughts.  The surgery was long, about 6 hours, I did get the dissapointing news that the cancer has spread to my lymph nodes. So I now have to face chemotherapy as well as radiation in the future. The american cancer society has already called and offered support in a variety of ways. My dog has settled in to his temp. home well, which is a relief. I had alot of discomfort the first 36 hours, but today I have felt much better. I was in the hospital for 1 night, and came home yeasterday afternoon to my sister's home. I'm not sure if I'll make the November Phoenixville support meeting, but I hope everyone will come and encourage one another.
Chris

Chris,

I'm soooo glad to read your update!  You've been on my mind all week, and I've been hoping all went well.  I'm so sorry to hear that the cancer has spread, but we're going to be with you as you fight this.  You're not facing this alone---we're here for whatever you need!!!  Don't worry about the November meeting.  Just concentrate on healing!!!!

Gentle hugs to you!

Julia

Hi Chris
  keep your chin up. I will keep you in my prayers. I wish you the best going theu radiation & chemo
Susan

Good to hear from you.  I'll continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.  

Arlene 

Chris, remember to take one step at a time. In times of personal crisis, our brains tend to run way out front of our present reality....drawing all sorts of 'what if" scenarios. The truth is, we do much better if we stay grounded in what is NOW and keep our focus on doing exactly what we need to do in the moment.

My friend in MD took advantage of Cancer Society support during her bout with breast cancer. She also found a wonderful support group and made great friends there...after chemo, radiation, and some new medication therapies, she has been cancer free for 3 years.

You are in my prayers!

If you need a post surgical support garment, I found a vendor at the NY Convention. www.lipoexpress.com  They have many styles to choose from.

I bought a garment for my legs and it has reduced the swelling by almost half.  They say this is the garment that is used to keep the lymph nodes from causing a blow up of lymphedema. 

I hope you will be up and around quickly.  I will be in Worcester on Monday if you need anything.

We have all been thinking and asking about you!  Im glad to hear you are home with your sister.  Sorry to hear the news about the lymph nodes....we are all here to help you with whatever you need. 

HG

Good to hear from you. And so happy to hear you are being offered support. We will all have you in our thoughts and prayers and you continue this journey. Keep us posted, and take care of yourself!

Chris - take all the assistance you can get right now. I am sorry to hear that it had spread to the nodes. I'll be thinking about you and praying that the chemo and radiation are gentle on you. Hopefully it will put your mind at ease to know that your body is in the best shape it could have been going into this and that will make all it is going to go through and your recovery much easier.

Hang in there and if you need anything we are all here - even if it is just venting or sharing!

Liz

Hi Chris - I'm glad to see you posting personally - at least we know you're up and moving around. I'm so sorry to hear about the diagnosis but we are all praying for you for a speedy and complete recovery. Please take care and rest and heal. Kathy