An 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

Hoping 2007 brings less stress for you and me both , Prosit! Lois

Kathy, Wishing you the best in 2007! You have had such a rough time...this has got to be your year! You remain in my thoughts and prayers. Good luck on Thursday. Christine

Hi Kathy, What a year this has been for you and Rich!! I really hope 2007 is a better year for you.... Glad that it looks like you have not been too deformed with these surgeries and biopsies etc - it could have been so much worse. I will pray that yiur resukts next week come back good and you can get on with the radiation and hormone treatments. I am sorry to hear about Lady but she did indeed lead a long life with a lot of love - and is out of pain and suffering now.... and you are handling it well - it is sad but you should be happy that you all have her a good life.... You take care of yourself and I hope 2007 is less stressful for you love, Jackie

Awww, Kathy, sorry to hear about little Lady...it is always so sad to lose a special pet. Glad to hear your FIL is on the mend as well as you. You and your family will be in my thoughts and prayers. I know that 2007 will be a better year for a number of us. 2006 was a definate learning experience for alot of us. Love you and wish you best wishes...Hugs, Betsy

Oh Kathy...I just want to give you a big hug. My heart goes out to you. Lots of Love, Dana

Kathy, you have had a really stressful week. My heart goes out to you. You have been in my thoughts and in my prayers. Best wishes to you for 2007. Courtney

Kathy big hugs coming your way!! You have been through a lot. I am glad that your FIL is doing better and that the biopsy was negative and praying for the same from the other. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. My heart goes out to you for the loss of your Lady. It is so hard to lose our special friends. Having such a good life it would have been so hard for her had you not made the decision you did. She is at peace now and will always be in your heart. ((((hugs)))) Anna