Two weeks post-op...Oh, those pesky drain tubes...

My Cleveland Clinic appt. to have my drain tubes removed was canceled for today since my drainage is at 60-70cc for each side and can't be removed until 30cc or below, combined.  They don't like the tubes in for more than a month. It's only been two weeks so I am still doing fine. Very minor, in the big picture, since I've had so many blessings and answers to prayers!  Until they are removed, I still have the same restrictions (no driving, no lifting over 5 lbs. etc.).  Thank goodness my daughter McCulla has her drivers permit and has been a huge help as our chauffeur. The drain tubes aren't painful (anymore), just more of an inconvenience with sleeping and with my wardrobe selection since it's easiest to have a top/jacket/sweater that zips or buttons down in front and I try to, somehow, camouflage these plastic looking grenade thingys.  I'm extra lumpy and I'm not sure I would make it through airport security!  I'm waiting to hear back from Cleveland Clinic to reschedule my appt. for drain tube removal and another fill...most likely next Monday.

I have two in-home health care nurses, Sherri & Deborah, through NOCH, who come three times a week to check my stats, drain tubes, etc. to make sure I'm healing properly. They have been exceptional!  I always look forward to their visits - just another reassurance that things are going well and as planned.

We are now beginning to transition over to Lacks Cancer Center, in Grand Rapids, for the chemo treatment phase and additional expander fills.  My first appt. is next Tuesday to meet with the medical oncologist, Dr. Latha Polavaram, who will be going over all my reports/info. from my oncologist at Cleveland Clinic.  We will know shortly when I will start my chemo.  Until then, I patiently wait, trust, pray, celebrate and embrace each day and give thanks and glory to an awesome God! Huge shout out to our dear friend Kris Grek who works at Lacks and helped us with this transition...yet another blessing!  Thank you - love you Kris!

I feel really good other than being fatigued, and the "fills" make me feel like I've pulled a chest muscle - not painful, just a little uncomfortable.  Through this journey I've been told that I will have good days and bad days and so far I've really been blessed with good days!  My faith, healthy lifestyle, army of supporters/prayer warriors/encouragers, best medical team, amazing dinners, and the love shown...all contribute for these "good" days!  Many days filled with tears of gratitude... thank you so much...we are abundantly blessed and grateful!

I must go through the valley, to stand on the mountain! :-)

Thank you again for being a part of my journey!

Love you,

Jen, Jon, M & M

This is what the drain tubes (aka "Grenades!") Look like.