Today is a great day! Chug, Chug, Chug....

Today I'm trying to prep for tomorrow. Of course, I've gotten all kinds of advice on what to do but not really knowing what I should do. However, I've heard from many that the more water I drink the quicker I can flush out the chemo....so chug, chug, chug....I've been trying all day to drink water. I am using a cup Emory gave me while I was in the hospital to measure my water so no cheating for me! I thought drinking 30 ounces today was enough for the month but I have that much and more to go.

I'm yet again blessed with cards , e-mails and gifts. I owe so many people. I don't know how in the world I'll ever be able to repay those who have been so thoughtful, kind and prayerful. I'm reminded that this is my test in my testimony but "God, couldn't it have been something a little less painful, such as a stubbed toe or something of similiar caliber?" Of course, I've never asked that...all in teasing. Not sure why my car detoured but there must be beautiful scenery that I would have missed on my journey. "-)

I have read over and over about red meat and the corelation to colon cancer, especially the re-occurance so....I've totally cut red meat and pork out of my diet. This much pain and aggravation does not even begin to equal the taste of steak, I used to enjoy. This is the only contributing factor I have for colon cancer. Come on, I ate red meat but I didn't eat that much! :-) Nonetheless, I love chicken and turkey so it isn't that hard of a compromise.

I finally took my bandage off my port cath. Well, the good news is that the incision in my shoulder is about 1 to 1.5 inches and is totally grown together....the bad news is that it is supposed to be that way. I have had so much pain in my shoulder which I didn't expect. The nurse at Emory called me to check to make sure that it was healed. Other than all the bruising and puffiness, I guess it seemed fine. I thought I would have the port (opening) that I could see and that they would attach my chemo bag to it ....well, the nurse tells me, it is supposed to be closed up because they will put a needle into the port through my skin each time to hook up. YIKES, ARE YOU KIDDDDING ME??? I thought the whole purpose was so I wouldn't get stuck over and over again. I told the nurse, "I'm already about over all these needles, they never used to affect me but I somehow always seem to get someone who is training". She laughed and said, "I know how you must feel, I'm so sorry but you will have alot of needles coming your way."

No more to say, gotta do what you gotta do.....but somehow what they say is going to happen, always tend to happen the opposite way. My Surgeon told me that I would be bored in the hospital....well, he forgot to tell me the incision would be an interstate and that I would be bored only because I was hitting the pain pump and wouldn't remember anything!! ha.

Well, right now I gotta worry about what to wear to chemo tomorrow. They were a bit suprised when I went in for post-op surgery Friday in my heels. Hey, you said dress comfortable...this is comfortable for me....until I have to dress like a sad little bag lady, I want to dress in heels and be joyful. Too many reasons to get down...I'm looking for all the reasons to get up.....so I'm sure tomorrow when I walk in with heels and long hair, I'll get the stare and under the breath comments, "yeah, you can tell she is new....we'll have to teach her a thing or two".....I'm sure these people will become my best friends for a few months! :-) I hope I don't have to change anything but if I do....I want the choice.....no hair or get sick....sorry, hair....you gotta go...there are awful nice hats and scarves out there. Bring it on Sisters....!!!!

Tomorrow I get my recliner! Now that is something to look forward to after chemo. I realized after being home that we don't have lazy furniture. Nothing to get really comfortable in so I'm really excited to have a recliner with a heater and massager. Now if someone will just come over and do my manicures and pedicures!

Make today a great day! Love to all, Leah