Memorial Day

Yesterday was Memorial Day.  A holiday where we honor those who served our country.  There were lots of celebrations for Veterans, both the living and those who have passed on.  In my family we also use the holiday to visit the graves of our parents.  Since both my father and my father-in-law were Veterans, it is appropriate.  They were both Veterans of World War II.  My father was also a Veteran of the Korean Conflict and the Vietnam War.  He, and my mother, are buried in the National Cemetery in New Albany, IN.

Update on my surgery and current condition.

So I thought I would update those of you who read my last post.  I did indeed have my surgery on December 23rd.  The doctors removed a 23 cm, 4 pound, tumor that included my left kidney during the surgery.  Things seemed to go well.  I woke up in the recovery room long enough to hear that I was doing OK and being moved to a room.  Next thing I can remember was being in a small room with lots of IV lines and machines.  I had a 14 inch incision, with 25 staples, running diagonally across my left abdomen and a button to push for happy juice when it hurt.

My digestive system decided to shut down on me so I spend 9 days in the hospital, 8 of them without eating.  Not a diet I would recommend.  I did lose 15 pounds, including the 4 pounds of the tumor, while I was there.  I got to come home on New Year's Eve, so I celebrated with my family by going to sleep at 9:00 PM.  What fun.

The one good thing was that the pathology report was good, actually fantastic.  It said that the cancer was completely contained and that the other glands that the doctor had harvested did not have any cancer in them.  Very good news indeed.

Since I got out of the hospital I have been slowly recovering.  Tired, with little stamina, I have been trying to get better.  I came down with a bad chest cold, so I am trying to get over that.

I returned to work today for the first time.  Boy am I tired.  I'll try to write more later.