Grabbing the Elixir

So all along his journey the Hero has one goal in mind...the elixir. He has fought enemies, been helped by friends and mentors, faced tests and challenges, all for this elusive goal. Of course obtaining it isn't the end of his journey, he has to understand and learn how to use it and then take those lessons back to his own world.

Today I got the news we've all been waiting for. The pathology report is back and I am cancer-free. That's right, between the chemo and the surgery all the nasty little cancer cells are eradicated. Yeah!

Of course, like the Hero, I still have to make my way back to the normal world and return to normal life; and as we know, I'm still a long way from "home". I will still do the radiation, that part of the treatment plan hasn't changed. I will still have the hysterectomy to minimize the chances of developing ovarian cancer, and I plan to have reconstruction too. However, all of this can be done knowing the worst is behind me and the monster guarding the elixir has been slain.

Now, the nasty little infection is slowly retreating too. I was drained again today, 50 ml of gunk. Yesterday's total was really around the 100 ml mark. It foams up going into the bottle so it looked like a lot more. Rob asked today and Lisa confirmed the amount was actually about half of what I reported yesterday. The new plan is we see what happens overnight. If I accumulate more fluid then it's back to the operating room late tomorrow to have it opened up, cleaned out and a new drain installed. Definitely the end of my plans for the weekend. If, however, I don't fill up again, then the antibiotics are really taking hold and nothing needs to be done. The body will eventually right itself and I can go to BOW as planned. Let's keep our fingers crossed for option two.

Again, Rob and I want to thank each of you for your support during the past seven months. It has been a wild roller-coaster ride filled with highs and lows. Your cards, calls, emails, gifts, prayers, energy and positive thoughts have given us great comfort and strength during this time. Through the darkness we were able to see how truly blessed we are in our lives by all of you. We know we've still got a long road ahead of us before life is back to normal, but each day we get a little closer and we thank you for your participation, your role as friends and mentors, along our journey.