Port, check!

I checked into the hospital at 5:15 this snowy morning. Getting the port was easy, as far as surgery goes. I asked the doctors not to put me completely out, as going completely under is hard for me to come out of... and I wanted to make my 2:00 soccer practice. I know everyone, including my family and my doctors, thinks I'm crazy for not canceling practice, so I don't blame people if they have similar thoughts. But, let's be honest, I'm an outside gal. Being outside is something I need to maintain my sanity. Put me on a mountain, or under the ocean, or on the lake, and I'm happy. I'm just as happy taking my dog for a walk, or hanging out on the soccer field. I guess being outside keeps me from ever feeling sorry for myself. So, yes, I had surgery and then I went to soccer with one working arm and a smile. All the doctors told me not to go, and to rest today. But then, one kind soul step toward me and whispered in my ear, "you can go, but you CAN'T play!" She must be an outside gal too, because she made my day. My parents must get it as well, because they didn't try and stop me. Instead, they sat quietly and offered to drive me to the field, since I wasn't released to drive today. My dad drove me to Staley (25 minutes), sat in the car while I ran practice (1 hr 35 min.), waited for the last freshman girl to be picked up (another 15 minutes), and then drove me back home. Now, that's support! Thanks for understanding mom and dad...

I left the hospital at about 9:45, so the whole thing was 4ish hours, not just the surgery. The surgery itself was about 45 minutes. I was in and out of sleep the whole time, and was actually trying to figure out what they were doing. I'm not a panic type of person, so I found it all interesting. The only thing I really remember though is that my nose really itched, and the nurse was kind enough to itch it for me... twice. So, getting a port put in = itchy nose.

I felt pretty good after the surgery so I was able to go up to the ICU to visit my friend Erin and her sister Kyrie. Erin is stable, but still critical. Her numbers are improving, so that's great news! I just can't wait until she is back up and talking or writing on her white board again! I miss her!

Now, my arm and neck are a little stiff, but nothing like the pain the girls have given me in the past, so I'm not sweating this too much. Tomorrow it's off to 'chemo school"at 8:30 , soccer practice from 11:00-1:00, and then a follow up appointment with my plastic surgeon at 2:30. But the best part of tomorrow will be packing for my trip to New Orleans on Wednesday! I get to get out of my cancer world for 3 nights to go to present at a national conference for ELL. Since it is work related, it's all paid for! Because my money is currently being used for doctors' bills, this is a welcomed trip that I am really looking forward to!