August 22, 2008

Hi Everyone,

First of all, let me apologize for the ugly pictures of the tumor.  I bet that was not what any of you were expecting to see when you visited my blog!  I wrote the text of the blog and added the photos after.  When I added the photos, I thought they would show up BELOW all of the text.  My disclaimer  that there were graphic photos attached didn't do much good.  So, sorry about that.  That is what I (and all of you) get when I sit down at the computer under the influence of pain killers.  But now we all know what cancer looks like.  I think the pictures are sort of like a car crash...you don't want to look at it, but you just can't help it.  

Anyway, I am doing pretty well.  I am still in a lot of pain and very weak, but it is getting better.  I took the bandages off of my incision last night and it looks great!  I was expecting a gruesome looking thing.  I thought it would look like the scar on Frankenstien's head.  But it isn't so bad.  I think it makes me look tough.  

I am really excited because my kids are coming home tomorrow!  Jack and Kate have been at "Camp Grandma and Grandpa Waldock and  Camp Gaga and Papa Winstead."  Both my parents and Johns parents have been taking wonderful care of them.  They have come for short visits but I think it is time they come back home.  I am really looking forward to having my family under one roof again.  I am by no means ready to jump back into my role as full time Mom, but it can only help to have my kids around me.  John is going to get a crash course in being a stay at home mom.  Kids, cooking, cleaning, laundry, yard work.  I plan to take pictures.  I am not worried, he is a wonderful father and he will do great.  My mom is planning on moving in for a few days to help as well.  And if it is too much, too soon, we can send the kids back to "camp."  

Speaking of our parents, I have to take a minute to thank them.  They have been so helpful, generous, and supportive.  Thank you Mom, Dad, John Sr, and Arlene!  We would be lost without you.  We love you so much.  If any of you see them, give them a pat on the back.  They really deserve it.  

So far, we have not heard any new news on the pathology of the tumor from Mayo Clinic yet.  So far all we know is that it is Stage 3 Renal Cell Carcinoma.  I have an oncology appointment on Thursday.  We will learn more then.  In the meantime, I plan on resting and healing.  I promised Jack that we would watch Finding Nemo when I got home from the hospital, so I am looking forward to that.  

Thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers!  That is really helping to keep our spirits up.  I really believe that whatever doesn't kill you, makes you stronger.  So, I figure I will be ironclad by the time this is all over!  

Love to all!

Becky