Update on my cancer.
In 2 weeks I begin a 6-8 week course of radiation, for five days a week.
I need 3 weeks post-op before the treatments can begin.
The doctors removed and biopsied thirty lymph nodes. Of those thirty, they found cancer in one.
Not as good as I'd hoped but it could have been worse.
Everything is healing nicely. The graft on my cheek and the wound at my neck.
Stitches come out on Tuesday.
I would like to be able to say I feel upbeat....but I don't. Not today. Not at this moment.
Maybe tomorrow...
I'm not laid so low all I want to do is wallow......but it's close.
Thank you for being there!
You've all been a big help!
= new reply since forum marked as read
...you are through the surgery okay. 
It wasn't in my throat. Inside right cheek, dead center.
I appreciate the links and I will be getting questions ready.
You've been wonderful and helpful!
SO glad to hear that only one was compromised! It could have been WAY worse, and that was quite the sample. Chalk this one under good news. 
Will you also be going to physical therapy for exercises to keep the lymph system moving? My PT told me at the end of my sessions that those personal trampolines (the kind that are like 3' wide) are the best thing for that - because the lymph system relies on movement and gravity to keep pumping (unlike our blood, there is no "lymph pump"
. I haven't bought one yet, so can't say - just thought I would pass that along for reference. You don't even need to walk on them, she said - just very light bouncing does the job.
And hey - there ain't a damn thing wrong with wallowing. Some days your body may just be sending you the signal that it is what it needs, both mentally and physically. If you feel 'meh', then just take a 'meh' day.
They wanted to be sure since it was the face/neck area.
I'll ask about PT. That'll go on my list of questions.
Thanks for the trampoline tip!
I did a little wallowing today - music to fit my mood kind of thing.
30 seems large to me, but I am not in the medical field, so what do I know! They took 1 from each armpit when I had my surgery and I have been fighting lymph issues ever since - but that is really, really rare. Not cancerous and not life threatening, just annoying (swelling). I would have never known about the mini-trampoline if not for PT. Just another thing to keep in your notes to ask about.
Heres to a peaceful night with the fur babies. 
to have a 'not so great day'. Actually I think it is healthy, nobody is happy all the time, and those days let your body and mind rest a bit for the days ahead. Just do not stay in that place too long.
and I'm glad you were able to tell your sister that you' just did not have in in you today' to remain upbeat and trying to do so would not benefit either of you. What a great relationship you seem to have and it will help you in the future. My sister has been fantastic, although I was the caregiver, she was still there for us both.
One step at a time.
