Bummer!

I had the appointment today. Everything is going well. We got details on the pathology report. They removed 17 lymph nodes, only 2 of which had cancer (which means it probably hasn't spread far). The margins the surgeon removed around the tumor were clear which means they got all of the cancer out.  Next it's on to chemotherapy!  I have an appointment with an oncologist on October 15th.

The huge bummer is that they refused to remove the drain!  Aaak!  The drain wins round 2 after all!!!  There's still too much fluid leaking out. Apparently I have been too active and not resting enough. I have been doing the exercises they recommended and have almost full range of motion of my arm back. So I've been doing my normal things - loading dishwasher, etc.  I could even shave under my arm if I had an electric razor! They were pleased with the range of motion but the drain must stay in.  Once the fluid reduces to 30 ml per day, I need to call them and make an appointment to come back in to the city to have it removed. That will probably be next week!  So totally inconvenient and depressing. Even with all of the other good news I can't help but be down.

For my coworkers, the surgeon wants me to stay out through next week. After that she said it's up to the oncologist to clear me for work. But since I won't see the oncologist til 10/15, I think I will just plan to be in the office starting 10/11, unless someone tells me otherwise.