4 days from surgery

I am happy to report that things are going quite well! The surgeon spent only four hours operating, compared to an expected five to six. She didn't find anything unexpected - no new cancer growths, and was able to use the natural fold on my neck so that the scar will blend in well. She didn't have to make any extra incisions to reach the lymph nodes either. Yay!

She said they "peeled cancer" off of my nerves and were a bit concerned about them, but that they responded to stimuli and that I sounded good. My voice just after surgery sounded a lot like a little kid on helium! It is still a bit raspy and kid like at times. Hopefully it will eventually go back to normal.

Yesterday my sister said that I had twice the energy as the day before. Woo hoo! It's been so nice to have someone to do the little things for me so I don't have to push myself at all. The thing I needed the most help with was lying down in bed! Do u know how many muscles you use to lay your head down? I don't either, but I felt every one of them! The best news is that as of last night, I can do it myself! Yay!!

My neck still has some bruising but everyone says that it looks better than they expected. It feels pretty funny having been glued shut.

A big thanks to my sister, Barb, and everyone who has or will be helping us out! It is a huge relief to not have to worry about the little stuff!