If I have any blood left!

Waited at home for the phone call from Dr. Hubbard's office and/or the Outpatient Surgery Center to see when I would get scheduled for my pre-surgery tests and the outpatient surgery as well.  Autumn at Dr. Hubbard's called about 9:00 to tell me that they couldn't get me scheduled until Thursday morning.  That's when they'll implant the port and do the lymph node stuff.  I was supposed to go pick up my paperwork at Dr. Hubbard's office and then get the blood work and EKG in the afternoon. 

I drove to work as quickly as I could and after meeting with several people on "important" issues (not), I was able to leave about 11:00 and go up to the Woodlands to get started. 

First to Dr. Hubbard's to pick up the paperwork.  While I was waiting, Dr. and Mrs. Hubbard arrived with their lunch in tow.  Of course Dr. H came out to see if I was getting everything squared away.  I told him I was a bit concerned that if they couldn't put the port in until Thursday that perhaps I'd have to delay the chemo for a week.  He said that unless I have to stay in the hospital for the lymph node surgery I could probably still get the chemo treatment if late on Thursday afternoon.  Really?  Wow!  I am thinking I'd need a mental break if nothing else, but maybe it's good to get it all taken care of on one day. 

Mrs. H came out and talked to me about the Lymphedema testing that they can do upfront to detect whether or not you'll get lymphedema.  Said that they can monitor the swelling in my arms and legs and if anything is detected prior to it actually showing up, I can be treated so that it is controlled before the massive swelling takes place.  Apparently the swelling NEVER goes away once it's at a certain stage! REALLY?  I had no idea.  I decided to have the testing done.  Insurance doesn't cover it but it's $85.  I think that is much better than waiting until your arm swells up to twice its size and then living with it.  Gross.  Mrs. H hooked some electrode strips up to both arms and one foot.  Took my baseline measurements and that was it.  In three months I go back in for them to measure again.  Easy as pie.

Went on to get blood work done AGAIN.  I'm getting tired of getting stuck.  Maybe it's better that I have this port-thingy.  Don't have to watch them poke a needle in my arm everytime I need chemo. 

Waited about 40 minutes to get the EKG.  That took all of a few minutes as well.  We talked about the devastation in Japan. What a mess.  Yes, things could definitely be worse than they are for me right now. 

Thank you Lord Jesus for such a wonderful medical team surrounding me and guiding me in my process.  Thank you for the roof over my head and a warm bed to sleep in at night.  Thank you for my family and friends to pray for me and support me.  Thank you for hope and a bright future.  Thank you for your grace and mercy and peace.  Amen!