Hi. Fair warning: this is a lengthy update since a lot has happened this week. Lots of medical info...

Fluid Buildup in Pelvis
As you may know, I got my port inserted on Thursday. I told the surgeon (my doctor, Dr. Jeffrey James) that I had had some fluid leaking the night before. He told me to alert him if the amount increases to more than filling a maxi pad.

Well, the amount on Thursday night was excessive -- drenching three thick towels. So, Friday he told me to come in so he can look and possibly get scanned.

Good news! He said that my vagina is intact and the stitches at the top of my vagina are not compromised. 

He sent me to get a specialized CT scan called a Urogram. The results were that the bladder and other urine mechanisms are intact with no perforations or other problems. Yay! However, he said that there was 6cm of fluid buildup in the pelvis.

Concern of Possible Infection
Since IR (Intervention Radiology) was not in during the weekend, as they rotate to hospitals in the metro area for emergencies, the doctor had me check into the hospital on Saturday morning to get started on IV antibiotics.

Then, finally, on Monday, I went into IR to have guided drainage of the fluid buildup in the pelvis, and instead of going in through the vagina and the stitches (it can be done, but only 3 of the IR techs are "brave" enough to do it, according to my doctor), they went in through my gluteus which hurt like a son of a bitch. 

Now, I'm in excruciating pain in my butt and my hamstring because of all of the nerves there. The fluid was drained, but they left a little pouch to drain the rest of the way. As soon as there are less than 10 cc's in one 24 hour period, they can take the drainage pouch off of me. 

The fluid was sent off to get a culture which takes several days. Initial results show no bacteria, but the cultures are not all in, yet.

Pain Management
Now, because of the intense pain, they are waiting to get the pain under control (non-iv meds), and also waiting on final results of the cultures from the infectious disease department. 

I'm still in the hospital. My spirits are pretty good, but this is a long time to be in the hospital, especially when the doctor is wanting to take it day by day. I'm antsy to get discharged. 

Radical Hysterectomy Recovery
Now, it's been 4 weeks since my major surgery, and I feel things are healing up pretty well. The doctor thinks that the fluid buildup is due to the lymphs having been removed, so the fluid is from that. 

I'm walking daily, powering through the pain. 
The nurses are very nice, and this is an exceptional hospital (I'm at Skyridge Medical Center). 
I have stuffed animals, a fuzzy blanket I brought from home, a heating pad, and am able to take showers even though the port is still pretty new.

Also, I was gifted a 500-piece 3D Harry Potter puzzle. I have been working on it last night and today and will finish putting it together tomorrow. 

I've had some visitors, but not too many that I'm exhausted. 

I'm drinking water like a champion, and eating the best I can (not always hungry due to the intense pain). 

Chemotherapy Delayed
I was due to start chemo yesterday (Tuesday, March 1). Obviously, now we will be waiting a week to make sure that there either was no infection, or the infection is cleared up.

As most of you know, I do believe in the power of prayer, so keep up the prayers for me, and I graciously receive any energy healing sent my way, as well.