Lost: 1 Debit Card. In the Vicinity of my Recliner

Friday evening, Monica went to Subway to buy dinner.  I sent my debit card with her for payment.  She stopped at the McDonald's drive-thru to get Kami a happy meal.  While she was there, she dropped my debit card between the seat and the console.  She told me that factoid when she called to tell me she was headed home.

When she came in, she had a happy meal, three subway sandwiches, change (from the cash she used at McDonald's,) her keys, and her purse.  "I found your debit card!" she said.  At that point, she swears she handed it to me, and I kinda remember her doing so.  Kinda.
 
Saturday, the girls spent all day in Concordia with the I-70 Conference Band.  They always end that day with a concert, so Kevin, Kami and I headed there to watch.  It was short and sweet and enjoyable.  We then stopped at Biffle's BBQ for dinner.  So did other folks from here, so there were folks there that we knew.  When it came time to pay, I opened my wallet and sucked air in that "Oh my gosh, this is horrifying" sort of way.  No debit card.

It wasn't long before I realized that it MUST be at home, near the recliner, because that's where I was when Monica handed it to me.  Kevin paid for dinner and we came home.  I looked around the recliner.  I looked under the recliner.  I felt inside the recliner.  Nothing.  I went to bed knowing that it was somewhere in this house, so nobody could get their hands on it.

This morning, we moved furniture away from the walls and searched again.  We searched harder than I had the night before, but had no luck.  I just decided that I'd have to cancel it on Monday and wait for another one.  That also meant that Kevin was stuck going to the store with us, because someone had to pay and I had no debit card.

Monica was with a friend instead of us, and when the rest of us made our final stop of the day (Wal-Mart,) she sent me a text.  It read, "Your debit card is in my purse."  I replied:
"Yay!"  and then:
"You're DEAD!"

How we both remembered something that didn't happen is beyond me, but I still swear that she handed it to me on Friday night.

Jaxson Update and a Long Weekend

I have to report to the nurse (Terri...we love her) every week or so with the amounts that Jaxson is producing.  If there was some big change, I would have reported in more frequently, but we hovered around 50cc for three weeks.  Seriously, it became so predictable and SO depressing.  I usually sent this info via email.  

I had to call her to get a refill on my antibiotics last Wednesday, so she said, "I know you emailed, but give me your numbers again."  I reported the 50cc per day that it ALWAYS is.  I also mentioned that it had been five weeks, and they said the record for that office was seven weeks.  She said, "Yeah, it's been long enough I'd like for you to come in.  At lease let us check for infection, etc.  How about Friday?"

I went in Friday and the Doctor came in and checked me over and expressed that he wasn't happy with the fact that the drain had been in so long (infection can set in, or the drain itself can cause drainage to continue,) but taking it out too soon can cause the fluid to pool under the skin and require aspiration with a needle every day or two, which, obviously, would be a hassle, so it's a balancing act.  They have determined that the magic number is 30cc.  At 30cc, it is believed that your body can reabsorb the lymphatic fluid, which is why they try SO hard to get it down to 30cc or less, two days in a row.

Back to the doctor's visit:  He talked it out with Terri, checking me over while I was in various positions to see if there was fluid buildup under the skin, even with the drain.  He determined there was not.  He stripped the tube, and it immediately filled again.  I knew it would, because it does every time I strip it, but he looked at Terri and asked, "Did you see that?"  Then he told me that if the drainage was slowing down, it should stay empty for a while after being stripped.

The decision was made to try a different and tighter compression.  They think that will make me heal more quickly (by holding the parts together that need to heal together,) and therefore not produce so much more fluid than my body can handle.  The way they are having me do this is to roll up some Kerlix (very soft gauze) into a roll about 2" or so in diameter and put it in my arm pit on the surgical side.  Then, a 6" ACE bandage is wrapped around me tightly, and as high as it can be and still be under my arms.  It is tighter than the previous wrap, too.  

The next morning showed a 24 output of 80cc.  WHAT???  That's MORE!  I calmed down when I realized that the Dr. had messed with me a LOT, the drain had been stripped more than usual, etc.  Breathe in, breathe out, calm down.  I only empty once per day now, first thing in the morning, so I can officially report that Saturday and Sunday's output (based on Sunday and Monday morning's measurements) have been 40cc.  

I haven't reached the magic number 30 yet, but there is a decrease for the first time in three and a half weeks.  That is encouraging.  I am to call Terri tomorrow and report these amounts.  She'll talk to the doc and they'll decide what to do.  I need to have 30cc or less, two days in a row.  

I'm just hoping and praying that tomorrow morning's number is 30.  If so, then maybe they'll help me start my divorce proceedings from Jaxson.  I'm all done with having him in my life.  LOL  Especially since I'm returning to work tomorrow.  What a hassle it's going to be to have him with me.  I wonder if I should dress him in a little outfit?  Thanks for that suggestion, Shannon.  Now I can't picture him any other way.  Sheesh.  

NO, coworkers.  He will NOT be dressed.  In fact, he hides under MY clothing, so you will not even get to meet him.  It's for the best.  He'll hopefully be out of my life soon, and it's best if you don't get attached.  LOL  Get it?  Attached?  Never mind.  I'm just ready for him to be UN attached from me.

Now that this post has become WAY too long, I shall not rehash my Memorial Day weekend in detail.  Here are the Cliffs Notes:  Kevin's BFF Brian and his son Ty came up, I met a cool new family, we grilled, we ate, we saw my parents and my cousin, and, ummm, oh yeah, cut all my hair off.  If you aren't on Facebook, I'll post about that in my next post.  Both people who started reading this post are now sleeping.  Shh.  Don't WAKE them!

The Jaxson Saga and Mother's Day

Wow, no post since Wednesday must mean no news, huh?  That, and I'm keeping weird hours.  I've never known anyone to sleep as much as I have been sleeping lately.  Other than a baby, perhaps.  I'm not complaining, however.  I am learning to adore a good nap or three during the day.

Jaxson seems to finally be slowing down.  94cc on Thursday, and 83cc on Friday.  Keep going that direction, buddy.  I may get rid of you before the week is out, which is actually imperative, since I am to start chemo the following Tuesday, and cannot start chemo until Jaxson is out of the picture.

Today, we're going to have a Mother's Day meal of burgers and dogs on the grill.  Brett and Melissa are coming over and bringing the kids.  I can't WAIT!  It's been weeks since I've seen them.  Even Kaylie is coming, and she NEVER makes it.  I stocked up on bubbles and sidewalk chalk, so we should make it a great day.