We went to Wpg yesterday to get the staples and stiches out. Pam, our nurse, also pulled out the drainage tubes. The tube that was higher up towards my shoulder, actually was draining behind my ear. Kel tells me she watched the end of the tube move out from behind and near the top of my ear and slipper down my neck and out of the shoulder hole. Then a whole pile of stringy bloody clotty crud. Pam had told me to take a deep breath in and to exhale as she wheeled that hose out of me. The other one was shorter. Apparently there were closer to 50 staples, not 31 as previously reported. I can also feel that there must be a whack of under the skin sutures that are still in place. They will dissolve over time.

It was actually rotten weather to travel to Wpg yesterday - so when dad asked if he could drive us - we said cool. I am not driving yet. I will this am - in town. I can't really turn my head very well just yet. The traffic in Wpg was stupid - it took us a full hour to go from HSC to Pembina and Bishop Grandin. We went home on 75 to avoid oncoming traffic for the most part.

I have a prescription for some physiotherapy to get my shoulder going again. I'll go see Cam, Karen and Matt about this stuff.

I have really limited myself on the T3's. I did take a couple yesterday for the travel and the tube removal - that turned out to be wise. Some green skin going on in the chest area. - Bruising underneath the surface.

The wounds are healing pretty nicely. The back of my head - the muscles or whatever hid under the scruff of your neck and the base of ones crainium, are TIRED. I don't walk too fast just yet, nor far. I don't stand too long - sitting is better - and resting the melon is best!

My throat is still sore but way better than it was.

This past night I slept on both sides/shoulders. You take for granted when that is your usual manner of slepping that it requires your neck to have significant mobility -that is what I am lacking. I made it work and I did have the best sleep in a week!

The support and encouragment I have felt from the families, community, friends and church family has been incredible! There is no doubt that God has ansered prayers you have sent. I have had very little serious pain and the recovering is coming nicely.

Kelly has been the worlds best care giver to me. This last week, she looked after me.

We go back to Cancer care in a couple of weeks to review the Pathology report - from there we build plans going forward.

The room mates. First off, I must tell you that i was the healthiest person staying in our room. There were four beds. The guy beside me had recently had his voice box and ????? removed. He had a ventilator going all day and night. That was less pleasant at night when he needed to clear his throat - loosed the phlem - the good news was that it only gurgled about three quarters of the time and he coughed the balance. He will no longer speak so I felt for the guy. The guy across the hall from him - kiddy corner to me - had had a serious car crash a few days back - his face looked like a jig saw puzzle- they were waiting for the swelling to subside before a facial surgery of significance. Then there was the 97 year old lady across the hall from me. She had done some plastic surgery that day. She had a bout 5 trips to the washroom throughout the night. Add to that the inconvenience of not having her walker near by, lack of hearing and sight and some confusion as to where she was - the trips to the can became a three ring circus. Lots of noise. Her surgeon did rounds at 6 am and mine at 7. I was happy to be released - sleeping on my back is not a forte of mine regardless - sleeping at home is tough too - but so much quieter. I am thankful I could go home and wish my roomies speedy recovery.

Kel went to work today and now has taken Mac and his buddy to the TFK concert I had bought tix for him for. She took the girls and Dude to Steve and Carlas during the concert time. I'll have some snoozes this evening.

The swallowing is the most painful for me - the neck is still very stiff, the shoulder is not there but the fingers have come back. Lip still droopy. The drainage tubes are still draining well and I suspect they might stay in til we see the surgeon on Monday.

Had some sleep tonight. I am supposed to keep my head elevated so that means the reclining leather chair for bed. Not my cup of tea - but it will work. Until I get the draining tubes out and the metal staples, I won't be sleeping on my sides for a while.

My throat is quite sore from the intubation - swllowing not easy. Turning my neck and head is a challenge. I suspect it will improve with time and reducing of swelling.

My fingers have woken up for the most part. My shoulder still feels as tho' there is a small monkey perched upon it sleeping there. My lower lip has not yet begun rebuilding the lines of communication for biting and speaking.

I am amazed at the support. Prayer chains went out, Pastor John was at the hospital to sit with Kel before the first rooster crowed, others came as well, emails and calls of concern.... Really - it is overwhelming. I know that the reason I have so little real pain at this time is because of prayer that you and others have sent for me. Thank you and Praise God!

Tomorrow I'll tell you a story of my room mates....

Made it home! Surgery as planned Tuesday early. More work /slashing than expected. I got booted out of my room (there is a story there) this mornng and Kel dragged me home to recuperate. If you want to see a gory pic of a lymphectomy of the neck alongside a wide nec disection, let me know - I'll email you a fresh one. All went well. I am pooped - Kel my write more.

From Kel: The surgery went very well yesterday. Yes, as Greg mentioned there was a little more excised than we had expected to be. Having said that, the surgeon was pleased with the way things went, and I'm extremely glad that it is over. It's hard to wait (as a loved one), not knowing what's happening/ how things are going.

I joked with Greg that I am now married to Jean Cretien as his smile has a slight resemblence.
The surgeon informed us of the potential for temporary(or perhaps long-term) nerve damage to his mouth(noticed when he smiles) and to his shoulder. At this point he is able to use his left arm, although four of his fingers feel as though asleep. We have noticed slight improvement since surgery and so are hopeful that this will return.

Every day I count my blessings, and today I feel especially thankful that Greg is through surgery and on the road to recovery. I love him more than words can say-truly blessed.

We'll keep you posted on recovery and any results that come our way.

Now it is hurry up and wait time. I had a confirmation call from the doc's office to insure I knew the times etc. I go in on Monday - see the surgeon at 2, then get branded, er - a radioactive chemical injection at 345. Kel and I are staying in Wpg for night so we can be at HSC by 6 am at the latest Tuesday morning. Surgery is set for about 7. I think sister Chris (not from the Convent - my actual sister) will come to wait with Kel; perhaps others as well. The docs office told me that I will be staying int he hospital from Tuesday to Wednesday.

I have been chatting with others who have had a neck disection for MM (Malignant Melanoma). Some people are down for up to 4 weeks. Not I. I spoke with Kathy from Dr Nason's office and she reports that Dr Nason will ask me to stay home for a minimum of two weeks. I have prepared myself and my team mates that I will not at work for all of next week. From there, we'll play it by feel. Appatently I wil be intubated for surgery - oh joy!

Thanks again to so many of you have expressed your concern for my health. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers on my behalf. I feel good - am a little stressed and there fore tired. I quit coffee and soft drinks and switched to green tea - a tip on melanoma health apparently.

For those of you praying, please remember Trevor in your prayers. I understand he is going through the chemotherapy very well.

Last weekend we enjoyed Bobby Hull at our annual sportsmans dinner. I was his host during his stay and that was kind of neat. I'll post a pic next time.

Your comments are always welcome.

I got the call. Surgery is pencilledin for the 24th. I go in on the 23rd to see the surgeon , get another does of radioactive injections form Nuclear Medicine and return at 545 am on Tuesday. The good news is no one and a half hours of lying on the ironing board!

I can't wait until this is over.