post-op from the doc

Mom, dad and I headed in yesterday for mom's post-op appointment with Dr. Rushing. In general, he's pleased with where mom's at, though he's encouraging her to continue eating gobs of protein. Apparently she needs more not only to build up strength but to reduce retention of water in her legs. Mom's poor ankles and calves are still pretty swollen. (Protein helps draw water into the tissues throughout our bodies so gravity doesn't send it all south to our feet and legs.)

He also outlined the gameplan: chemo starts next Tuesday. Think we were all a little surprised that it was so soon--I still want her to be stronger before getting started--but since the cancer doesn't stop growing, we shouldn't stop moving forward.

Analogy of the day: cancer as parasite. Dr. Rushing used it in reference to mom's need for better nutrition. I realized she likely had increasingly poor nutrition before we even knew about the cancer, as the quickly dividing cells were snagging all the good stuff she was putting in. Hate those nutrient hogs.

Valarie