Just over 48 hours removed ...

And all appears to be well.  The procedure went well and on time.  I'm still a little tender, which I suppose is to be expected.  They removed the melanoma, taking a 2cm circumference around it, then taking a graft from behind my right ear to fill in the void.  The nuclear discovery prior to the actual surgery indicated that the sentinel lymph node was near my left ear.  While they had me under a "controlled anesthesia", the doctor indicated that I'd be "awake" but I "wouldn't care", I cared every time I gained any degree of consciousness because of the tube that was in my left nostril.  Every time I came close to being "awake", that tube reminded me that I'd just as soon be out. 

I was one blessed man, not only during the surgery, but after.  About 15 minutes before I was scheduled to go into the OR, they were just bringing my wife back when a nurse appeared.  I thought she was going to tell me Angie got lost or something, but then she said, "Your pastor is here."  A pleasant surprise indeed.  I said "by all means, send her in."  They walked in within a few seconds of each other and Leslianne stayed with Angie while I was in surgery.  Talk about an angel on the shoulder of another angel.  I was more worried about my wife than I was about myself going into this thing.  She's been through so much in that past year, a lot of it admittedly having to do with my health (or lack thereof) in the past 13 months, but the vast majority of it having to do with her son's death in January.  She's been steadier than anyone should have to be during this time.  Anyone that's ever questioned her strength just doesn't know her. 

Anyway, the procedure took just over two hours, since I returned to recovery at just before Noon and was released at about 1:00.  Needless to say, Percocet has been my friend for past couple of days, and I am going to attempt to sleep without it tonight.  How successful I am will determine whether or not I make it into work tomorrow, but my expectations are high.  My office has a pretty strong dress code, however, and I may be in jeopardy of breaking it, since I am wrapped up pretty much like a mummy from the neck up.  This may preclude my ability to wear a tie, or to even fit my dress shirts on.  I guess I'll know more in the morning. 

Those of you who know me on Facebook, I've posted a picture of my most recent headshot. 

If you've read this far, thank you for all the support.  I'll continue to update this blog as necessary.