Donna, the graft this time was different -- On the previous one, they took the tissue from my wrist and then took skin from my thigh, covering that spot with the cheese-grater snap-and-crackle gauze -- This time they sliced my thigh open for about a foot and dug deep to harvest from inside -- When they were finished, they just closed up the slice with about 40 wire staples and no snap gauze.

I'm not exactly running up and down stairs (I live on second floor), but am pleasantly surprised at how little movement restriction has resulted from that trauma. Some decades ago, I had a ladder leg fold up on me, resulting in a short fall to the ground and a broken face -- Part of the repair required cutting into my hip and harvesting some bone marrow to "seed" the egg-shell fracture in my right orbit -- That small trapdoor into my hip caused a lot more problems than this long, meaty slice.

I'd like to take this opportunity to thank all of you who posted or PM'd your support and prayers for my latest bout with OC. I found the group waaaay back when I was being nuked for the first time, so I was essentially alone in terms of actual cancer victims -- I find that it really does make a difference knowing that a whole bunch of people whom I haven't met face-to-face are behind me, as a sort of shadow Verizon <g>.

My first surgery they did what you had this time - foot long harvest of tissue/veins/whatever - from my left thigh. My 2nd surgery I had the graft from my right thigh directly to my tongue - they did not use my forearm as a "middleman". I didn't find that either of those contributions from my legs bothered me much at all. My first C section I remember being soooo worried about the metal staples - but I've learned they truly are nothing at all to worry about.

Thrilled to hear you are recovering well.

Donna

Pete:

It really does make such a huge difference having an extended family. Just knowing you have people out there who really do care is a nice feeling. Thats what I love about OCF, its even better than family cuz we are all in the same club and truly understand.

Someday I hope you have the opportunity to meet some OCF members in person. Ive had the pleasure of meeting several members and am very proud to say they are my friends.

Hope you feel alittle better everyday.

Pete,Hope all goes well in your recovery from all this and remember that we are one big happy family here. Semper-Fi Bob

Pete,
I agree about the PEG. I had a nasal tube but somehow managed to pull it out in my semi delirium. I was on a soft diet and found lifting the spoon to my mouth very tiring for a while. I believe that if I had the PEG my nutrition would have been better thanfrom self feeding. I know that I did not drink as much fluid as I should have. Being home is much better especially as I am getting the royal tratment with home made food.

you sound like you are in good spirits...keep up the good work Pete...keep up the good work

Pete you sound like you are doing well. I am happy that I can be part of the network supporting you.

Patty

Pete, I'm so glad you're back home and doing as well as you are. You are always a font of info and entertaining, to boot! Your outlook on life is an inspiration.
Lori

Thanks, Lori -- I try to be useful in a number of ways -- Life is a participation sport and the more info we spread around, esp about stuf like OC, the better off we all are.

Just a quick note to say hi as I have not been online this last week.

Wondering how you are progressing with all your healing. Still attached to all that white noisy machinery??

Gabriele