Free, Free At Last

Went back to the otolaryngologist today.  Ernie said it was the first time he ever looked forward to going to the doctor.  I was unsure if he would remove the remaining staples today but, much to Ernie's delight, he deemed them ready to go.  In a matter of a minute or two, Ernie was staple free.

We still have to clean and Vaseline the incision daily until it looks more completely healed.  Also, the doctor gave us some "steri-strips" to put on "in case it does come apart"!!! (Exclamation points are mine as I would NOT look forward to this.)  If we haven't needed to use the steri-strips by end of day Friday, Ernie is cleared to play golf.  He is not sure his stamina is there yet, but he is working hard at his PT to get back on the course. 

Ernie also quizzed the doctor about his voice and swallowing.  He feels both were much better pre-op.  The doctor explained that this operation is quite hard on the system because of the amount of pulling and trauma to the nerves and vessels.  At four weeks post-op, he said it was premature to worry.  We will see the doctor again in July and, if matters have not improved as he expects them to, we will address things then.  All in all,  a good report.

Our next appointment is in Baltimore the first week in June to repeat the PET/CT scan and insure that all traces of cancer are gone.  I will post again when we have scan results.  In the meantime, Ernie is declaring victory and preparing to resume his normal schedule as soon as possible.