So sorry that it has been awhile since I posted. It has been a trying couple of days, to say the least.
As you know I went in for surgery on Friday morning. While the surgery went fine, they did find more cancer during the process in some new places. The surgeons opted for the simpler surgery in order to have a shorter recovery time and get me ready for chemo. I went home Friday to rest and recuperate. Slept most of Friday. Saturday morning I felt ok, other than the fact that I felt like a train ran over my stomach. Nothing a pain pill couldn’t fix. Around mid morning, my abdomen started swelling up to where it looked like there was a small creature that needed to be birthed. I called my brother for advise and my on call surgeon who both recommended I go to the ER. I spent the entire day there and at 11pm they finally found a large hematoma in my belly. I had bleed out into my abdominal muscle and it was causing a lot of pain. In order to monitor that I was not loosing blood, I was admitted to the hospital for the night. After many sticks and tests, they sent me home Sunday afternoon around 3p.
Monday morning I woke up and had redness, edema and hot skin all around one of my surgical sites. So, back I went to the hospital to make sure it wasn’t cellulitis. Fortunately, this time I was able to go to the clinic and did not have to do the ER thing again. After more sticks to draw blood, they felt it was more a reaction to the hematoma than it was an infection. They sent me home and told me to return if I spiked a fever at any point.
Today, I have remained at home all day. I broke my 4 day hospital streak! I guess technically there are still a few hours left in the day, but I am going to remain optimistic. That is the extremely short version of my weekend. I received the rest of my tests back on Monday as well. I meet with my oncologist this Thursday to get my plan going. It is sounding like it will be chemo. Not sure of how much or how often at this point. I continue to try to rest and get my strength back to prepare for my next challenge.
Thanks for all the prayers, cards, gifts and support. Keep the prayers coming. If this weekend was any indication of what is ahead, it is going to be a long hard year too.
Fighting For Foo 
Please know….you are one heck of an amazingly strong woman and our prayers and love are with you to throw a big punch in your fight.
Tracey, thanks so much for sharing your journey and sorry your weekend was no fun . . to say the least. Wanted to let you know that several Georgia prayer warriors now have you on their prayer list. You’re an amazing fighter with awesome strength and will. We love you!!
There just aren’t any words to use that express my thoughts and feelings but a big Thank You for taking the time to share!!!!
Trace, the northern Morrells are sending tons of love and prayers your way. You need us, just whistle and we’ll be there in a snap. If you don’t need us, we’ll still be there in a snap. Can’t get away from a Morrell!! Much love, Aunt D
Hi T, very sorry you had a hard weekend. I wanted to share a link to a brand new USC study published in June 5th Cell that suggests a 3-day fast can protect against immune system damage from chemo, and induce immune system regeneration: http://news.usc.edu/63669/fasting-triggers-stem-cell-regeneration-of-damaged-old-immune-system/
Coincidentally I just did this myself for the heck of it… why not? Yesterday was my 3rd day. Can’t wait for breakfast. 🙂 Anyway your team probably has this covered, so just FYI. Lots of prayers headed your way.
-Rayme. (and Penny)
Tracey as you know from some of my FB statuses you are constantly in my thoughts and prayers. I don’t know how you stay so strong, positive, and jovial…just my little 3 day scare sent me into hiding and shut down mode. You are truly my HERO and have impacted my life in such a POSITIVE way.
But, you are Foo and such a strong FIGHTER…and I know your gonna beat this!! Love you LOTS and ALWAYS in my heart, thoughts and prayers.
And I am determined to turn everyone I care about into or to think like Foo…. Strong and POSITIVE.
Tracey, I just heard the news. I am so sorry to hear it and will be praying for you and your family. I’m glad to see you have not lost your sense of humor over the years. You always kept us entertained at the Alpha Chi house with your humor and crazy antics! Sending love and hope your way. Meredith (Hogg) Edwards