So, I'm running my first non-Disney race on Sunday - the Gasparilla Half Marathon - which is exciting (and a little nerve-wracking).  I'm guessing it's not going to be as organized, but they've done this before, so who knows?  I'll try not to let extra worries like that get in the way of a great race.  Because it is not a Disney race, that also means no characters alaong the way - and I've seen Tampa before, so probably not stopping for general photos either.  Thus, this should be a a PR (personal record) for me - also exciting.

If you are awake at 6am EST on Sunday 2/23 and you'd like to track my progress, you can go here (though you do need to crate an account).  My bib number is 27317.  Post-race thoughts to come!

So, I applied to be a Big Brother back in November.  This has been something that I've wanted to do for a while and even though I'm still pretty busy, I didn't want to put it off any longer.  I've since found out over 500 kids are on a waiting list for a 'Big' (as they call it) in the Tampa Bay area.  After hearing the requirements to be on this list, that number is truly staggering.  I interviewed in December; I know my references were called in January; and I completed my training course a few days ago.  The next step is what is called 'Pre-Match' where I will be called about my possible 'Little' to see if I think their description is a good match.  They are pretty serious about getting a good match, understandably so - the kids are not interchangeable.  I am looking forward to getting a call, finding a 'Little' and making a difference in their life.  I won't be an only child for much longer.

If you think you may be interested in becoming a 'Big,' check out Big Brothers Big Sisters for more information.

The pathology results came back on my lymph nodes that were removed - NEGATIVE FOR MALIGNANCY! - no further treatment is needed.

I had my first post-operative appointment this afternoon.  I was unsure if this was just a check-up or the results would be back.  I waited for an hour - this place is always busy, as I've said - and was finally brought in and met by a USF Resident in Orthopedics.  He took off my nasty bandages, asked me a few questions, said the site looked good and that he would go and get Dr. Cruse.  He would double check for the pathology results as they were not back when he checked the computer the first time.

I waited another five minutes and they both came back, said "Hello," and started looking at some paperwork.  When they told me the lymph nodes were negative, I was so relieved - the results had just come in!  I knew there was a chance of a false negative (meaning, the nodes come up as a negative, but the cancer has spread anyway) and he explained to me that there is a 1 to 5% chance of that being true.  At this time, no further treatment is warranted.  I asked if they could run any further tests, but the answer was the same.  I go back in one month for another check-up, and then again after five months, after which I will be referred back to my original dermatologist (the one that decided to send the mole off for tests in the first place - we like her!) and start regular dermatological screenings.  Go see a dermatologist!!!

I can shower as normal, treat the area with lotion, and start scar massage in another nine days.  I will need to trade out my work shorts for work pants, get a better hat, remember to use sunscreen every day, and possibly get some type of sunblocking agent with which to treat my clothes in the wash.  I can start running in a week, which means I miss this Saturday's 14 miles, but I will be good for February 23rd's Gasparilla Half Marathon and certainly for the London Marathon in April.

Many thanks to everyone for their support, kind words, thoughts and prayers.

(Funny) side note: I included a photo of my bracelets from all my Moffitt appointments.  After my first visit, I got home and went to cut the bracelet off and cut my 'Stop Rhino Poaching' one off too.  Oops.  I have since replaced it.  The green one is the surgical allergy bracelet.  10 points to Gryffindor if you know the acronym.  ;)

The surgery is over (see above right).

There was a line at 5:15 am to check in - I didn't expect that many people there.  We were in the pre-surgery waiting room until about 6:30 when they brought me into the pre-op area - where I wore a nice purple papery robe.  They made me take my cute underwear off.  :(  I don't remember saying "Goodbye" to my parents, but I do remember being in the operating room for a bit.  Then, next thing I know, I'm waking up in recovery - and not feeling great.  I'm guessing it was the effects of anesthesia - definitely a little nauseous every time I burped.  I put on one piece of clothing at a time over like 15 minutes - and I just had to get out of there once this woman came into recovery - she was in a lot of pain and wouldn't stop crying; it was pretty upsetting.  I felt bad for her, but at the same time, when you feel like I did, you're pretty blunt about how you feel.  I was wheeled out, got in the back of my car, and my parents took me home.  I got into bed and "slept" for about 6 hours - I say "slept" because I had to pee about four times.  I'm guessing it was the IV saline.  My friends - Sara, Morgan and Christy - stopped by with flowers and dinner and I hung out with them and watched some Hollywood Game Night.  I went to bed at about 11pm - pain killers about every four hours.

I woke up today, feeling much better - I took a shower, being careful not to get the bandages wet, and shaved too.  I took one last dose of pain killers and plan to transition to Tylenol later today.  My Dad and I painted one of my living room walls 'Victorian Purple.'  I have an interview for my college later this afternoon - I'm a Middlebury Alumni interviewer, meaning I interview applicants to my alma mater since they don't have on-campus interviews for everyone - it will be nice to get out of the house.