Seven and Three Quarters Inches

That's the length of Eddie's new scar, extending roughly due south from his bellybutton. The staples came out today, and the doctors say Eddie's abdomen is healing nicely.

I saw him today for the first time since July 4th (Aaron and I were traveling in the UK). The atmosphere at home was cheerful, and there are good reasons for it.

For one, Bruna (the dog) is back home, and a new inducement for Eddie to do all the walking the docs are recommending.

Even more important, preliminary pathology on the tissue removed in Eddie's surgery shows no residual tumor.

So - lots to celebrate!

Freedom

Happy July 4th everyone. Eddie came home today. Fitting that he would be released from the hospital on the anniversary of the country's independence. Wheee!

We are relieved to have him home, as is he. We've got two giant bags of supplies for home care of his apparatuses, and a visiting nurse will come every one to three days, starting tomorrow. His next appointment with his surgeon is on Monday, when his stents will be removed. This is all very good news, but of course it's not all fireworks and celebrating around here - there is a lot of rest and recovery ahead. So: onward.

Enjoy the hot holiday. We will write again soon.