So, this is a slightly updated photo of the incision...Katie spent a few minutes cleaning the area, trying to remove the betadine (?), and yield a generally cleaner Dana. I, for one, am pleased with it. Pink is a good color for me! I'm not into the shaved hairline thing, but, y'know, I don't have tumors in my spine anymore. There are a number of 18-22-year-old dudes who work as orderlies and transports for the hospital, and I've met a few a few of them. One of them, Mark, brought me down for the MRI tonight, and we were chatting about what I had done, and I showed him the incision...if a 19-year-old dude thinks it's tough and cool, then I'm pleased.

I've been getting a little attitude from the peanut gallery about getting to know the staff here, and I'd just like to state for the record that I feel great about learning their names, and hearing their stories, and somehow engaging with them beyond giving my vitals. The doctors have done an incredible job, but the nurses, aids, students, and orderlies are responsible for making a patient comfortable when it's all but impossible. That deserves merit! My current night nurse, Neringa, is a total bad-ass...she is very sweet and clearly well-read about her trade, but she also has great instincts. I don't even have to ask, she just kind of gets it-- "No, honey, that's not the issue. The issue is you're not positioned well on the bed." And a few gentle tugs later, I'm back to good. Yeah, I've got little stories and anecdotes about all of the staff I've met-- they're all worth their weight in gold for making me feel comfortable despite the searing pain between my shoulders and my lazy right hand.

Well, since Katie has finally reached the point where she HAS to go back to DC [sniffle, sniffle], my mom is here for the night to share in a slumber party. We're going to do each other's hair and talk about our favorite Jonas Brother-- jealous?!?! Good night after a painful, but successful day.