Recap of my Puerto Rican weekend
Well, I am at the end of my Puerto Rico excursion and, incredibly, I am wondering whether I made the right decision to attend the conference. Do not get me wrong: I loved being able get together with and collaborate with friends such as Pete, Kathy, Mark, and Debra. I really enjoy sitting around with them and discussing debating various topics of contention (and of course, when sitting around includes in chaise lounge chairs overlooking the Atlantic ocean, sipping on fruity rum drinks, well all the better).
Unfortunately, however, I spent the vast majority of this weekend uncomfortable, when things were good (e.g., when I first woke up), and in pain when things were not (e.g., at the end of the day). As I said earlier, I have been more aware of being sick these past 8 or 9 days than anytime since my operation.
I returned to Atlanta this evening (after almost 9 hours of traveling). Atlanta is much colder than San Juan and I learned something on my walk to the car: shivering uses a lot of the stomach muscles. OMG, if I was uncomfortable carrying my suitcase and my computer and camera bags, I was close to tears when I was outside walking to the car.
I am going to call Dr. Kauh’s office tomorrow to see if we could start me on the new pain medication, as well as touch in with the folks at Hopkins to see if they have any ideas. I am planning on taking tomorrow off (or at least working a reduced schedule from home). This past weekend, I was going from early in the morning until the middle of the evening. Of course, there was some down time during the day, but I did not (foolishly) take rests / naps during the days. I think I will do well to have a low key day where I let my body readjust.
All in all, this weekend was not what I had in mind when i thought about my trip to San Juan. Well, next year the conference is in Porta Vallarta, Mexico; hopefully, I’ll be feeling better by then. 
Next Saturday is the PANCAN Purple Stride 5k walk/run. As always, i want to thank those who have already contributed to my fundraising efforts. I was hoping that I might be able to convince some of you who have not yet donated to do so. So, if you have been on the wall about possibly donating, consider this an electronic push. Go to my personal PurpleStride page and help me reach my $2000 goal. Thank you in advance for your support.
Merle