Small Setback

Mary Jo Burns

Mary Jo is doing fine today after being treated today by her reconstructive plastic surgeon, Dr Jacqueline Luong in her Edina office.  Mary Jo had been experiencing some pain and swelling caused by the pooling of fluids on her left side after having the JP drain tube removed following her latissimus flap surgery.  Dr Luong numbed the site before using a long needle to suction out approximately 50cc's of excess fluid.  She said this is a fairly common complication and she does not want Mary Jo to be alarmed if it is necessary to repeat the procedure next week if the swelling and pooling of fluid continues.  Mary Jo says it feels much better with the fluid removed but is hoping to not have to endure the procedure again.  Because of the pain and swelling, unfortunately Mary Jo and I were not able to walk in last weekends Susan G. Komen "Race for the Cure" walk/run at MOA.  I understand the event was a huge success and raised lots of money and with all the media attention, good awareness for the breast cancer programs that the Susan G. Komen organization supports.  We are hoping that the swelling does not return and Mary Jo and I can join a group of friends this weekend for the Get Your Rear in Gear Colon Cancer walk at Southdale.  We lost a dear friend, Jon Holmes to colon cancer last May 19th and we would like to be there to walk with the Holmes family this weekend in support of Jon's family and all the survivors.  Mary Jo's mother, Diane is a colon cancer survivor and we very happy to have Diane on our team called "Jon's Poop Troup".  Hope to see everyone this weekend at Southdale for the walk.

syringe used to draw out the excess fluid (ouch)