It's been 3 months since I started on cholesterol-lowering meds, and my doc wanted a blood test to see if they're working.  It's a good thing I'm okay with needles, because it was somewhat of a production at the lab.  The first phlebotomist, Codi, was experiencing serious difficulty, so eventually she called in Joe, the go-to guy for difficult draws.  He tried in the same 'regular' spot, but yesterday's colonoscopy IV apparently collapsed/plugged the scar tissue there.  After yet more unsuccessful tries he decided to go with the back of my hand (can't use the other arm for risk of lymphodema) and after several adjustments there he (finally!) got some of the red stuff to flow.  

But no, I didn't get a pretty wrap like this afterward.

Came home to great news from Mary's daughter Susan.

Mom just got out of surgery and everything went really well. Here is a more detailed description of what was done if you are interested.  She went in today to have a clip placed on her mitral valve (the valve that separates the Left ventricle and Left atrium). This valve was not closing securely so some blood would leak backwards every time the heart would beat which increases the work load on the heart and decreases the amount of oxygenated blood being sent out to the body. The procedure today was to go through a vein in the leg up into the heart and place a clip on this valve to make it easier for the valve to fully close. We were told that it could take up to 3 clips to do this and the goal was to minimize any any further leakage without causing it to be too restrictive. For mom they only had to place 1 clip and the doctor said he saw no further leakage. Hooray!