The boys were so excited to hear that mom was coming home! We did a quick cleanup and Entropy Boy had us hang some "artwork" so mom could see it when she got home.
Everything went well when we arrived at the hospital. They were quiet, well-behaved, and didn't seem at all concerned that mom was missing the "pillows" on her chest or had hoses sticking out of her. We didn't have much trouble getting her into the car or up the stairs at the house as long as we took things slowly.
The surgery stage of the disease was now over and we were moving on to home care. Entropy Boy helped me set up a nest of pillows on the couch and we settled her in. I heated the meals which GW and LS had provided (thank you!), she caught up on correspondence, and I washed her hair for the first time since Tuesday.
Finally, we settled her back on the couch and both took naps. The last few days must have drained me more than I thought--I slept for 3 hours before Spiff woke me asking for dinner.
Overall, She's able to move around and take care of herself without too much pain. We're currently on a 4-hour schedule with the pain meds and I'm not really looking forward to the 2:15 dose. A visiting nurse will be stopping by for the next few days just to make sure everything is o.k.
Showing posts with label Surgery. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Surgery. Show all posts
Saturday, August 30, 2008
Saturday - Update from Sandy
(Sandy just submitted the following to the SL forums and asked me to cross-post it here. I'm going to try for one more of my own tonight as well.)
I was released from the hospital from this morning with a couple of great ice packs, and three Rxs. I slept so much better the last night. My roommate was quiet and courteous.
Btw, if you could pray for Anna--she's been in the hospital for a long time and doesn't know when she will be released. She's already had a colostomy and now her small intestine as a hole in it. They are hoping it will heal on it's own without surgery, but meanwhile she hasn't had anything to eat or drink for 1.5 weeks. Everything has been going in via IV. She's a teacher and misses students and just sounded so sad because it could be months before she's allowed to go back. I tried to encourage her with stories of Kore's recent travel to Malaysia. She needs hope!
I take Percocet and Valium every 4 hours. The antibiotic is every 6 hours. If I'm a good girl and don't try to do too much, I can make it ok between doses. If I try to do too much (reaching for and lifting a pillow can be "too much") then the last hour before my next dose is really hard. The ice packs are what make it bearable then.
I have two plastic tubes sewn into each of my sides to help drain fluids from the surgery site. At the end of the tubes are these flexible plastic things that catch the fluids. I don't know what they are really called because everyone calls them "grenades." I have to empty them and chart how much drainage I have per day.
A home-health nurse is stopping by tomorrow to work with me on proper wound care and avoiding infection.
Some positive aspects of today:
* I came home to some wonderful food dropped off by members of our small group. Since they know us well, they didn't feel the need to make "invalid" food. There was rosemary grilled chicken quarters, a multi-grain pilaf, a salad made of fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, and an ice cream pie. There was also a corn and black bean combo side dish, chicken breasts with a honey mustard sauce with a touch of curry, and a great salad with homemade dressing.
* I'm thinking I'm going to have great abs by the time I have full use of my arms again. Since I can't use my arms to brace myself to sit up, I am essentially doing crunches every time I get up. And to sit back down I have to do squats/deep knee bends. I'm trying to remember TTapp's organs in place so I don't walk around hunched over.
* I got flowers today from some friends in Arkansas. They are beautiful, and the boys are in awe that I got a balloon with them as well.
I'm counting down to my next dose of meds, so I'm off to get another ice pack until it is time. I am soooooo glad they changed the dressings today and got rid of all that tape. I was so itchy! My most painful wound is where they took additional lymph nodes after finding cancer in the first two. I have a U-shaped cut in my armpit and it really restricts my range of motion in my right (dominant) hand.
I was released from the hospital from this morning with a couple of great ice packs, and three Rxs. I slept so much better the last night. My roommate was quiet and courteous.
Btw, if you could pray for Anna--she's been in the hospital for a long time and doesn't know when she will be released. She's already had a colostomy and now her small intestine as a hole in it. They are hoping it will heal on it's own without surgery, but meanwhile she hasn't had anything to eat or drink for 1.5 weeks. Everything has been going in via IV. She's a teacher and misses students and just sounded so sad because it could be months before she's allowed to go back. I tried to encourage her with stories of Kore's recent travel to Malaysia. She needs hope!
I take Percocet and Valium every 4 hours. The antibiotic is every 6 hours. If I'm a good girl and don't try to do too much, I can make it ok between doses. If I try to do too much (reaching for and lifting a pillow can be "too much") then the last hour before my next dose is really hard. The ice packs are what make it bearable then.
I have two plastic tubes sewn into each of my sides to help drain fluids from the surgery site. At the end of the tubes are these flexible plastic things that catch the fluids. I don't know what they are really called because everyone calls them "grenades." I have to empty them and chart how much drainage I have per day.
A home-health nurse is stopping by tomorrow to work with me on proper wound care and avoiding infection.
Some positive aspects of today:
* I came home to some wonderful food dropped off by members of our small group. Since they know us well, they didn't feel the need to make "invalid" food. There was rosemary grilled chicken quarters, a multi-grain pilaf, a salad made of fresh basil, cherry tomatoes, and fresh mozzarella, and an ice cream pie. There was also a corn and black bean combo side dish, chicken breasts with a honey mustard sauce with a touch of curry, and a great salad with homemade dressing.
* I'm thinking I'm going to have great abs by the time I have full use of my arms again. Since I can't use my arms to brace myself to sit up, I am essentially doing crunches every time I get up. And to sit back down I have to do squats/deep knee bends. I'm trying to remember TTapp's organs in place so I don't walk around hunched over.
* I got flowers today from some friends in Arkansas. They are beautiful, and the boys are in awe that I got a balloon with them as well.
I'm counting down to my next dose of meds, so I'm off to get another ice pack until it is time. I am soooooo glad they changed the dressings today and got rid of all that tape. I was so itchy! My most painful wound is where they took additional lymph nodes after finding cancer in the first two. I have a U-shaped cut in my armpit and it really restricts my range of motion in my right (dominant) hand.
Saturday Morning
7:00 a.m.
Sandy just called. She slept well and it looks like she'll be discharged this morning!! More news soon.
8:30 Update
We talked again and she said the hospital is preparing the paperwork. I had the boys shower, put on clean underwear (I'm starting to understand how this works), and dig out the Nintendo DSes. We'll be heading out soon.
Last night was Spiff's turn to feel a little insecure, so I put him in our bed. When I woke up at 6:00, I found that Entropy Boy and the cat had made their way in too. Well, at least no one had a piggy stolen from the shed.
I'll make sure someone posts something when we get home, but I've already turned off the phone. The last thing we need today is the usual round of telemarketing calls.
Sandy just called. She slept well and it looks like she'll be discharged this morning!! More news soon.
8:30 Update
We talked again and she said the hospital is preparing the paperwork. I had the boys shower, put on clean underwear (I'm starting to understand how this works), and dig out the Nintendo DSes. We'll be heading out soon.
Last night was Spiff's turn to feel a little insecure, so I put him in our bed. When I woke up at 6:00, I found that Entropy Boy and the cat had made their way in too. Well, at least no one had a piggy stolen from the shed.
I'll make sure someone posts something when we get home, but I've already turned off the phone. The last thing we need today is the usual round of telemarketing calls.
Friday, August 29, 2008
Friday - End of Day
Well, the day didn't go as well as we'd planned and Sandy didn't make it home today. She'd over-exerted herself yesterday and was in some pain last night. It had cleared up during the day but returned again in the late afternoon to the point where she said it was the worst she's experienced so far. As a result, we didn't have the boys visit.
By the end of the afternoon, the situation with Noisy Lady finally became unbearable. She had been bitching and complaining all day, was mean to her visitiors, and was refusing pain medication, even Tylenol, making the situation even worse.
It was a stressor for Sandy and when I saw the woman in the bed across from us cover her ears and cry, I talked to a nurse to see if she could encourage Noisy Lady to show a bit of consideration for her roomates. The nurse on duty for our room came and handled the situation with a skill that left me speechless. She talked to her softly and patiently, clamed her, and finally convinced her to eat and take pain medication. The woman's poor niece (grand-daughter?) continuted talking to her softly and calmly until she was finally sitting quietly in her chair.
During this time, Sandy's pain was starting to increase. I held her hands and rubbed her back until it was time for the nurse to administer the next round of medication.
Meanwhile, Super Nurse had arranged for Sandy to be moved to a new room. Yea! We moved her in. Her roomate was watching tv quietly when we arrived and politely took a phone call--that's it. As the medication was taking effect, I downloaded about a dozen MP3s of calm classical music from Amazon to the new computer. She eventually drifted off to sleep, with the music in an endless loop.
So after a night of ATV-Girl with the bad attitude and hip-hop ringtones, and a night of Noisy Lady suffering in anything but silence, it looks like she'll finally get a good night's sleep.
I finally arrived home at about 9:00 p.m. and ran into one of our neighbors. I briefed him on the situation and told us how impressed they were with the fact that MM had given so much time to help with the kids and that she was doing such a good job of it.
The boys had a good day playing over at JB's house this afternoon and went to the Eli Whitney museum with SW before MM and her husband took them to our house. For the last few months Friday night has been family Mario Kart night for the boys and, luckily for the them, PM made sure they didn't miss out.
By the end of the afternoon, the situation with Noisy Lady finally became unbearable. She had been bitching and complaining all day, was mean to her visitiors, and was refusing pain medication, even Tylenol, making the situation even worse.
It was a stressor for Sandy and when I saw the woman in the bed across from us cover her ears and cry, I talked to a nurse to see if she could encourage Noisy Lady to show a bit of consideration for her roomates. The nurse on duty for our room came and handled the situation with a skill that left me speechless. She talked to her softly and patiently, clamed her, and finally convinced her to eat and take pain medication. The woman's poor niece (grand-daughter?) continuted talking to her softly and calmly until she was finally sitting quietly in her chair.
During this time, Sandy's pain was starting to increase. I held her hands and rubbed her back until it was time for the nurse to administer the next round of medication.
Meanwhile, Super Nurse had arranged for Sandy to be moved to a new room. Yea! We moved her in. Her roomate was watching tv quietly when we arrived and politely took a phone call--that's it. As the medication was taking effect, I downloaded about a dozen MP3s of calm classical music from Amazon to the new computer. She eventually drifted off to sleep, with the music in an endless loop.
So after a night of ATV-Girl with the bad attitude and hip-hop ringtones, and a night of Noisy Lady suffering in anything but silence, it looks like she'll finally get a good night's sleep.
I finally arrived home at about 9:00 p.m. and ran into one of our neighbors. I briefed him on the situation and told us how impressed they were with the fact that MM had given so much time to help with the kids and that she was doing such a good job of it.
The boys had a good day playing over at JB's house this afternoon and went to the Eli Whitney museum with SW before MM and her husband took them to our house. For the last few months Friday night has been family Mario Kart night for the boys and, luckily for the them, PM made sure they didn't miss out.
Friday Afternoon
Not only did I forget my list of things to blog, I'm finally starting to grow weary. EB came in at 6:00 a.m. asking if he could play on the computer. I told him to climb into bed with me and rest for a while. I don't think he actually slept--every 15 minutes or so he'd wake me and ask if it was time to get up yet. I finally gave up and we got out of bed around 7:00. I'll try to write a couple of quick updates this afternoon and catch up on the serious writing tonight.
They brought in a new roommate last night: A woman in her 80's who fractured her shoulder in a fall. She was in pain and made a lot of noise so Sandy didn't sleep well last night. Today, she's very loud and is having trouble adjusting to the situation here. It seems like she's used to being in control and now she is adjusting to not being in control. It's been interesting to watch people dealing with not being in control of their situation here in the ICU over the last few days. Perhaps a medical professional has a few thoughts about how people react to these situations to share in the comments?
Sandy was awake when I arrived today and was very excited to see the new computer. I got it setup and she immediately began catching up reading. During lunch (she had chicken-salad today) they moved noisy-woman out for some physical therapy, so Sandy took advantage of the quiet to catch a nap. JB sent some photos of the boys from the last few days. I set them up as a slideshow on her computer to surprise her when she awoke.
Noisy-woman came back, Sandy woke up, and has been watching the pictures along with some quiet music for the last half-hour.
If she's going to stay the night, we'll probably bring the boys by to see her. They all miss each other so much!
We're continually being amazed and humbled by the support we're receiving from our church. The women are arranging someone to visit with her daily just to keep her company and help with little tasks. We're also going to be receiving meals for a while longer, too. Thank you all so much!
They brought in a new roommate last night: A woman in her 80's who fractured her shoulder in a fall. She was in pain and made a lot of noise so Sandy didn't sleep well last night. Today, she's very loud and is having trouble adjusting to the situation here. It seems like she's used to being in control and now she is adjusting to not being in control. It's been interesting to watch people dealing with not being in control of their situation here in the ICU over the last few days. Perhaps a medical professional has a few thoughts about how people react to these situations to share in the comments?
Sandy was awake when I arrived today and was very excited to see the new computer. I got it setup and she immediately began catching up reading. During lunch (she had chicken-salad today) they moved noisy-woman out for some physical therapy, so Sandy took advantage of the quiet to catch a nap. JB sent some photos of the boys from the last few days. I set them up as a slideshow on her computer to surprise her when she awoke.
Noisy-woman came back, Sandy woke up, and has been watching the pictures along with some quiet music for the last half-hour.
If she's going to stay the night, we'll probably bring the boys by to see her. They all miss each other so much!
We're continually being amazed and humbled by the support we're receiving from our church. The women are arranging someone to visit with her daily just to keep her company and help with little tasks. We're also going to be receiving meals for a while longer, too. Thank you all so much!
Friday Morning Update
I've been having a bit of trouble accessing my google accounts this morning, so today's update is a bit delayed. I'm going to compose offline and post it as soon as I can.
I picked up a little subnotebook , an Acer Aspire One, for Sandy on the way to the hospital. It's small and light and she's able to handle it easily. She's beginning to catch up on her forums, emails, and blog comments. Expect to hear from her as soon as she's done laughing about the SL forum thread about 'possum in someone's bathtub.
I picked up a little subnotebook , an Acer Aspire One, for Sandy on the way to the hospital. It's small and light and she's able to handle it easily. She's beginning to catch up on her forums, emails, and blog comments. Expect to hear from her as soon as she's done laughing about the SL forum thread about 'possum in someone's bathtub.
Thursday, August 28, 2008
Thursday - Wrap Up
11:50 p.m.
I just wrapped up the evenings calls to our families. I've got so much more to write than I've got words or energy right now, but I'll at least try to summarize the end of the day and continue writing in the morning.
We had a little time together after the pastor left and then the nurse and interns came in to check on her. They changed her gown, emptied the drains, took a few readings, and gave her some more pain medication. The doctor in charge (I forgot his title) said that things looked good and she'd probably be able to go home tomorow. I sat by the bed and held her hand until she was ready to sleep.
The boys were in bed, but not asleep, when I got home at 8:30. We talked for a while and I spent a lot of time reassuring them that mom was feeling much better and would be home soon. Spiff wondered why they weren't able to visit--could he catch the cancer? He asked if we could have a day when they do nothing. And he asked when mom would be coming home. Soon, probably tomorrow, I repled. Then I asked him to tell me more of what he was feeling. "Why is it hard", I smiled a little, "nobody seems to miss dad that much when he's gone." "Mom is different," he explained, "she's always here with us". He had a lot of trouble getting to sleep tonight as the stress began to make his everyday concerns seem much more overhelming. I had to go in and comfort him several times before he finally gave in to sleep at 10:00 p.m. Entropy Boy, on the other hand, simply collapsed to sleep like an unwound top. I had to put an arm and leg back into the bed and pull up the covers.
The night wasn't all sad, however. I've got eleven things left on my list to blog and a couple of funny stories to tell tomorrow; when, hopefully, mom will be here with us again at bedtime.
I just wrapped up the evenings calls to our families. I've got so much more to write than I've got words or energy right now, but I'll at least try to summarize the end of the day and continue writing in the morning.
We had a little time together after the pastor left and then the nurse and interns came in to check on her. They changed her gown, emptied the drains, took a few readings, and gave her some more pain medication. The doctor in charge (I forgot his title) said that things looked good and she'd probably be able to go home tomorow. I sat by the bed and held her hand until she was ready to sleep.
The boys were in bed, but not asleep, when I got home at 8:30. We talked for a while and I spent a lot of time reassuring them that mom was feeling much better and would be home soon. Spiff wondered why they weren't able to visit--could he catch the cancer? He asked if we could have a day when they do nothing. And he asked when mom would be coming home. Soon, probably tomorrow, I repled. Then I asked him to tell me more of what he was feeling. "Why is it hard", I smiled a little, "nobody seems to miss dad that much when he's gone." "Mom is different," he explained, "she's always here with us". He had a lot of trouble getting to sleep tonight as the stress began to make his everyday concerns seem much more overhelming. I had to go in and comfort him several times before he finally gave in to sleep at 10:00 p.m. Entropy Boy, on the other hand, simply collapsed to sleep like an unwound top. I had to put an arm and leg back into the bed and pull up the covers.
The night wasn't all sad, however. I've got eleven things left on my list to blog and a couple of funny stories to tell tomorrow; when, hopefully, mom will be here with us again at bedtime.
Thursday- Early Evening
We just finished talking to our pastor. Sandy has been changed into a clean gown and has received a round of strong pain medication. I'll be leaving shortly as she drifts to sleep.
For some reason I've simply run out of words as I try to blog about the afternoon and his visit. I'll finish before bed.
For some reason I've simply run out of words as I try to blog about the afternoon and his visit. I'll finish before bed.
Thursday - Late Afternoon Update
Sandy was still sleeping after I finished lunch, so I went to the family waiting area (the noisy crowded one from last night). A woman had left her bags in the room, but there was no one there. I turned off the loud television and settled into a bit of reading. After a while she came back and turned on the tv. We gave each other dirty looks--she to me: "how dare you turn off my tv?" and I to her: "how dare you turn on the tv"--and I resigned myself to listening to afternoon soaps for a while.
When I returned to the room, ATV-girl had removed her neck brace, pulled out the IV and checked herself out "against medical advice". Sandy now has the room to herself for a while. We went for a walk around the ICU. She's moving around pretty well as long as she doesn't swing her arms.
MM and the boys called. Spiff was very excited because a package had arrived with their names on it! (Last week she ordered something from the Popcorn Shop to be delivered today. ) They wished each other well and the nurse came to empty her drains.
He said that the drains looked good, one of the four may be ready to come out soon, and encouraged her to keep blowing on the hookah. It evidently helps prevent fluid build-up in the lungs.
Tonight she ordered comfort food for dinner: Meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes butter, green beans gingerale and apple crisp. As we wait for it to arrive, she enjoyed the Nintendo DS that DR loaned us until the medication eventually made it hard to play Word-johng. She's now resting again. I was tempted to in a paint program to see what she'd draw.
Our pastor is visiting soon, so I'll post again later.
When I returned to the room, ATV-girl had removed her neck brace, pulled out the IV and checked herself out "against medical advice". Sandy now has the room to herself for a while. We went for a walk around the ICU. She's moving around pretty well as long as she doesn't swing her arms.
MM and the boys called. Spiff was very excited because a package had arrived with their names on it! (Last week she ordered something from the Popcorn Shop to be delivered today. ) They wished each other well and the nurse came to empty her drains.
He said that the drains looked good, one of the four may be ready to come out soon, and encouraged her to keep blowing on the hookah. It evidently helps prevent fluid build-up in the lungs.
Tonight she ordered comfort food for dinner: Meatloaf with gravy, mashed potatoes butter, green beans gingerale and apple crisp. As we wait for it to arrive, she enjoyed the Nintendo DS that DR loaned us until the medication eventually made it hard to play Word-johng. She's now resting again. I was tempted to in a paint program to see what she'd draw.
Our pastor is visiting soon, so I'll post again later.
Thursday Afternoon Update
Sandy read through all the blog and forum comments when I arrived and it really cheered her up. I think she might have also posted to SL, but she said she's having trouble forming sentences and gave up trying to write for now.
She's in a semi-private room by the nursing station. It's a little noisy but she said it hasn't bothered her. Her roomate was in an ATV accident and is being attended by her mother. Earlier today there was also a pleasant older woman who had been in for thyroid surgery.
The lunch menu at YNH Hospital looks like it's from a nice Bistro and includes everything from vegetarian dishes to comfort foods like beef and gravy, mac and cheese and burgers. I checked, but didn't see any green Jello. Perhaps we could have special-ordered it. She chose a Ruben and was able to eat almost all without any problems.
A short while ago, she asked me to brush her hair, but when I couldn't quite figure it out (hey, I never played with dolls!), she gave up and did it herself without any pain.
There's a device like this that she's supposed to breathe into every now and then:
I'd swear it's a hookah pipe, but she says it's a breathing exercise. If she can raise all three balls, it shows she's getting some of her strength back. During the last 2-1/2 hours, she's gone from 1-1/2 balls to raising all three.
She's probably going to go home tomorrow. We're not sure yet if we'll have the boys visit. Sandy's a little concerned that it might be a bit much for them to see her hooked up to all the tubes. We'll see.
She's drifting off to sleep now, I'll probably wander down to the cafeteria for some Sushi (YNHH is a great place). I'll post again in another couple of hours.
She's in a semi-private room by the nursing station. It's a little noisy but she said it hasn't bothered her. Her roomate was in an ATV accident and is being attended by her mother. Earlier today there was also a pleasant older woman who had been in for thyroid surgery.
The lunch menu at YNH Hospital looks like it's from a nice Bistro and includes everything from vegetarian dishes to comfort foods like beef and gravy, mac and cheese and burgers. I checked, but didn't see any green Jello. Perhaps we could have special-ordered it. She chose a Ruben and was able to eat almost all without any problems.
A short while ago, she asked me to brush her hair, but when I couldn't quite figure it out (hey, I never played with dolls!), she gave up and did it herself without any pain.
There's a device like this that she's supposed to breathe into every now and then:
I'd swear it's a hookah pipe, but she says it's a breathing exercise. If she can raise all three balls, it shows she's getting some of her strength back. During the last 2-1/2 hours, she's gone from 1-1/2 balls to raising all three.
She's probably going to go home tomorrow. We're not sure yet if we'll have the boys visit. Sandy's a little concerned that it might be a bit much for them to see her hooked up to all the tubes. We'll see.
She's drifting off to sleep now, I'll probably wander down to the cafeteria for some Sushi (YNHH is a great place). I'll post again in another couple of hours.
Visiting Hours
Not wanting to disappoint her by being late, I arrived for the 11:00 start of visiting hours by 10:57. Sandy was awake, alert, and didn't seem to be in much pain. My biggest concern now is that her head is full of ideas after spending a morning watching HGTV.
We've spent the last half hour reading emails and blog comments. They're changing some dressings now, but she wants to post something soon; cross posting to both the blog and SL.
After the boys finish their schoolwork, MM plans to take them swimming at a friend's lake. LS from church contacted us about bringing dinner. The church is really surrounding us with help and love. Thank you!
We've spent the last half hour reading emails and blog comments. They're changing some dressings now, but she wants to post something soon; cross posting to both the blog and SL.
After the boys finish their schoolwork, MM plans to take them swimming at a friend's lake. LS from church contacted us about bringing dinner. The church is really surrounding us with help and love. Thank you!
Thursday Morning
Visiting hours are at 11:00 today. MM should be here soon and I'll be off to the hospital. Spiff is very proud of his new Clone Trooper costume:
He's using the image as part of a get-well card for mom.
He's using the image as part of a get-well card for mom.
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Goodnight All!
11:00 p.m.
I left the hospital at about 8:45 as Sandy was drifting off to sleep. For the next two hours I made more calls to friends and family than I can count. Forgive me if I was supposed to call and missed you.
MM was in good spirits when I arrived and she's eager to see the boys again tomorrow. Visiting hours begin at 11:00 a.m. and I'm planning to read the latest email, blog, and forum posts aloud during my visit. I think she's also going to dictate a post or two, so check in during mid-afternoon for the latest.
I left the hospital at about 8:45 as Sandy was drifting off to sleep. For the next two hours I made more calls to friends and family than I can count. Forgive me if I was supposed to call and missed you.
MM was in good spirits when I arrived and she's eager to see the boys again tomorrow. Visiting hours begin at 11:00 a.m. and I'm planning to read the latest email, blog, and forum posts aloud during my visit. I think she's also going to dictate a post or two, so check in during mid-afternoon for the latest.
Surgery is over!
8:30 pm
The staff took me to her room. Her body, now broken, was draped in white sheets and I was as happy to see her as when I first saw her on our wedding day nearly 20 years ago. She was awake and alert.
The intern ran a few tests, adjusted her morphene, and left us alone for a while. I gave her some juice, put vaseline on her lips, and we held hands until the pain subsided.
She asked me to read through the day's blogs, comments, and emails. We laughed, we cried, and we felt your love and concern. Thank you all.
Since I arrived so late, the nurse at the desk took pity on me and let me stay an extra half-hour past the end of visiting hours. Finally, it was time to leave and drive home, alone.
The staff took me to her room. Her body, now broken, was draped in white sheets and I was as happy to see her as when I first saw her on our wedding day nearly 20 years ago. She was awake and alert.
The intern ran a few tests, adjusted her morphene, and left us alone for a while. I gave her some juice, put vaseline on her lips, and we held hands until the pain subsided.
She asked me to read through the day's blogs, comments, and emails. We laughed, we cried, and we felt your love and concern. Thank you all.
Since I arrived so late, the nurse at the desk took pity on me and let me stay an extra half-hour past the end of visiting hours. Finally, it was time to leave and drive home, alone.
Still Waiting Outside the ICU
7:30 p.m.
When I got upstairs, she hadn't yet been moved and the nurses directed me to the "family" waiting area. The three rooms were overrun with families (it looks like one of whom had brought in a big spread of dinner) so I found a quiet spot on a hallway window to catch up on my calls and writing.
Two windows down, a little girl EB's age is playing finger games with her grandmother while they wait for someone they love. A little while ago, I said a quiet prayer for them and felt an overwhelming sense of compassion for the girl, grandma, and all the other people who were anonymously sharing this day, and a day of their own stories, with me. Even for the loud cell-phone talkers.
I called home and talked to each boy, telling them that mom was out of surgery and doing well. They might want to have her stay an extra day or two, just to make sure everything was o.k., but there was nothing to worry about. Hearing MM's stories about their day made her happy and she can't wait to be home with them again.
MM is getting them ready for bed now and has a couple of bedtime stories picked out. Spiff gets to be the story reader.
Gotta go now, someone just came to take me to the ICU. Finally, we get to be together again!
Out of Surgery and into Recovery
6:15 p.m.
After I met with the plastic surgeon, the waiting-room volunteer told me that I had about an hour and a half until I could see her after surgery. During the next 45 min I called her family, updated the blog and grabbed a quick bite to eat. While I was on my way back to the room the volunteer called and said she was ready early!
The recovery room nurse told me that we could have 10 min together. Although she'd been through about 8-1/2 hours of surgery, she didn't really look much worse than she did this morning.
I kissed her forehead and she opened her eyes. She smiled, whispered "I love you"...and immediately asked me about the results of the test on the nodes. Deflated by the news, she started to tear up and I did my best to reassure her that the surgeon said that this only meant that we need to fight a little more aggressively now--all of the scans still showed that it hadn't spread to other systems. I recounted MM's stories about Spiff and the Clone Trooper suit and the fresh lump from his brother hitting him on the head with a frisbee and she was smiling again.
We shared a few quiet moments and I was whisked away to wait again. Although she was in obvious pain, I still saw in her eyes the love for the boys and me that has been there through all the years.
Got to go--the volunteer told me she's now being moved to her room in the ICU. More later, perhaps from another waiting room or hopefully from bedside.
After I met with the plastic surgeon, the waiting-room volunteer told me that I had about an hour and a half until I could see her after surgery. During the next 45 min I called her family, updated the blog and grabbed a quick bite to eat. While I was on my way back to the room the volunteer called and said she was ready early!
The recovery room nurse told me that we could have 10 min together. Although she'd been through about 8-1/2 hours of surgery, she didn't really look much worse than she did this morning.
I kissed her forehead and she opened her eyes. She smiled, whispered "I love you"...and immediately asked me about the results of the test on the nodes. Deflated by the news, she started to tear up and I did my best to reassure her that the surgeon said that this only meant that we need to fight a little more aggressively now--all of the scans still showed that it hadn't spread to other systems. I recounted MM's stories about Spiff and the Clone Trooper suit and the fresh lump from his brother hitting him on the head with a frisbee and she was smiling again.
We shared a few quiet moments and I was whisked away to wait again. Although she was in obvious pain, I still saw in her eyes the love for the boys and me that has been there through all the years.
Got to go--the volunteer told me she's now being moved to her room in the ICU. More later, perhaps from another waiting room or hopefully from bedside.
Surgery Complete
5:15 p.m.
I just talked with the plastic surgeon. His part also went well--the expanders are in and she has a total of 4 drains, two on each side. They'll probably be in for 7 to 14 days.
Because the surgery was so extensive, he said that her plan to go home tomorrow were a bit optimistic. She'll probably need two days in the hospital to get the pain under control before she can return home. I passed the news on to her family and then called MM who again reassured me that she'd have no problem helping us over the next couple of days. She said the boys are having fun playing in the yard--The Clone Trooper costume that Spiff ordered off of Amazon arrived today and they're on the jungle gym saving the neighborhood from the Dark Side. (I'll try to get a picture up tomorrow.)
In another hour and a half, I should be able to see her in the recovery room.
I just talked with the plastic surgeon. His part also went well--the expanders are in and she has a total of 4 drains, two on each side. They'll probably be in for 7 to 14 days.
Because the surgery was so extensive, he said that her plan to go home tomorrow were a bit optimistic. She'll probably need two days in the hospital to get the pain under control before she can return home. I passed the news on to her family and then called MM who again reassured me that she'd have no problem helping us over the next couple of days. She said the boys are having fun playing in the yard--The Clone Trooper costume that Spiff ordered off of Amazon arrived today and they're on the jungle gym saving the neighborhood from the Dark Side. (I'll try to get a picture up tomorrow.)
In another hour and a half, I should be able to see her in the recovery room.
Nearing the End
3:30 p.m.
About an hour and a half until I hear from the plastic surgeon and another hour and a half until I get to see her in recovery.
So far, there have been two complete changeovers of waiting room occupants and one of the staff. I've received over 10 emails and blog replies during that time. Thanks everyone!
TV proceeded from Judge Lopez to Judge Brown and I was about to resign myself to having to listen to Judge Judy when Tolivar stopped by. He'll be keeping me company for a while and we've already enjoyed a cup of coffee and a few laughs. What a welcome relief!
More news when I get it.
About an hour and a half until I hear from the plastic surgeon and another hour and a half until I get to see her in recovery.
So far, there have been two complete changeovers of waiting room occupants and one of the staff. I've received over 10 emails and blog replies during that time. Thanks everyone!
TV proceeded from Judge Lopez to Judge Brown and I was about to resign myself to having to listen to Judge Judy when Tolivar stopped by. He'll be keeping me company for a while and we've already enjoyed a cup of coffee and a few laughs. What a welcome relief!
More news when I get it.
News From the Surgeon
1:10 p.m.
The surgeon came out about 10 min ago to see me. She made it well through his (masectomy) portion of the operation, the plastic surgeon is now working on the reconstruction.
Overall, the surgeon said it went well with very little blood loss. He intially took out four lymph nodes, two of which tested positive, so he had to go back in and take out some more for further testing. He said this downgrades the cancer from a Stage 2 to a Stage 3. Although the other tests didn't find the presence of cancer anywhere else in her body, the fact that it was in her lymph nodes means that they're going to have to use a stronger and more aggressive chemotherapy.
He said that she may be released tomorrow, if she recovers well, but may need to stay an extra day or two because the surgery was so extensive.
I'll post more as I learn more.
The surgeon came out about 10 min ago to see me. She made it well through his (masectomy) portion of the operation, the plastic surgeon is now working on the reconstruction.
Overall, the surgeon said it went well with very little blood loss. He intially took out four lymph nodes, two of which tested positive, so he had to go back in and take out some more for further testing. He said this downgrades the cancer from a Stage 2 to a Stage 3. Although the other tests didn't find the presence of cancer anywhere else in her body, the fact that it was in her lymph nodes means that they're going to have to use a stronger and more aggressive chemotherapy.
He said that she may be released tomorrow, if she recovers well, but may need to stay an extra day or two because the surgery was so extensive.
I'll post more as I learn more.
No News, but Thanks
11:00 a.m.
I've been in the waiting room over two hours and it's cleared out and quieted down. My companions are now a couple, who have been here as long as me, and two other people. The Hip-Hop Abs infomercial has been replaced by The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet doing a bit on harassment by debt collectors. After about 6 cups of waiting-room coffee, I've been able to settle in and do a bit of writing.
We've tried to reassure our families that even though we're half of a continent away, we're far from alone. Sandy's done a good job of writing about our church and her friends, both online and locally, but one group of people we haven't yet written about are my friends.
BE and I have been friends for about twelve years. We've shared a lot of life during that time, including career changes, two moves for two employers and kids. (We somehow wound up with sons that are three weeks apart.) He was the first one I called after we got the diagnosis and we've talked nearly every day since. Since he knows us both well he's been a great source of advice, reminding me, for example, not to show too much excitement over the Goth wigs, lest she become concerned.
I've had a tremendous amount of support and help from the guys at work. JD has empathically listened and shared some of his own stories with me. My managers, DR and JW, have repeatedly reminded me that Sandy is my most important job and have been very accommodating in allowing me to adjust my schedule so I can make as many medical visits as I can. My teammates TL, AD, RS, and TH have done such a good job filling in the gaps that I’m a little worried that they’ll figure out they don’t need me.
One day I asked DR, a consummate gamer, if it would be worth getting Sandy a Nintendo DS to play during all the waiting. He told me not to buy one and loaned us his. When TW heard, he also loaned us one saying, "You’ve got two boys, this will keep them both busy". Thanks guys!
It's been great to have you here to encourage, listen and offer your own thoughts on the Goth wigs.
I should hear from the Surgeon in the next hour or two and will post another update then. Mike and Juliet are now talking about Cellulite procedures.
I've been in the waiting room over two hours and it's cleared out and quieted down. My companions are now a couple, who have been here as long as me, and two other people. The Hip-Hop Abs infomercial has been replaced by The Morning Show with Mike and Juliet doing a bit on harassment by debt collectors. After about 6 cups of waiting-room coffee, I've been able to settle in and do a bit of writing.
We've tried to reassure our families that even though we're half of a continent away, we're far from alone. Sandy's done a good job of writing about our church and her friends, both online and locally, but one group of people we haven't yet written about are my friends.
BE and I have been friends for about twelve years. We've shared a lot of life during that time, including career changes, two moves for two employers and kids. (We somehow wound up with sons that are three weeks apart.) He was the first one I called after we got the diagnosis and we've talked nearly every day since. Since he knows us both well he's been a great source of advice, reminding me, for example, not to show too much excitement over the Goth wigs, lest she become concerned.
I've had a tremendous amount of support and help from the guys at work. JD has empathically listened and shared some of his own stories with me. My managers, DR and JW, have repeatedly reminded me that Sandy is my most important job and have been very accommodating in allowing me to adjust my schedule so I can make as many medical visits as I can. My teammates TL, AD, RS, and TH have done such a good job filling in the gaps that I’m a little worried that they’ll figure out they don’t need me.
One day I asked DR, a consummate gamer, if it would be worth getting Sandy a Nintendo DS to play during all the waiting. He told me not to buy one and loaned us his. When TW heard, he also loaned us one saying, "You’ve got two boys, this will keep them both busy". Thanks guys!
It's been great to have you here to encourage, listen and offer your own thoughts on the Goth wigs.
I should hear from the Surgeon in the next hour or two and will post another update then. Mike and Juliet are now talking about Cellulite procedures.
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