Surgery ...
Surgery went exceptionally well on Thursday, January 16th. The day started with us at the hospital at 5:15am for pre-surgery prep. By 7:15 or so, I was meeting briefly with the surgeon before going to the operating room. She set the tone by offering up a sincere prayer that God would guide her hands and her team that day for the best possible outcome. My blood pressure went down about 20 points with her prayer. Grateful for a surgeon that knows God and calls upon Him for help.
Surgery went well. It was time consuming (ended about noon) and that was tough on the kids. Thankful for Nora, John, and Troy for being there for Steph and Tom. I woke up about 12:15. Remember feeling remarkably "ok". Saw Steph and Tom and then went back to sleep. Don't remember much else about Thursday, except my room didn't have windows. By Saturday, I was home resting.
Back to the Hospital
Was really feeling great, resting at home. In fact, I was telling friends that I was amazed at how well things felt. Then the Seahawks game started. GO HAWKS! Tom was a few blocks away watching the game with his usual crowd at the Whatleys. In the middle of the first quarter I started feeling a little queezy and decided to take my temp. Mild, mild fever 100.0. As the game progressed, so did my fever. by the end of the game my fever was 102 and I knew I had to call the doc and would be in the ER for the evening. Called Tom and asked him to come home. Called the doc. Agreed to go to St. Joe's ER.
Once at the ER, I was admitted with an infection in my right side's incision. The infection responded quickly to antibiotics. By the morning, my fever was gone. But my blood work was wonky so I was staying for a bit.
Special shout out to my son, Tom, who took me to the ER and made sure they stayed on track in treating me and getting me up to a room. For a young man put in such difficult situations these past few months, I'm proud of his maturity and priorities.
Once at the ER, I was admitted with an infection in my right side's incision. The infection responded quickly to antibiotics. By the morning, my fever was gone. But my blood work was wonky so I was staying for a bit.
Special shout out to my son, Tom, who took me to the ER and made sure they stayed on track in treating me and getting me up to a room. For a young man put in such difficult situations these past few months, I'm proud of his maturity and priorities.
Special shout out to those who came and visited in the hospital and 'pink'd' up my room with nail polish, hats, and even a pink wrench.
Final note on the hospital stay... Technology is pretty cool. But be careful. That portable WI-FI EKG monitor is also a tracking GPS. The nurses know where you go. We had to negotiate a Diet-Pepsi walk/escape to the 1st floor.
KCA Pathology Report
On Tuesday night, the doc called to tell me about my pathology report. We got the best possible report!! An A+. Lots of dead cancer cells and zero live cancer cells!! Chemo and the good cells won!! We KICKED CANCER'S ARSK!! I cannot tell you how humbling it feels to have so many people praying for success and then to see that success!! I am so grateful for the power of prayer and the good karma our friends and family enveloped around us the past few months.
Sure made the chemo worth it!!
Doc still wants 7 weeks of radiation to sweep up any possibility of cancer cells that survived. It only takes one. Was a little disappointed in that, but it is worth it to get the best chance of not having to go down this road again.
Back Home - On the Mend
Been trying to be patient and rest a lot. Was doing a good job until Friday night. Went to the Wolves Basketball game (at home, against CK). Enjoyed half the game and then headed home for more rest. Found out later that the Wolves won! GO WOLVES!!
Big shout out to everyone who helped this week and there were so many of you!! Visits, meals, phone calls, texts, and messages. You are wonderful!!
More later. Right now, just so grateful for optimistic prospects of many more years to enjoy my family, my friends, and the gift of life. Thank you, everyone, for sharing this journey with us and for your love and support.
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