Thank you all, so much for all your encouragement, prayers, support and just being there! WE did great!!!! There were more tumors that came out but they were all close together...the only one was the 'new' one that was deeper inside that was burned. The surgeon was/is very happy!
He took out less than 20% and didn't really feel the need for the 'needle' ablation....the tumor was small enough and pretty round that it would have been just as easy to use the 'older' equipment.
I got in on time...Wednesday at 12:30...had my own bowel prep the morning before we left - nerves!!! cleaned me out!!! They said it usually takes about 2 hours to prep...but I didn't 'walk' into the surgery room until 2 - now, I'm not sure if I had to be there at 11:30....whatever...all I know is that we had to wait a long time! Surgery was about 2 1/2 hours - just what was expected. Felt fine coming out of anesthesia but my throat was so dry - from the tubing that went down...and I couldn't drink anything because they were afraid I'd throw up. I think that had to be one of the worst feelings!!! (Just like my Mom - when she had her stroke and couldn't swallow all she wanted was to keep her lips wet...well, now I know how she felt).
Because I had so many 'cocktail's the surgeon didn't want to take anymore out (liver) than needed. He said he wasn't able to tell if it was healthy or not but they have had more success stories doing it the way he did it.
Sam said something about me maybe needing two more chemo treatments...but he also said that he has to look at the pathology report and then it would be up to my oncologist - as to go for more or not. The surgeon did say that I am now 'cancer free'.
There are 16 floors and each floor is designated for some type of cancer. There were too many patients on the floor I would have been on so I and one other young lady were put together on the 5th floor - a little more leg work for the doctors.
When I showered the other day and looked at my belly....yikes! I look like Frankenstein's Bride!!!! They must have used a complete stick of staples in me! The incision from the middle of my belly - below my ribs is about 2 inched long then it goes from there to the other side of my stomach - almost to the side of my waist - about 12 inches. Sam had just eaten her lunch and I asked her if she wanted to see it....she said she could handle anything....well, after looking - she said she wanted to throw up!
I had a hard time sleeping - I'd wake up every hour! The first night I was awake but still had the anesthesia in me - they had me in the recovery room - where I saw Charlie and the kids and then they moved me to another - what I call - college dorm - there were people all over the place!!! Then they got me to the 5th floor and have been there since today. I went to sleep at 8:30 and slept until 11:30...then up every hour the rest of the night. Just lying on my back isn't too comfortable! I didn't have to get up because I had a foley cath in - which was great! Was only able to have my lips wet and an ice chip or two on Wed. after the surgery...then Thursday I had just liquids...Friday I was able to have a clear liquid diet and then Saturday I was able to eat 'real' food! as well as today! They have such a great menu too! There were so many items on it that I wanted to try...but no appetite....I'm sure I'll still gain weight...once I'm eating again. I can eat my regular diet - no restrictions.
I walked alot, breathed alot and did some stair climbing exercises. They worked me on Friday - though one of my soap operas!!! I asked the physical therapist if he could come back in a half hour and he said 'no' - so I had to grin and bear it!! A Friday no less!
I call tomorrow (Monday) to schedule an appointment in two weeks to have the staples removed. Guess Paul and I will go on the train to the subway. Just pray that we don't have to go during rush hour!!! It is actually faster going that route than driving in!!! I have to say it again...I don't know how these people that live in the city do this on a daily basis!!!!
When Nick was there visiting me yesterday - he walked the halls with me...and said that this hospital is more beautiful than some of the hotels he's stayed in!
God works in mysterious ways! and He brings people into our lives for reasons too! My friend Carol - who is a nurse - suggested I go to my oncologist and she's been great...she suggested that I go for a 'second opinion' to Dr. Allen - and he is fantastic! He had no doubts that this surgery would work!!! I was 'surfing' the TV this morning and caught Joel Olsten's show...it was about praying to God - He moves mountains! You can't pray to a mountain...you have to pray to God. He is very inspiring! If you ever search the TV shows...and come across his show - I encourage you to watch it. I mentioned it to the aid this morning and she said she watches all the time and in every show - it seems like he is talking about her!!!
I could go on a few more lines...but I'd better get up and walk a bit! Now I have to go 'down' steps. I know there is more pressure on your belly going down!!! I think I will sleep in my Mom's room - in her recliner....I maynot be able to get in and out of my bed yet....I'm sure I will be in my own bed by Tuesday night!!!
