As i was walking into the hospital last night, i could not help but see a young couple walking out - looked like they were in their mid 20's. The young woman was sobbing uncontrollably, and i could not help but wonder what tragedy had intruded on their life. Was it one of her parents? A sibling? Perhaps a friend or relative, or even worse, a child?
I'm sure a lot of people we know think about Anita and I and perhaps feel sorry for her. Don't. She's a strong person, we got an early diagnosis, and were lucky enough to live in an area where excellent doctors and health care abound - and dodged a major bullet in the process. We have great friends that are supporting us in a big way. Even though it's obviously a long road ahead, a full recovery is at the end of the tunnel.
Of course, when we first got the news that Anita had cancer, your first thought's are why me? Why us? Life at that point seemed really unfair. After seeing the young couple, I now realize that WE are the lucky ones.
So today, as you go on with your life, think about that young couple - you know the phrase "life is short?". Well, it sure can be, so let's treat it that way.
We truly appreciate the support, calls texts, emails, etc. Calling or texting UNTIL she gets out of CCU is difficult due to the cell phone ban there, so pardon any slow responses. I'm resting up right now and plan on heading back right before lunch. I'm starting to realize I need to take better care of myself so I don't get worn down.
Sunday, October 17, 2010
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Saturday Night-Post Surgery Day 1
Kind of treading water here. Anita's blood pressure is still a little low, and she is still on the supermodel diet (ate practically nothing today.) She got out of bed for a while, but problems with nausea put her back in bed soon. Really nothing to worry about says Dr. D, just a side effect of being under anesthesia so long. Its a difficult balance between too much pain meds and not enough. So she is in CCU probably thru tomorrow.
I was not around much of the day. I went to Compton College, (Southern Californias oldest junior college) where my 86 year old dad received his college degree today. My dad was about to enter as a freshman in 1942, when he was sent to the interment camps for japanese americans in WWII. A recent state assembly bill made it possible for him and his classmates to receive their degrees today. They had a full on ceremony just like a regular college graduation. So after 68 years, dad finally got his degree. By my calculations, he may be the slowest college graduate in modern history!!!! I guess we have to start taking him to job fairs and stuff like that.
A big thanks to hula sister Arlene who stepped in to take care of Anita in the AM while I was gone, and to Donna and Susie (from tennis) who took the afternoon shift. I think Rose, one of my tennis buddies wife, might have been there also in the afternoon
She is resting easily, napping a lot. Update again in the morning.
I was not around much of the day. I went to Compton College, (Southern Californias oldest junior college) where my 86 year old dad received his college degree today. My dad was about to enter as a freshman in 1942, when he was sent to the interment camps for japanese americans in WWII. A recent state assembly bill made it possible for him and his classmates to receive their degrees today. They had a full on ceremony just like a regular college graduation. So after 68 years, dad finally got his degree. By my calculations, he may be the slowest college graduate in modern history!!!! I guess we have to start taking him to job fairs and stuff like that.
A big thanks to hula sister Arlene who stepped in to take care of Anita in the AM while I was gone, and to Donna and Susie (from tennis) who took the afternoon shift. I think Rose, one of my tennis buddies wife, might have been there also in the afternoon
She is resting easily, napping a lot. Update again in the morning.
Saturday Day 1 post surgery midday update
Dr. D came a while back, checked up on Anita and everything is looking good. They're a little concerned about low blood pressure, so they are wanting to back off the pain medication a little bit, and substitute some IV motrin-like painkiller (i.e non-opiate) and see what happens. I think its called Toradol. Currently they are trying to wrest the dilaudid (similar but more powerful than morphine) pump switch from her hand-they may need to call security on this one!!!!!
She's still wanting to sleep a lot.
My niece Stephanie, her Husband Ryan, my sis Dianne, and her boyfriend Josh just stopped in on their way to my dad's college graduation (more on THAT later today)
Below, Anita's new best friend (the pain pump control button - these new high tech ones light up green when you can use it). Not pictured in her other hand is a machete which she has threatened to use on anyone who tries to take it away!!!!!!!!!!!
All in all, things are going well. Once again, thanks for the many texts, calls and emails. I am reading them all to anita as they come
She's still wanting to sleep a lot.
My niece Stephanie, her Husband Ryan, my sis Dianne, and her boyfriend Josh just stopped in on their way to my dad's college graduation (more on THAT later today)
Below, Anita's new best friend (the pain pump control button - these new high tech ones light up green when you can use it). Not pictured in her other hand is a machete which she has threatened to use on anyone who tries to take it away!!!!!!!!!!!
Saturday AM-Day 1 Post surgery
930 AM - Nothing much new to report at this time. Anita is still resting comfortably, kind of nauseous, not taking any kind of food yet. I think she is in better shape than me right now-after being up for 24 hours straight, getting up this morning was a cruel reminder that my best days have passed me by. Sucking down the strongest coffee they have right now.
Don't yet know when they will be moving her out of CCU. CCU is tough, no cell phones, no food, no flowers, etc. But the care is great-they are really looking after her good.
p.s. last night's food was excellent-the crust on that thing had a sweet quality to it. not sure who brought it, but thanks!!!!
Don't yet know when they will be moving her out of CCU. CCU is tough, no cell phones, no food, no flowers, etc. But the care is great-they are really looking after her good.
p.s. last night's food was excellent-the crust on that thing had a sweet quality to it. not sure who brought it, but thanks!!!!
Friday, October 15, 2010
Friday late night update
Anita is resting relatively comfortably tonight. She is complaining of pain in her left arm, which we figured out was the lymph node removal area. It doesn't seem that bad, as so far it is not keeping her from resting. Considering what she went through, I'd say she is progressing as well as could be expected.
The level of nursing care here so far has been superb. Her night nurse is Carrie, who has been taking really good care of her. Of course, so far she has been just in surgery, then in CCU, but even so the nurses have been excellent.
It's 11 oclock and we're waiting for Dr. D to come check on her
update: Dr. D has come in to check on Anita-excellent progress report, he is very happy. She is going to a regular room sometime tomorrow, and is going to start getting out of bed a little tomorrow, too. They are going to give her stuff to help her sleep for the night (adavan).
Signing off for the night
The level of nursing care here so far has been superb. Her night nurse is Carrie, who has been taking really good care of her. Of course, so far she has been just in surgery, then in CCU, but even so the nurses have been excellent.
It's 11 oclock and we're waiting for Dr. D to come check on her
update: Dr. D has come in to check on Anita-excellent progress report, he is very happy. She is going to a regular room sometime tomorrow, and is going to start getting out of bed a little tomorrow, too. They are going to give her stuff to help her sleep for the night (adavan).
Signing off for the night
In CCU now (Friday, 7pm)
Anita's been moved out of recovery into CCU now (West Wing, 4th floor, CCU-18). Limited visitor availability. No visitors between 7-8AM and 7-8PM.
She's in a lot of pain, but it seems manageable. Having a lot of trouble talking (throat is a little irritated i guess from having the airway tube stuck down her throat for 10 hours). She's pressing the pain med button like a video game player, but unfortunately, it's programmed to work only once every 15 minutes or so. She can't have much of anything except a little water now. Shes VERY sleepy (I dont know why, shes been sleeping the last 10 hours). Oh, well it gives me time to blog. They think she will be in CCU for about a day or so. Dr. Dickinson is going to visit later tonight to check on her.
Above, Dr. Brian Dickinson. For the hula group, does he not look a little like Dr. Steven Barag's better looking younger brother?????
Dr. D just saw her (730pm) and said she is doing perfectly well. He's coming back at 11pm, so i guess i'll update again then
Time to grab some dinner since I've been kicked out until 8pm.......
She's in a lot of pain, but it seems manageable. Having a lot of trouble talking (throat is a little irritated i guess from having the airway tube stuck down her throat for 10 hours). She's pressing the pain med button like a video game player, but unfortunately, it's programmed to work only once every 15 minutes or so. She can't have much of anything except a little water now. Shes VERY sleepy (I dont know why, shes been sleeping the last 10 hours). Oh, well it gives me time to blog. They think she will be in CCU for about a day or so. Dr. Dickinson is going to visit later tonight to check on her.
Dr. D just saw her (730pm) and said she is doing perfectly well. He's coming back at 11pm, so i guess i'll update again then
Time to grab some dinner since I've been kicked out until 8pm.......
She's Out!!!
Surgery finished at 515pm. just talked to the plastic surgeon, Dr. Dickinson, and he was excited about the result. They had to take a little stomach muscle to make it work (The transplanted material needs blood flow to stay alive), but a small enough amount that he felt she would not notice it.
she is currently in recovery, probably cannot see her until she goes to ICU.
Dr Dickinson thought it went so well she might get to go home in 4 days instead of 6
Check back in a few hours
she is currently in recovery, probably cannot see her until she goes to ICU.
Dr Dickinson thought it went so well she might get to go home in 4 days instead of 6
Check back in a few hours
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