Best Case Scenario

While in recovery mode I have to keep reminding myself that I had surgery only a few days ago.  Because I feel so good, it is tempting to do more than I should.  Hence, I am taking the advice of all my friends (and doctors) so I don’t overdo it.  I’m letting my friends and family spoil me.  🙂

Rob and Dawn Ball
Delicious spaghetti and meatballs

We have some lifelong friends whose presence, I am confident, sped up my healing process. Dawn made her favored spaghetti and meatballs yesterday (a Biltmore Hotel recipe) and special cheesy Beau Monde Bread which we haven’t had in years.  The girls needed a nap after that wonderful lunch, while the boys went out for a few errands.  A storm provided the best backdrop for an afternoon nap, except of course when our fearful maltese barked and yapped at every clap of thunder.  About an hour before she woke us up I felt rested, but a little grumpy at the interruption.  It was a good day to spend indoors, watching the birds play through our window view.

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Update on Surgery.  I’ve lost track of days.  It doesn’t feel like three days have passed since surgery.   This is my first blog since surgery so it’s catch up time.  Tim updated his Facebook status each moment he received news during surgery, and later I read the overwhelming number of responses.  I feel loved and supported by so many!  Knowing droves of people around the world were praying for me provided comfort the entire time.  I had not even a twinge of anxiety about the surgery.  I spent the evening before surgery putting Scriptures on index cards, and getting some rest.  I was ready!

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Waiting for Surgery…still smiling!

Surgery Day.  I felt confident Wednesday morning bright and early (5:30 AM) as we arrived at the hospital.  We had to check-in at the E.R. because the main entrance doesn’t open until 6:00.  All was quiet.  Climbed into a drafty gown and waited.  Surgery was at 07:00, preceded by nursing and anesthesiology assessments.  When the nurse came in to start my IV, I asked if she could access my port.  (I always prefer port access.)  “You have a port?” She asked with enthusiasm.  “Yes,” I replied, “It’s a smart port.  Can you use it?”  She smiled, “Of course!”  Without further ado she proceeded to access my port while instructing another nurse, then she started some fluids.  Tim took my picture when I was all ready, and I was still smiling.

It was not a long wait before my surgeon arrived.  She was chipper when she noticed my chest.  She has a great bedside manner and I love her as a doctor.  “Hmmm.  I am looking at where they accessed your port,” she said.  This was the first thing she saw.  (The nurses had not checked with her before granting my request, and of course it was in her “workspace.”  They should have known better, but she did not fault them. ) “It’s all about you,” she admitted with a smile.  “They want you to be comfortable.  You are up here”–she motioned with her hands above my head–“and I am way down here,” hands waving below her knees.  “Don’t worry, we’ll take care of it after you are asleep.”  Whew – I didn’t have to feel a second poke.  Still no worries.

I remember the anesthesiologist showing me the first dose she was going to put into my IV, then the nurse telling me “you’re in recovery.”  Wow – that was a quick 3-4 hours.  I couldn’t believe it was already over.  I discovered the IV in my left hand, and drain tubes from where a breast used to reside.  Family members took turns coming in to see me in the recovery room between sleeps while we waited for a regular room to open up.  Mike and Melinda Waddle (pastors at Place of Grace Church of God) had driven out from San Antonio to sit with Tim during the surgery so I asked to see Melinda before they left, not knowing how much her short visit would encourage me.  The women at the church made me a prayer blanket which she put on my legs with a whisper, “this is to remind you that you are covered in prayer.” Again I am made to feel special, and I am most grateful for all the people who have taken time out to pray, write a note, or stop by.  I couldn’t possibly name them all, but every one is special!

Little Lambsie Divey

Room with a View.  Finally in a room of my own by mid-afternoon.  The rooms at St. Luke’s in The Woodlands are beautiful.  Each room is private with plenty of area for visitors.  Big and spacious with a pull out mattress and comfie bedside chair.  Tim bought me a lamb to keep me company, or a “sheep-let” as he called it a few weeks ago in a sermon when he couldn’t remember what a baby sheep was called (seriously funny).  It plays nursery rhymes and is very, very soft to cuddle.

Best Case Scenario. I was glad to see my surgeon for the follow-up.  Apparently the surgery went very well.  It was the “best case scenario.”  Dr. Gordley (plastic surgeon) was available to assist with closing as you know, in the event Dr. Rourke (my breast surgeon) was having trouble with the last step.  But Dr. Rourke didn’t need him!  She completed the surgery and closed me up without assistance.  This was a specific prayer answered.  Thank you Lord.  The complete pathology report will not be available for about a week, but they looked at four frozen samples of the skin while I was in surgery at Dr. Rourke’s request.  No cancer in the skin.  Again, an answer to prayer.

She had removed two clusters of lymph nodes in addition to the right breast.  A couple of nodes look abnormal, but we’ll have to wait for the pathology report to see if any live cancer cells remain.

Dr. Rourke was amazed at how quickly I started healing after the procedure.   When she came to my room to check on me, she said it didn’t look like I had just had major surgery.  My color was back; swelling was minimal.  The drainage color was even lightening up.  Everything was going “better than expected.”  Maybe she doesn’t know how God works.  We expected, and God answered.  She had a long surgery scheduled the next morning, but would discharge me after that if all continued to go well.

Hospital Visitors.  Bryan had to work and Tim and Elizabeth left me to sleep to pick up our friends Rob and Dawn from the airport.  I woke up hungry!  I hadn’t eaten since yesterday.  It was too late for lunch and too early for dinner.  Ready to eat!  No nausea or vomiting and feeling great.  They started me off with some Jello and broth for a late lunch then quickly moved me to a regular diet.  I also had some snacks courtesy of the Waddles.  Aside, when I was in the hospital a few weeks ago I was looking forward to the turkey dinner on the menu, which I never got to eat.  So you can probably guess what I ordered.  It was delicious!

A visit from our Conroe friend provided just the assistance and company I needed in the absence of my family.  Her arrival was timed perfectly during dinner.  Those darn trays are hard to position!  My next door hospital neighbor (who was less than coherent) kept yelling out “Help me” and “It hurts” in his sleep.  I needed a diversion.  It was a welcome visit, and great to catch up.  Thanks Kristi!  

A few minutes after Kristi left, Tim and I had a pleasant visit with Rob and Dawn in my room before everyone went down for the night.  Of course I was up to seeing them.  I wanted to see them!  More motivation for going home, to spend time with Rob and Dawn.  It didn’t hurt to laugh, and laugh we did. 🙂

Bryan did come by the next day, as did the local chaplain.

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The day after surgery.  My doctor had assured me I would not have a bowel movement for at least two days.  She ordered a stool softener to go along with the pain medicine.  Once again, my body was ahead of schedule.  Two times after dinner and again in the morning.  Sorry, is that TMI?

The day after, I had a full breakfast before Dr. Rourke and her assistant came to see if I was ready for discharge.  She stripped my drain tubes and changed my dressing, speechless that there wasn’t any bruising.  I congratulated her on a job well done.  She was running out of reasons for keeping me in the hospital. “Can you think of any reason why we should keep you here?”  I couldn’t.

“You tolerating the pain medicine ok?”  She genuinely seemed astonished when I asked “what pain medication?”  I thought she was referring to the medicine they gave me in recovery.  I also had a little Morphine before bed, but other than that I had not had any.  Apparently you have to ask for it if you need it.  But I never thought to ask, since I didn’t need it.  Literally, her jaw dropped.  So did her assistant’s.  Then there was some head shaking and smiling.  She called me an overachiever, in a good way.  Really, I wasn’t trying to break any records.  I just kept a positive attitude, prayed without ceasing, and truly sensed the healing presence of the Lord.  He helped me get through it and successfully watched over the hands of the surgeon.  She asked the nurse to give me a pain pill to make sure I could tolerate it, and if so then I could go home.  I was discharged thirty minutes later.

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Recovering at home.  Saturday (yesterday) I was permitted to take my first shower.  That felt SO good!  After removing the bandage I took my first look at the incision.  It’s about 8-9 inches long, stretching from my sternum to my armpit.  I am really impressed with the surgeon – it looks great!  Don’t worry, I won’t post any pictures of the stitches, so you’ll just have to imagine it.

I think I’ve figured out why I have no pain – my arm (and armpit) is numb.  The doctor mentioned the risk of nerve damage, so it could be permanent.  Time will tell.

It’s now Sunday and our friends are delayed at the airport waiting to go home.  They are just this moment getting on the plane.  I miss them already.   As it turns out, they could have been here with us all afternoon if we could have predicted the exact departure time.  Planes…

Their visit was a warm welcome, and I can’t wait until the day I am well enough to travel to Florida to repay their kindness.  We are shooting for Thanksgiving.  Another aside, they took a ride Saturday morning on our bike through our local national forest.  While they have always been riders Dawn is now hooked on the touring seat and has a greater appreciation for our long trips. We are now considering a Harley trip together, hopefully this time next year.  I’m holding them to it with joyous alacrity!

We just finished watching a movie and I am blogging from my favorite chair in the house.  The dog is still disturbed by the distant thunder, grumbling beneath her breath.  She is trying to ignore it for my sake.  Occasionally my eyes close and I catch a nap, so I need to close for the day. Sorry for the lengthy report, as there was much to report.  Thank you for reading my blog!  I will be off for the next two weeks, unable to drive, and still sporting drain tubes, so I plan to keep you posted on any change or news.

Up next:  My next dose of Herceptin is scheduled for this Wednesday July 24th (if I feel up to it).  We follow-up with the surgeon on Tuesday, July 30th. This is when I will hear about the pathology report.  Our friend Cheryl is staying with me a few days while Tim goes to South Texas for consulting work that has been on the books for quite a while so I have that to look forward to as well.  In addition, I see a trip to Starbucks in the near future.

À la prochaine   (Until next time) …