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As you can read from his blog, we got great news at the doctor's office yesterday! Dan had a cystogram that looked great, his pathology is completely negative (NO CANCER WHATSOEVER!!!!!!) and he got his catheter out.
Although we were told that it was most likely benign and no cancer, until we got the report back there is always a little nagging thought there. But it is such a relief to see that when he heals, he will be healed. No treatments, no radiation, no more trips. When it's done, it will be done. This gives me GREAT relief.
He is improving everyday. He is also becoming more independent. He can move around the house a bit more on his own. (This is especially good because I have to work a full day today.)
Many people have asked me, "So what *is* it?" Good question. It was just a collection of a bunch of random epithelial cells. "Huh?" you may ask. Under the microscope, the path lab said it looked similar to colon tissue. But it was NOT part of his colon. Hank was its own entity... of sorts.
Count your blessing today. There are many to mention! :) |
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Today, Daniel walked all the way to the mailbox! I consider this big progress. When I suggested we walk outside for some fresh air, I thought maybe he would go down the front steps and sit on the bench. But no, we watered my flowers and walked all the way to the mailbox. Dan suggested that this could become his daily exercise. I thought that was a fabulous idea. :)
Unfortunately, my body is now playing catch up from when I skipped so much sleep at the hospital. I had some terrible throbbing headaches, muscle weakness and pain, and SLEEPY SLEEPY SLEEPY. I do feel stronger today for which I'm very thankful.
Tomorrow we go back to Nashville. (Will these trips ever end?!) And hopefully, the doctor will remove Dan's catheter. It will be so nice when it's gone. One step closer to normal...
I miss Elizabeth, but I know her family is glad to have her back. I have a great mother-in-law. She has been absolutely fabulous. Not too many people can say that, but I have been extremely blessed.
Happy Labor Day! Anyone have any plans? After our big exercise adventure, we'll probably just take it easy here. Of course, the sweeper still needs to be run and the kitchen floor needs some attention too. But none of those are really urgent. :) Enjoy the holiday and keep hydrated! Lots of fluids!!
(The nurse in me must come out from time to time.) |
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Dan is playing Guitar Hero III.
Oh yes. Healing is definitely happening. |
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Today we took Dan to his follow-up appt in Nashville to see the Plastic Surgeon. He removed Dan's drain tube! :) It was a long hard trip for Daniel, but he took it like a pro and now is resting happily on the couch.
RANT:
I don't like mean people. I think there is no good reason to be mean. Especially when you work in the healthcare field and your job is to provide care and COMFORT for patients.
With that said, we had an IV therapy nurse who was AWFUL to Dan. She was rude, condescending, unnecessarily rough, and even pushed on his abdomen! (Hello! He had Abdominal surgery!!) She kept complaining about having to start a new IV in him. (Again, hello! You're an IV therapy nurse. Your job is to start IVs!) By the time the whole thing was done, we were both in tears. (She had to stick him twice anyway, which we were trying to avoid. That's why we called the IV team!) Once Dan was resting comfortably again, I went out and sat in my Daddy's lap and just cried. The nurse who was taking care of us was so nice and hugged me and said she was so sorry. (Turns out the nasty lady argued with her, too!)
Daddy was so upset, he asked to speak to her manager. So we gave a report of what happened and he assured us that he would take it up with her director.
MORAL OF THE STORY:
If you are in a field where you are to help people and you don't like it, then get out of it!! Nobody wants you to be grouchy and mean about doing what you're supposed to do.
/RANT
Really, though, that was a small drop in the bucket. We had many many many good nurses. They went beyond and above what they just "had" to do to make sure we were comfortable and at ease. (-Which can be hard in a hospital!) I'm so thankful for the kind people we had. I think their skills and kindness were a blessing from God.
Now, we are enjoying the blessing of our generous brothers and sisters who are bringing in meals for us. Mmmm.... chicken spaghetti....
[Sorry my blogs are rather self-focused (or maybe Dan-focused). Right now, recovery is consuming our lives. One of these days, other topics will start peaking through... :) ] |
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We are home!!!
Thursday was rough. Lots of exhaustion and nausea/vomiting. We are very much taking two steps forward and one step back. By the end of the evening, he was finally able to start walking around.
This morning they said we could start preparing to go home. I got him cleaned up and ready. We wheeled him out and hauled him home! The trip was exhausting, but he did VERY well. He slept really really hard when we got home, but is now alert and oriented. :)
And happily on pain medication.
He still has a couple more tubes that will need to be taken out, but the doctors will do that in due time. Next appt: Monday.
It feels soooooooooo good to be home. Praise be to God for all the blessings and provisions that He has provided. |
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