I didn't know it would take so much work to get better. I am learning the hard way that healing my gut is not all about taking lots of naps and eating good food. If I don't make an effort to also walk and do my breathing exercises, my innards get even by cramping up and hurting more than they need to. Pain is a great motivator.
I prefer to see things positively, though, so I was pleased to see a nice little inscription at the base of the bong-like plastic contraption that constitutes my breathing exerciser. Written below the numerals marking off milliliters from 250 to 2,500, it says simply, "Inspired Volume."
Maybe it was the heavier hospital drugs I was taking when I first started using the device a day after my surgery, but my initial thought was, yes, it would be inspiring to raise the plunger to the higher ml levels to show my lung capacity had increased. As I kept working on raising my inspired volume, I realized it was more of a medical term referring to the intake of breath, but I still like my meaning better.
There can be no misinterpreting the label on a float at the left side of the device. Intended to encourage a slow, steady intake of air, the float rises into a "good," "better" or "best" range depending on how fast I inhale. I've gotten pretty good at keeping it mostly in the best range while raising the volume plunger to 2,250 ml.
I've thought of adding my own labels to this instrument. A warning label might say "Ignore this at your peril." The more inspirational label would be, "The more you use this, the better you'll feel." I know that now, but it still feels like a lot of work.
Wednesday, February 25, 2009
Friday, February 20, 2009
Going home!
The sun is shining this morning, outside my hospital window and inside my soul. I am heading home today to continue my convalescence. If my progress maintains the pace of this past week, I should be feeling great in no time!
Results of the pathology report were finally shared with me this morning. They confirmed the original diagnosis from my September biopsy of a high-grade (meaning fast-growing) leiomyosarcoma, so no surprises there. The report also said the margins were negative, meaning there were no signs of the cancer in the tissue around the edges where the tumor was removed. Very good!
One of the two drains from my abdomen was removed this morning but I'll go home with the other; better to have the watery fluid pulled out than to collect in my abdomen. The doctors talked about removing my staples and replacing them with steri-strip bandages, but I spouted a bit of blood from the incision this morning, so the staples will stay a bit longer. Doctors said it was not a concern.
I am finally eating food with flavor, but in small amounts, with some snacks between meals. Grazing throughout the day is not a bad way to eat at all! My recommended diet is high in fats and proteins. Yum!
The doctors, nurses and assistants at OSU Medical Center have been great, but it will be wonderful to get home today!
Results of the pathology report were finally shared with me this morning. They confirmed the original diagnosis from my September biopsy of a high-grade (meaning fast-growing) leiomyosarcoma, so no surprises there. The report also said the margins were negative, meaning there were no signs of the cancer in the tissue around the edges where the tumor was removed. Very good!
One of the two drains from my abdomen was removed this morning but I'll go home with the other; better to have the watery fluid pulled out than to collect in my abdomen. The doctors talked about removing my staples and replacing them with steri-strip bandages, but I spouted a bit of blood from the incision this morning, so the staples will stay a bit longer. Doctors said it was not a concern.
I am finally eating food with flavor, but in small amounts, with some snacks between meals. Grazing throughout the day is not a bad way to eat at all! My recommended diet is high in fats and proteins. Yum!
The doctors, nurses and assistants at OSU Medical Center have been great, but it will be wonderful to get home today!
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
On the road to recovery
What a journey this has been!
It is Wednesday morning and I am sitting in my room at OSU Medical Center surrounded by expressions of love and support. I know the flowers, cards and the beautiful ribbon bows (that's another story!) decorating my room are lending a hand to the work of doctors, nurses and patient care assistants. They all combine to make me feel better, even though by baby steps.
I sit here with my new best friend -- a little blue cord clipped to my nightgown. The button on the end is connected to a pump with drugs to control my pain. I try not to call on my friend too often but it's sure nice to have her around.
A press of the button eases most of the pain in my gut, but not the hunger that started growing yesterday and remains mostly unabated. Ice chips provided some relief after I finally said goodbye yesterday afternoon to the tube running through my nose to my stomach to drain away bile. Clear liquids are on tap today, but so far that has been restricted to water. Tea with honey and chicken broth have never sounded so good!
The staples running vertically up my belly look like a little train track. I haven't tried to count the staples but Tom guessed the track is a foot long. I'm still waiting for results of the pathology report but the surgeon guessed the tumor he removed weighed about 10 pounds, and I don't doubt it.
Thanks to Mandy for providing updates when I was not able. I'll try to take it from here. No word yet on how soon I will go home but each day brings progress. I know my army of cheerleaders and those offering prayers are still hard at work!
It is Wednesday morning and I am sitting in my room at OSU Medical Center surrounded by expressions of love and support. I know the flowers, cards and the beautiful ribbon bows (that's another story!) decorating my room are lending a hand to the work of doctors, nurses and patient care assistants. They all combine to make me feel better, even though by baby steps.
I sit here with my new best friend -- a little blue cord clipped to my nightgown. The button on the end is connected to a pump with drugs to control my pain. I try not to call on my friend too often but it's sure nice to have her around.
A press of the button eases most of the pain in my gut, but not the hunger that started growing yesterday and remains mostly unabated. Ice chips provided some relief after I finally said goodbye yesterday afternoon to the tube running through my nose to my stomach to drain away bile. Clear liquids are on tap today, but so far that has been restricted to water. Tea with honey and chicken broth have never sounded so good!
The staples running vertically up my belly look like a little train track. I haven't tried to count the staples but Tom guessed the track is a foot long. I'm still waiting for results of the pathology report but the surgeon guessed the tumor he removed weighed about 10 pounds, and I don't doubt it.
Thanks to Mandy for providing updates when I was not able. I'll try to take it from here. No word yet on how soon I will go home but each day brings progress. I know my army of cheerleaders and those offering prayers are still hard at work!
Friday, February 13, 2009
Out of the ICU
Hi there. Mandy again.
Mary got out of the ICU early today and has moved into a room in Rhodes at OSU. She didn't want me to post the room or phone number on the Internet, but you're smart people, you can figure out how to get it if needed.
She's understandably tired, but is doing well otherwise.
Mary got out of the ICU early today and has moved into a room in Rhodes at OSU. She didn't want me to post the room or phone number on the Internet, but you're smart people, you can figure out how to get it if needed.
She's understandably tired, but is doing well otherwise.
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Out of surgery
Mandy again. She's out of surgery, but we haven't seen her yet. The doctor says they got the whole tumor out and it hadn't spread anywhere, which is really good news. They did have to take part of the pancreas and intestine, but that was not unexpected. They did not have to take any of the kidney, which is good.
She'll be in the ICU for tonight and tomorrow and then a room at the James for 6 to 10 days. I'll update with her room number once I have it and she gives me the OK.
Thanks again for all your prayers! They did wonders!
She'll be in the ICU for tonight and tomorrow and then a room at the James for 6 to 10 days. I'll update with her room number once I have it and she gives me the OK.
Thanks again for all your prayers! They did wonders!
Update
Hi. This is Mandy attempting to update my mom's blog from my phone. She went into surgery at 11:45 and could be done at any moment or be in there for two more hours. I'll update again when I know more. Keep those prayers coming!
The big day!
We are about to head out to the hospital and I go with an amazing reservoir of strength, thanks to those I have been able to reach out to and who have responded in love. I could not have made this journey to this point without the love and power of prayer that has surrounded me.
I pray others who are facing adversity find a way to share their burdens, not just with God but with those who are more than willing to offer their love and support, if only you ask. That has been the greatest lesson I have learned in recent months. I know it will continue to carry me through my recovery.
A friend at work gave me a beautiful angel this week with an inscription that I have enjoyed reading and sharing with others. Attributed to Mother Teresa, it says: "I know that God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much."
I would add to that thought: and thank goodness He gave me so many friends and well-wishes to urge me on and support me in this battle!
Thanks to all who have offered their prayers, positive thoughts and love. The next post will be from my daughter, Mandy, to let you know that I have come through the surgery with great success and am ready for the healing to follow! Love to all!
I pray others who are facing adversity find a way to share their burdens, not just with God but with those who are more than willing to offer their love and support, if only you ask. That has been the greatest lesson I have learned in recent months. I know it will continue to carry me through my recovery.
A friend at work gave me a beautiful angel this week with an inscription that I have enjoyed reading and sharing with others. Attributed to Mother Teresa, it says: "I know that God will not give me anything I can't handle. I just wish he didn't trust me so much."
I would add to that thought: and thank goodness He gave me so many friends and well-wishes to urge me on and support me in this battle!
Thanks to all who have offered their prayers, positive thoughts and love. The next post will be from my daughter, Mandy, to let you know that I have come through the surgery with great success and am ready for the healing to follow! Love to all!
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