Some of you probably have been wondering why I haven't written anything about what is going on since my surgery for cancer. I wanted to wait so I can write about what it is like being at home one month from the day that I had my surgery in Iowa City.
If you don't know what they did during my surgery I will explain it here. I had my surgery on November 17 in Iowa City. I had prayed so much and believed so much that God would be with me. I didn't really have any fear, I was at peace. The worse part of that day for me was the fact that I could not wear any makeup or fix my hair. If you know me, I don't leave the house without doing either one--never! That alone took more out of me than the upcoming surgery. So as we drove to Iowa City and stopped to use the rest room I would duck in and out as fast as I could so no one could see me.
When we got to the hospital things started rolling fast once I got in. They were running a little late which pushed things back a bit. After getting me signed in and taken to the waiting room where I had to put on the gown I sat patiently waiting, praying the whole time. Anesthesiologist came in and put the IV in and then they took me to where they would put in the spinal. They give me something to relax me which was mighty powerful, I didn't care what they would do at that point. I really didn't feel any pain, just some pressure as they inserted the epidural. Then they wheeled me to the operating room. I was doing really great, actually high as a kite because of the Demerol. They slid me onto the operating table, told me they were giving me a shot to make me sleep and put the mask on and before you know it, I was gone. I didn't realize how long surgery was until I came too, 5 1/2 hours. I really hate that feeling of waking up after surgery, it is like where am I and what is going on as these people are all looking at you and talking to you. They told me it was 1 a.m. and that they had taken a tumor from inside the stomach, one on the outside of the stomach, burned 2 holes in my liver, removed 3/4 of my stomach, took out my right ovary, took two spots off the intestines (which were benign) and then rerouted my intestines. The doctors informed me they got everything. I had a nice long incision the whole length of my abdomen, staples up and down, looked like a railroad track. I had a tube that went down my nose into my stomach, was on oxygen, IV drip, catheter and a feeding tube. They kept me well sedated the first several days, until about day 4 when they started removing tubes. One by one they came out, freeing me of all the things needed to keep me comfortable those first few days. That was a great feeling to be able to breath without things down my nose and in my throat which was getting sore because of them.
They had gotten me up to walk, of course that hurt my stomach like you wouldn't believe. After several times it got easier. Now that all the tubes and such were out I could walk without their help so took lots of walks to get my strength back. Besides, TV was boring, I was getting homesick and needed to keep busy. I was in the hospital 8 days and missed everyone so much. It was too far for people to just stop in so I didn't have any visitors except my pastor came by one day. I got very lonely and missed my home, family, friends, and my dogs.
After day 4 they introduced liquids to me, then day 5 semi soft foods, day 6 semi solid foods, day 7 normal food. I had to be able to go to the bathroom on my own before they would let me go home. It took awhile for the intestines to kick in after going through so much trauma. I worried that they wouldn't work and I couldn't go home. Finally they started working and I was so happy! They work! Eating was very hard to do since I didn't have much stomach, no appetite, and when I did eat would get indigestion. Of course the hospital food was nothing to get excited about. They gave me something for the indigestion and that helped. After day 4 I told them to stop the pain medication because it was making me very ill. They didn't like that but I refused the pain drugs and said Tylenol would be just fine and it worked for me.
Finally on day 8 the doctors came in, looked at everything, took out my drainage tube in my stomach and released me. The doctor told me I wouldn't have to have chemo because they found out what type of cancer this was and that I could do a monthly injection called sandostatin drugs. They told me the day before I probably would go home. I called Gordon so he and my sister Dyanne had gotten up and left early since I had to be out by 11:00 a.m. I could not wait for them to get there so I could be on my way HOME. Oh that word was so sweet to my lips. I was ready when they got there, Gordon was surprised to see how well I looked and I was walking around the room. I had taken a shower, applied my makeup and was ready to face the world. I felt human again. I was going home and no one was stopping me now. I got the usual ride in the wheelchair as we left to take me to the car. Fresh air swept across my face and I took in a deep breath, no hospital smell, it was heavenly.
It takes nearly 3 hours from Iowa City to home. I had some pain but not serious. I sat in the back and enjoyed the ride home. We stopped and got some soup which tasted so good, no more terrible hospital food. Once home I walked in and HOME SWEET HOME greeted me. I was home and it felt so good. Gordon brought everything in. I found my recliner calling my name, sunk into my chair and covered up with a blanket. I was so happy to be in my comfy chair. My chair became my bed for the next 2 weeks because sleeping in bed was very uncomfortable. I tried it and couldn't do it.
December 2nd I had to go back to Iowa City for a follow up and to have my staples removed. My neighbor and friend Brenda took me. They said I was doing great, had some blood work done and told me I could do the injections in Mason City but will return 3 times a year for scans in Iowa City. The injections are very expensive and will be given to me every 3 weeks for the rest of my life.
Each day brought healing. Eating has been a challenge, finding what would work for me and what wouldn't. Getting stronger but taking lots of naps. I am not allowed to drive because of the staples at first and then just needed to heal. I have had to rely on friends and family to get me places. Several people had brought food so I didn't need to worry about food for awhile. It was all very much appreciated.
Today is exactly a month later and I had my sandostatin shot this morning. The shot was given to me in the buttocks and I did not feel it. The only side effect I could possibly have would be that it either cause high blood sugar or hypoglycemia, neither one happened. Dyanne took me and we ate after we got out of the Cancer Center.
A month later and I feel wonderful. I have lost 18 pounds, eating is getting better every day. Our bodies are amazing, healing has gone well. I will be going back to work on January 4. I have enjoyed this time at home, I have gotten to know myself and have spent many hours talking to God about how grateful I am for what he has done for me. My husband loves having me here to have a hot meal ready when he gets up in the morning, when he comes home from lunch and for supper. He will miss all of this when I go back to work. He is getting a little tummy on him. I love spoiling him and this has given me that chance.
I am looking forward to Christmas. I have everything wrapped and can't wait to spend time with my grandchildren, Brandon and Machelle. It is going to be a glorious time and I thank God that he has given me a second chance at life.
Wishing you all a Very Merry Christmas and Healthy New Year!
