The Struggle Has Ended

Greg Hewlett passed away on January 17th after nearly eight years of battling colon cancer. While we grieve his loss, we are comforted to know that he is with his Lord.

If you would like to leave your thoughts on Greg, please see this thread.

If you would like to make a charitable donation in Greg's honor, please see this thread.

Sunday, March 25, 2007

Update from floor seven

The pain is turning out to be much better this time. I have a new bear, Sir Koff-A-Lot II. I am finding this go-around that it is not always necessary to grab for him to cough. Last time I had to squeeze him hard to even make it bearable. (again, no pun intended) Maybe this is the result of a good epidural, which is still in. But I do remember having much more pain last time. They say pain varies wildly and unpredictably when it comes to through-the-rib surgery. I'm thinking I may be having less severe nerve irritation than last time.

I am having one "common" problem - some air leakage from my lung into the chest cavity. Little bubbles that escape the lung into the cavity and out the drainage tube. Dr. Hofstetter says that will take an extra day or two to heal. Otherwise, the recovery as far as drainage volume is going better. In all, we're looking at probable departure time of Tuesday, or possibly Wednesday.

I am pushing (and being pushed) to walk many times a day and do the breathing and coughing exercises. I was told once by a nurse to treat surgery recovery in the hospital as work, not rest. You rest when you get home. That way of thinking has helped.

My lung and lunch capactiy are increasing.

6 comments:

Don Cole said...

Hi Greg;
How thankful we are for the success of the surgery and for things goings so well. Barb and I will continue to pray for you and Christine.
May our Lord make your paths straight and pain-free as you trust in Him.
Barb and Don

John & Debbie said...

Amen Brother!!

sarah said...

Greg - we are thrilled to hear that your recovery so far is better than the last one. I have no doubt that your current work is harder than any other job around! Keep up the hard work!

Mona & Joe Jackson said...

Greg,
We follow your posts and have you in our prayers. From our own experience with my husband's many health issues we know the power of prayer and have watched as your needs are met.
We are so happy for the success you are having with this last surgery.
Please give Judy and Jim our love and let them know we think of them as well.
We wish for you continued good progress in your recovery..

Leslie said...

I'm praying for you and Christine.

The Pagans said...

Greg,
We are so glad to hear that the surgery was successful and your recovery is going well. We are praying for you and Christine and Charlene has a friend with similar pain issues that is also praying for Christine. We love you and hope we can see you both next time you are out this way.