Me & Martha

I'm not the only one being released. My pal, Martha, is reintroduced into civilization today, as well. So Martha, what shall we do first?

Good to go

Today, Dr. Rodriguez-Bigas removed my drainage tube. This was the last foreign attachment holding me in Houston. Because it had been in for such a long period of time, he wanted to pull it out strong and fast. He put his hand around the insertion spot and pulled the tube not unlike starting a lawn mower. It was so fast, I wasn't sure what happened.

He tells us we are now free to leave town. I am so pleased to have made it to this long-awaited day!

Below are a couple of nurse friends who have helped me through the past few weeks. Phyllis, on the right, is the RN. Dr. Rodriguez-Bigas does the cutting, she does everything else!

An Important Role

I've mentioned to you that Carl and Sue are down here supporting us right now. There was one very important role Carl played that I have yet to mention. Yesterday, when it came time to remove my staples, Christine hustled back out to the waiting room to retrieve Carl to come join us. He had done this once before. The protocol for my staple removal goes like this. The nurse uses the staple remover to extract the staples one by one. I hold Carl's hand and proceed to crush it with each staple removed. It went by quite well for me. I'm not so sure his hand did so well, though. Gives fresh meaning to the concept of bearing another's sufferings.

By the way, the pic below is the back side of the Hazel's house we visited yesterday...

Turning the corner

I think I turned the corner a day or so ago. I really feel some improvement in how I feel. The meds have caught up with the pain and nausea and I've found a good balance among them.

As best I can, I am enjoying passing the healing time away. Christine's parents are with us here in Houston and have been great companions to me and Christine during the surgery and my recovery.

Today, I cleared a milestone. They removed the fifty staples with which I have been zipped up. Thursday, I return for a final (hopefully) visit with the surgeon and to remove the drainage tube. Then we hope to return to Dallas Friday or so.

Today, we stopped by the Hazel's to pick up the piece of art Sarah painted for me. I am looking forward to enjoying this winter image reminding me of the warmth I received from everyone during this cold ordeal.

The going is still rough - I cannot sleep very well because of discomfort - but I am encouraged by the progress.

I'm Out

I'm out and back in the apartment. They released me yesterday afternoon. I have felt pretty bad since being out - lots of pain and nausea. There is some concern of nerve damage and I'm living with problems associated with limited functionality of several body processes. "Time is my friend" the nurse said, "many of these things will work themselves out as everything heals where they cut." Please pray these will be temporary.

I'll write more later - just wanted to thank you all for your support and let you know the good news that I was discharged. As rough as things are right now, I am deeply joyful and relieved they got the cancer and saw no more.

Great Progress

I spoke to Greg by phone last night and got some more updates.
- He continues to improve; in fact he said he's doing better at this point than at the same point in previous surgeries.
- Yesterday his epidural was removal and he is now on oral painkillers. He is able to eat and drink small amounts and has continued making laps of the hospital floor with his walker.
- The length of his surgery was due to the discovery of two hernias, one quite large, and the surgeons' belief that he was strong enough to endure a longer surgery which would take care of these problems now. This is itself cause for thanksgiving.
- Private messages are arriving and Greg and Christine are very thankful for them. He has not yet been to the website but will do so when he is discharged, which could be as early as today.
I had a nice long conversation with Greg, an encouragement to me and a blessing that I wish for each of his friends and loved ones. Please pray that he would continue to improve rapidly so we each can be reunited with him soon.

Away With the No-Good Tube!

The Nasal-Gastro, or NG tube, runs through the nose, down the throat and into the stomach. It is used to keep the stomach empty when doctors are concerned about vomiting or they do not want anything to pass through the intestines after surgery.

Greg insists that NG stands for No-Good. It is uncomfortable, impedes breathing and swallowing, and is a constant, second-by-second reminder that all is not yet well. Thankfully, today his NG tube was removed. He was also able to take two laps around the hospital floor, and continues to show every sign of making a good recovery.

There is still a long way to go. Even as we rejoice in his good progress, we continue to ask for your prayers that his healing would be swift and he would soon be able to take liquids and (eventually) solids.