1/10/21

The following was dictated by Patty but typed by Jessica: 

David dropped me off at the hospital at 8:30 AM on Thursday. I went through two Checkpoint Charlies and then sat in the waiting room for an eternity. I got so bored I took a selfie. I went to preop and got in one of my favorite little gowns and got the IV, etc. Then one at a time, all the doctors came in and told me what was going to happen. Surgery took a little over three hours and then I went to recovery. The staff called David every 2 1/2 hours or so to keep him updated, which in his opinion was not enough. He did not like dropping me off with my overnight bag and driving away.

Sometime that afternoon, I was moved to a regular room that was about the size of my closet at home. But since no visitors were allowed, it didn’t matter that much. I only had two incisions instead of three, so that was a good thing.  One incision is 2 to 3 inches long; the one under my armpit is 6 to 7 inches. They took the tumor out and 20 lymph nodes. They put in a drain and I don’t know how long it will stay in. It depends on how much fluid is draining. Thursday night was not so good because they couldn’t control the pain. Apparently I’m allergic to all the good pain medication.

I was released at 7 PM Friday evening, and David was there to pick me up. I took yoga pants that were a size too big and that was brilliant. I looked like the Pillsbury Dough Boy and barely fit into my clothes. Even my shoes were tight. We drove back to Katy to the RV. David checks my incisions twice a day, puts new bandages on as necessary, strips the tubing, and drains the bulb. He keeps track of the output and keeps a log for me. I take my temperature every time and will turn the log in on Friday, when I go in for my follow up appointment.

David helped me take a shower this morning, which was grand! I went for a half mile walk yesterday around the lake at the RV park. It was impressive, although I was like a turtle by the end. I was no speed demon at the beginning of the walk, either. I’m going to stay in the RV at least until my next doctors appointment. David might be going back-and-forth to Tyler a few times this month. I’ll have pathology results by the time I go to the doctor on Friday. My left arm/hand are still pretty puffy. It makes me look younger – no more wrinkles! David is taking good care of me and feeds and dresses me as needed. Pain is manageable but I better not be late with anything or I’m paying for it.

Comments

  1. Shelley RenakerJanuary 12, 2021 at 7:15 AM

    Keep plugging along and fighting, Patty! You're doing great! That walk around the lake was impressive. We think of you often and continue to pray for your healing and strength every day. Like my Papa used to say (when my mom complained of back pain), '...don't give in!' ;o)

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