Thursday, July 23, 2009

The Day After

Michael had a really good day today! I arrived at the hospital shortly after 7 o'clock this morning because I wanted to be there when Dr. P came by on his rounds. Michael was awake, and he was in really good spirits. He was allowed a liquid diet at breakfast, but by lunch he had graduated to a solid food diet. He doesn't care for the hospital food, but he's not sensitive to its smell or taste either. That's a good thing. The last few weeks everything had smelled funny and tasted funny to him. Getting him to eat lately had been a challenge.

Anyway, when Dr. P came by, he was very pleased with Michael's progress. He told him he could go home today, or tomorrow morning. It was basically up to Michael. After discussing it together, we agreed that he should stay one more night. They never did find a room for him upstairs, so he is spending his second night in the pre/post surgery unit (the PTU). There's not much room in there for visitors, but his mom and I worked it out.

Several times today he got up and walked the floor. He only needed a couple doses of pain medication throughout the day. When his surgeon stopped by this evening, he recommended that Michael switch over to Extra-Strength Tylenol starting tomorrow. Amazingly enough, he is no longer coughing or experiencing the post-nasal drip that has plagued him since last fall. That nasty tumor seems to have been the source of all that. I am so happy for him to be free of those maladies. And, he has put on 10 pounds of water weight since he checked-in to the hospital. He looks so much better. I hope he will be able to gain another 15 pounds by the end of next month.

We were blessed to have a fantastic caretaker today named Ofelia. She was so helpful and cheerful. A former patient of hers had sent her a lovely bouquet of flowers, and we could understand why. She is just an angel of mercy. We also saw a young internist today who expressed concern about Michael's calcium levels. He asked us to see our GP next week to follow up on that.

Late in the day we were visited by two of Michael's brothers, his dear auntie, and a cousin. Michael has such a wonderful family. He knows he is well-loved.

I spent a total of 13 hours at the hospital today and I'm beat. I just wolfed down a slice of pizza from Whole Foods, and I'm sipping a nice glass of chilled wine. Just trying to wind down before I head off to bed.

Thanks again for all your support. Each and every comment, email, and phone call is like a little more wind in our sails. I pray that the Lord will bless you for blessing us as you have.

Good night!

11 comments:

Anonymous said...

Joannah, the way you describe everything, I feel like I'm right there with you (I wish I were!)
So glad everything went well. I can't believe they were able to go laparascopically! (I can't even SPELL IT!) Wow.
Please remember us when you two are ready for a little time away...

Number 6 and no more counting! said...

So glad all is well. I hear you on those nasty LONG days at the hospital. It makes you feel draggy.

Lea
xo

Sugar Cookies And Hope said...

Joannah,

Sounds like great news to me! You must be exhausted, my friend. I'm so happy to know that Michael will be home tomorrow. He will heal much quicker there.

C's Mom said...

I am so glad your time at the hospital is coming to a close. As Kathy said, healing at home is so much more comfortable.

All the best...

Sara said...

YOU are an angel, Joannah. Michael is so lucky to have you! I am soooooo relieved for you both that the surgery went well and that the awful tumor is now officially what it should be...medical waste!

Jill said...

I'm loving this update!! :) Happy to hear Michael is doing so well post-surgery.

Continuing to pray.

((hugs))

Jill

Kayce said...

I too am just loving your updates! Such wonderful news. Enjoy the weekend ahead with Michael home and let the healing begin. Prayers continue here in Northern CA for you both.

Sandra said...

Go Michael! :) Another awesome update! And Joannah, I bet that pizza and wine was wonderful after another long day for you. The best medicine for you will be having Michael back home for you very soon!

Michele said...

So happy that things went so well and that Michael is not in so much pain. I am sure he will continue to heal once he is released to your tender loving care.

Kate said...

I am so so glad that Michael is doing so well and is so well looked after in body and spirit and heart!

Thinking of You too Joannah, hope you are sleeping and eating and taking care of your wonderful self too.

warmly,
Kate

Shelley said...

Oh Joannah, honey, I have so been in those shoes, and will continue to pray for your sustained strength. You've done an amazing job so far!