Yet again it’s been a long time since I updated you on how I’m doing. I’ve been in a vacuum the last couple of weeks. Often being in a vacuum is regarded as being in a bad state, but this vacuum has been pretty good. I’ve managed to keep the feelings about the upcoming chemotherapy at a distance. I think that’s why I haven’t written a new blog post. I’ve just slowly normalized my days and enjoyed being able to…
Let’s break the good news first. No cancer cells in the lymph nodes that were removed. Only mucin in the small nodes and the intestine tissue – that means no cancer in those. The only tissue with high grade cancer cells was the growth in the diaphragm. The surgeon is confident that he has removed everything. I have recovered remarkably well (even if I feel otherwise), I am young (all things considered) and have shown that I am very strong….
Stine is recovering slowly but steadily. The last two days have been difficult and uncomfortable but today she is off the morphine derivative epidural, and is having less nausea. She sat up twice yesterday but became light-headed and had to quickly rest. Still, it was progress! This morning has her starting her liquid diet. Breakfast consists of cherry jello, water, beef broth, and cherry Italian ice. They will be opening the gastric tube every hour, then re-closing it for three…
James here again: Stine was moved into intermediate care last night. I was allowed to see her for an hour and then shunted out. No more visits from anyone until she is released. She was more coherent, drifting in and out as the sedatives wore off, but exhausted. Her color looked good and vitals seem to be on track. This morning I got a short call from her and she sounded good but couldn’t stay on too long as it…
James guest-posting.. Stine had her surgery today. It was definitely an early start but she was in good spirits but was limited to a small bag. The surgery started around 0720 and they just finished at 1430. Dr. Baumgartner called me after the procedures and stated the surgery went well with no surprises or findings of extra disease. They did have to dig into a bit of the diaphragm muscle to remove a small patch of tumor but there should…