Sunday, July 26, 2009

Post-Op Day 5

It's 12:30 am and Lisa Marie is finally asleep. She was planning on doing her own post but she just couldn't make it so she asked me to give a short update. Today wasn't a great day. Very little sleep last night and only a very short nap today. Her NG tube was blocked for about 3 hours (meaning stomach acids built up), she was denied her antacid meds (or the nurse "forgot" even though we asked for it), she had a painful blood draw in the back of her right hand which left quite the bruise, she had her central line in the neck removed, and as she continues to become more mobile, the tugging of a central line tube, an NG tube, 6 Jackson-Pratt drain lines hanging from her abdomen, a catheter, and multiple EKG leads is beginning to take its toll.

However, even with all that, it wasn't a terrible day. She continues to make great progress, taking 2 long walks down the hall, to the elevator, down to the first floor, past the cafeteria elevators, past the Blimpies shop, and to the first floor entrance information desk. This is not a short walk. She also had a couple of calls from friends which really brightened her day.

We're looking forward to starting our second week in DC, which means we're that much closer to returning home to our friends and most precious and sorely missed children. Lisa Marie promises to be back blogging tomorrow. You may even get a few pictures of what the aftermath of a cytoreductive surgery with hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy looks like. (In the blogging business, we call that a teaser.) Stay tuned and wish her a good day tomorrow.

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

Hang in there Lisa Marie! You are stronger than you think. Remember your goals and all the love everyone sends to you. You will get better.

Anonymous said...

I am sorry that you had a rough day. I can only imagine how frustrating all of those lines and tubes are. Slowly they will come out and you will be able to move more freely and without getting all tangled up. I hate it that you are having some rough times with the nurses as well. I do think they get jaded and burnt out so quickly - not making excuses - their job is to do patient CARE, but it seems that gets forgotten along the way. And, by the way, I'd love some pics! But I'm kinda sick like that - according to some people! Love you, Allison

Sara said...

Best wishes for a better day today. Hopefully you'll be able to remove the Borg implants soon. :)

Anonymous said...

I'm hoping today is going to be a better day for you -less pain, more mobility. Sean's right - you're on week two, which means you're closer to coming home. Love, Margaret

Stacey Tovino said...

Hang in there, you've come so far!

Anonymous said...

To My Hero:


YOU'RE AWESOME!!!

Anonymous said...

HOpe things went better today, and that tomorrow will be more restful for you. YOu have come through some major stuff, and it is probably going to take a while for your body to adjust to all the changes. We love you. Kim

Leslie said...

Well, we knew it wouldnt be all sunshine and roses, but remember how far you have come in 6 mos. And yes, just remember, every day, good or not so good is one day closer to those beautiful babies of yours. Grandma Carole has renamed Miss Juliette "Priss Pot" She is getting a real kick out of that little girl:) Hang in there both of you!!! Tomorrow is a new day:)