Following up with the surgeon

Today's first visit with the doctor after the operation was a bit of a let-down. He did not have a pathology report but had talked with someone over the phone. The tumor was 4.5 cms across. There were 7 lymph nodes involved although he took out more. The drain stays in until Friday or Monday, and things look good from his point of view. He didn't answer whether there were live cancer cells or not.

The visit with the oncologist is 14 December. He's the one who says if there is another round of chemo before the radiation sessions. His opinion on a prognosis is more meaningful.

There's a physio session on the 9th. One piece of good news is the doctor thought she could start driving soon. As she can only use one hand I'm glad we don't own a Rolls Royce.

It looks like a wedding here now

The outpouring of support from the wonderful people who know Carolin has been amazing! We have several lovely bouquets, enough meals to fill a freezer, cards and gift baskets. If we get too many more Carolin's going to think she is really sick. Thank you to all. We'll get busy on the thank you cards once Carolin can get her left hand going again.

She's doing a little better each day. She has a "drain" installed in the wound that is awkward but necessary until things heal up a little. Her sleeping has been better than expected even though she can't move much at night. A 2 - 3 hour nap in the afternoon is normal. Appetitie is fine. In addition to being sore, she is quite stiff. She has some exercises to do to loosen up but she can't lift her arm above her shoulder. It's going to be some weeks before her lawn bowling team gets her back.

Home again

The doctor said that Carolin could go home today (Tuesday) so they disconnected all the hoses and filled her suitcase with gauze and tape. She's got some high power pain killer that would probably pay for her operation if we knew how to sell it on the blackmarket. Mostly she's moving between chairs and napping as required.

Carolin's sister, Jolynn is here making sure I don't starve and Jessica doesn't set the house on fire. So far there's no sirens and I still can't see my shoes so two thumbs up for her.

Things are a little easier here because our neighbours, Cathy and Clay are looking after our hyper active puppy for the last couple of days. We'll bring "Rylie" home tomorrow. (Honest we will, Clay).

Post Op

Carolin's blood pressure is too low. This afternoon at 3 it was 70/44 with a pulse of 48/minute. As a result she is very tired and sleeps continuously. The doctor is giving her more fluids to get her blood pressure back up. They aren't worried about internal bleeding (a possible cause) because the drain in the incision is acting nornally.

So she's no fun to visit but it is real easy to steal the jello on her lunch tray.

The operation

Carolin's operation went according to schedule. She was back at her room at 10:25 and was happy to be lying there doing nothing. While she had trouble keeping her eyes open, she was able to whip off the school's phone number for me. I take that as a good sign.

Carolin Cameron/Dr. Rothwell
Room 5208
Peter Lougheed Hospital
She doesn't have a phone.

She expects to be home and complaining about my vacuuming by tomorrow (23rd). My mom's looking after Jessica today and tomorrow, with Carolin's sister from San Franscisco taking over Tuesday PM.

2 sleeps until surgery

Hi there!! Well it seems that surgery will be at 7:50 am on Nov 22. I have to be at the hospital at 6 am. I just hope that my docotr is awake and has had a coffee by then.

Surgery being so close has mixed emotions for me. I am a bit sad and disappointed that this whole thing is happening, grateful to be at the next phase in this journey, scared about what I will look like afterwards and hopeful that I may not need another round of chemo.

I would like to thank everyone for the wonderful phone calls, Emails, cards, food and gifts. Your continued support and thoughtfulness is appreciated.

With much love and thankfulness to have to many loving friends and family in my life.

Carolin

Surgery is getting closer

Carolin's pretty much over her Chemo treatments. She's starting to grow some hair back but hates it if you try to comb it. Picture the fuzz on a tennis ball and you get the picture.

She's getting educated on the plastic surgery phase. They want the patient well healed from the surgery. Like one and a half years healed up before they start! That was a surprise. A web site on reconstruction had a bunch of before and after pictures. They were real-world stuff and the "before" pictures made the surgery seem pretty serious.

So we're just sitting tight and waiting for the magic date.