Hey all,
Well, yesterday I went to the urologist and had the catheter removed. I am SOOOO happy to be rid of that thing. I did have to come home with a "do-it-yourself" kit, but everything seems to be working well enough without it. I cried when I was at the clinic cuz things weren't working like they were supposed to. Rich keeps telling me its just a minor thing and nothing to be upset about, but for whatever reason, I hated having a catheter. Now I can tell that there is some nerve damage because "going" isn't that easy, but its getting better each day. And I know Rich is right--in the big picture, its really a minor thing to be so worried about.
Today I've had more pain at the incision. Yesterday we found a little split between 2 of the staples that had bled a little, so I called the clinic to see if I should put something on it. They said just a bandaid, and keep an eye on it for infection, but it should be fine. I suppose that part will leave a worse scar, not that I'm that worried about what my stomach looks like. My bikini modeling days are over :-) (there is a pic of part of my incision on my facebook) Anyways, I've been taking more pain meds because of the incision pain, and then I ended up with an upset stomach for awhile, I think because of the meds.
Rich went to work today for a little while(got his review--good job Hon! I'm proud of you!!), and he had Rachel come over to "babysit" me. I didn't think I needed anyone, but I am glad she was here. We went for a walk down to the end of the street and it felt so good to be outside. Later in the afternoon Diane from church stopped by to bring 2 dinners (ate the chicken and stuffing tonight-yum!). She visited for a little bit and prayed for me. Knowing that my stomach wasn't feeling too good and it was keeping me from napping, she prayed that I would feel better and be able to nap. Well, after she left I got comfy on the couch and zonked right out! Thank you Jesus!
On a sad note, Alyssa's fiance, Jaren, left tonight for Fort Lewis, WA, and then in 2 months will go to Iraq. He won't be back until next Feb. or March. She is a very brave, strong girl, and we are very proud of her for standing by her man! And we are very proud of him for serving his country. We will do our best to keep her busy, and when he comes back we'll be having a wedding!! Please say a prayer for them too.
I hope the weather continues to be nice and the roads somewhat clear so I can keep going for little walks. And, I hope everyone from work enjoys Spring Break! I'm hoping next week to get out for lunch and maybe a little mall walking. Alyssa and I are going to plan some dinners and use Rich as our guinea pig for some new recipes. :-)
Take care!
Tina
Showing posts with label Foley catheter. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Foley catheter. Show all posts
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Friday, February 27, 2009
Pathology update
Hey everyone! Its actually Tina writing this time!
I wanted to let everyone know the results of the pathology tests, at least as much as I know. The surgeon took 21 lymph nodes total, and of those, only 2 had cancer cells. I consider that to be good news. As far as anyone knows, we may have gotten all the cancer. The problem, of course, is that there is no way to know for sure. Therefore, I'll probably have to have chemo. The only other thing I found out was that my tumor was "moderately differentiated", which apparently means it was not an aggressive tumor.
My surgeon said he will set up an appt. with an oncologist after my post-op appt., which should be 1-2 weeks after I'm released from the hospital. So, I won't actually know what the plan of attack is for a few weeks yet. I just need time to heal and thats all my surgeon wants me to think about for now. I was even told not to diet or place any restrictions on what I eat. Just listen to my body and eat whatever I think it needs. The only thing I need to make sure I get enough of is protein, because it will help my body heal faster. Too bad chips don't help the body heal faster!
I can eat anything I want, as of today, but am still sticking to soft-solids. I still have some nausea after eating because my "plumbing" is not all working quite as it should be, but its getting there. I'm getting 3 small meals and 3 snacks today.
I might be able to come home tomorrow, if my nausea goes away. They took me off the big drugs today and changed me to Percoset. I was very nervous to be disconnected from my pain killer, but the percoset works fine! I definitely can tell when its time for my next dose tho!
I have no more IVs at all now. I didn't know what to do with my hands when I went for my first walk without my "Sammy" pole. (I had to name it--we had a pretty intimate relationship!) Now on to a more "delicate" subject: Wed. they took my catheter (Foley) out, but had to put it back in. I was SOOOO disappointed!! It was depressing. But a urologist stopped by and explained that it is common to have this problem with the type of surgery I had. I'll have to bring it home with me, and then go to the clinic sometime next week to have it removed again. I write about this personal stuff in case there is someone else out there going thru the same thing I am, and maybe they'll feel little better knowing they are not alone. If any of you have had experiences with caths at home, be sure to let me know!
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments, emails and cards. Thanks so much!!!
Love and blessings!
Tina
I wanted to let everyone know the results of the pathology tests, at least as much as I know. The surgeon took 21 lymph nodes total, and of those, only 2 had cancer cells. I consider that to be good news. As far as anyone knows, we may have gotten all the cancer. The problem, of course, is that there is no way to know for sure. Therefore, I'll probably have to have chemo. The only other thing I found out was that my tumor was "moderately differentiated", which apparently means it was not an aggressive tumor.
My surgeon said he will set up an appt. with an oncologist after my post-op appt., which should be 1-2 weeks after I'm released from the hospital. So, I won't actually know what the plan of attack is for a few weeks yet. I just need time to heal and thats all my surgeon wants me to think about for now. I was even told not to diet or place any restrictions on what I eat. Just listen to my body and eat whatever I think it needs. The only thing I need to make sure I get enough of is protein, because it will help my body heal faster. Too bad chips don't help the body heal faster!
I can eat anything I want, as of today, but am still sticking to soft-solids. I still have some nausea after eating because my "plumbing" is not all working quite as it should be, but its getting there. I'm getting 3 small meals and 3 snacks today.
I might be able to come home tomorrow, if my nausea goes away. They took me off the big drugs today and changed me to Percoset. I was very nervous to be disconnected from my pain killer, but the percoset works fine! I definitely can tell when its time for my next dose tho!
I have no more IVs at all now. I didn't know what to do with my hands when I went for my first walk without my "Sammy" pole. (I had to name it--we had a pretty intimate relationship!) Now on to a more "delicate" subject: Wed. they took my catheter (Foley) out, but had to put it back in. I was SOOOO disappointed!! It was depressing. But a urologist stopped by and explained that it is common to have this problem with the type of surgery I had. I'll have to bring it home with me, and then go to the clinic sometime next week to have it removed again. I write about this personal stuff in case there is someone else out there going thru the same thing I am, and maybe they'll feel little better knowing they are not alone. If any of you have had experiences with caths at home, be sure to let me know!
I have enjoyed reading everyone's comments, emails and cards. Thanks so much!!!
Love and blessings!
Tina
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