I have found that following the rules during this journey is a very good policy.
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| Twenty One days post-op |
The Discharge Summary that we received on June 30 contained instructions for care of wounds, antibiotic cycle completion, and “visit” with my family doctor. “Nurse Farris” has managed the list and made sure we observed all the rules. The family doctor “visit” was conducted by phone. Our family doctor echoed the expression from the surgeon that things had gone very well. He read the “pathology report” to us. It indicated that cancer cells were not found in the tissues, other than the tumour, taken during surgery for biopsy. This is a very welcome report. I have some sutures to be removed in the next few days. My family doctor will come to our home to remove them. He decided that this was the best procedure while we are still self isolating in the Covid 19 times. Everyday I am getting stronger and feeling more like myself. I am thankful to God and the support of family and friends as I went from pre-op to post-op. The last item on the Discharge Summary is a “phone visit” from the surgeon scheduled for the 21st of July.
Thoracic Surgery
In the week of June 15 - June 20, we received a surgery date of June 22.
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| Thoracic Surgery Journey |
The Covid precautions meant I had to prepare for a possible 10 days when I could not have hospital visitors. I was sad about this as I sat in a pre-op waiting room. (The Health Authority allowed Farris to have a one hour visit every day beginning on June 23. Whew!!) I am pretty sure that I “went under” around 8:00 am and Farris received a call from the surgeon around 4:00 pm. I went from the operating room to the IMCU (Intensive Monitoring Care Unit). Skipping the stop in the ICU, is an indication that that surgery was performed without complications.. This indication was confirmed by the health professionals who cared for me post op. I tried very hard to follow the procedures around pain management, lung rehabilitation, walking, and diet. On June 30, I was discharged and I continue to follow the appropriate procedures under the guidance of “Nurse Farris”. A follow-up with the surgeon will be scheduled in 4-6 weeks.
Strength in adversity
This part of my journey has strengthened my belief in the kindness of people. I have been meditating on the power of empathy to build up caring relationships among people. We cannot entirely walk in the shoes of the other, but the common experience of fighting a serious disease through disabling surgery is uniquely strengthening my physical, psychological, and spiritual well being.
What’s ahead?
One member of the surgical team was explaining that recovery is a process and he assured Farris and I that by Christmas I would be able to enjoy the traditional fare. Until then, “Dietician Farris” is developing more skills in preparing liquid and soft foods.
The empathy and comradery of those sharing my journey and the kindness and excellent medical care of the professionals is a major "take a away" of this 8 day experience.
Thank you for your prayers and support that I felt as the positive energy to celebrate the efforts of all concerned with gratitude and affirmation that people care.
