Thank you to Janice for keeping this posting going during this past week. I really appreciate it! She did such a good job, even though she did tease me! I knew something was up when Lezlee stopped by and told me she was supposed to make me laugh because my sister said so.
Things continue to get better each day as I try to get my body back to normal. Today I'm trying to get off of Percoset all together, and if I don't move too much, I think that'll happen. The pain is a lot less than Tuesday, thankfully. I even was able to wash my hair this morning. That felt so good.
I probably won't post again until next Wednesday after I have my doctor's appointment. I don't think there will be any new news before then. I'm thinking they either got it all, or I was extremely blessed and my 15% chance of it being clean happened. I truly am not worried about it -- I'm just glad they're out. Janice and Mom are as curious as ever and want every detail! I don't have that "liking all gory medical things" gene, but admit to being curious and will look forward to talking to the surgeon more next week.
Thanks for all of your love and support!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Now This is Pithy
She can take any medicine she wants.
The bellybutton is fine.
He has no results from pathology, but didn't see any growth while he was in there. If he hears anything concerning from the lab before Wednesday, he will call her. He thought the appendix was really odd; tucked under her right ovary and 'stuck' to the side of her pelvis. With all of the surgeries he's done, he thinks it's one of the oddest appendixes he's seen! He doesn't know why - wondered if she'd had appendicitis before. Glad it's out!
Dad's off to the drugstore!
The bellybutton is fine.
He has no results from pathology, but didn't see any growth while he was in there. If he hears anything concerning from the lab before Wednesday, he will call her. He thought the appendix was really odd; tucked under her right ovary and 'stuck' to the side of her pelvis. With all of the surgeries he's done, he thinks it's one of the oddest appendixes he's seen! He doesn't know why - wondered if she'd had appendicitis before. Glad it's out!
Dad's off to the drugstore!
A Pithy Post
Pithy: Short, direct, and memorable. Well, I don't know about short...
Julie is alive. I have talked to her. My apologies to the concerned audience out there! I was out of the house this morning. But I am back and have talked to Julie. I almost want to wait to post until the doctor calls her back. But, here's what I know so far.
Dr. Brothwell will call her back today to answer a few questions. Her asthma is acting up. When it acts up to a certain point she needs to go on a maintenance dose of asthma medication. She is wondering if the corticosteroid conflicts with any of the medications she is currently taking. (If she forgets to ask him, she can call a pharmacist).
Her scars and steri-strips are all fine except for the one around her navel. It is a little funny. For some reason, Julie has a hard time looking at the scar, :) but Mom is concerned. Mom planned to describe it to the doctor. I suggested she take a digital picture of it and upload it to her computer and get ready to send it to him via email once she gets the address. That may prevent her having to go in and be seen. (Do you think if Mom learns how to upload pictures, she will send me a picture of Julie?) It appears the closure is not totally complete, but I didn't gather from the conversation whether or not it was inflamed or red. Years ago, I gave her a 'nifty' first aid kit, so they should be able to use beta-dyne to clean it and steri-strips to close it if that is what the doctor directs.
She also intends to ask about pathology reports when Dr. Brothwell calls. I guess she doesn't want to wait until the follow-up visit next week. (If it was me, I would have called the office twice by now! She has the patience...)
Julie seems a little tired, sore, and just not-feeling-well. And, perhaps, a bit nervous. She will call me when the doctor calls her and I will post right afterwards.
On a "Snuggles" note. Julie was awakened last night to Snuggles licking her awake, which caused Julie to cough. She realized afterwards that she had been struggling for breath a bit. So - Snuggles is watching over Julie, too.
She also will receive a DVD of her surgery. Her surgeon records all surgeries for malpractice reasons. Mom and I are interested in watching it. Julie absolutely does not want to watch it! She says it would make her hurt again! Knowing the outcome was okay -- I'd be fascinated to see the medical procedures used. I've seen so very much in real life! Maybe when I 'grow up' I'll be a nurse!
Julie is alive. I have talked to her. My apologies to the concerned audience out there! I was out of the house this morning. But I am back and have talked to Julie. I almost want to wait to post until the doctor calls her back. But, here's what I know so far.
Dr. Brothwell will call her back today to answer a few questions. Her asthma is acting up. When it acts up to a certain point she needs to go on a maintenance dose of asthma medication. She is wondering if the corticosteroid conflicts with any of the medications she is currently taking. (If she forgets to ask him, she can call a pharmacist).
Her scars and steri-strips are all fine except for the one around her navel. It is a little funny. For some reason, Julie has a hard time looking at the scar, :) but Mom is concerned. Mom planned to describe it to the doctor. I suggested she take a digital picture of it and upload it to her computer and get ready to send it to him via email once she gets the address. That may prevent her having to go in and be seen. (Do you think if Mom learns how to upload pictures, she will send me a picture of Julie?) It appears the closure is not totally complete, but I didn't gather from the conversation whether or not it was inflamed or red. Years ago, I gave her a 'nifty' first aid kit, so they should be able to use beta-dyne to clean it and steri-strips to close it if that is what the doctor directs.
She also intends to ask about pathology reports when Dr. Brothwell calls. I guess she doesn't want to wait until the follow-up visit next week. (If it was me, I would have called the office twice by now! She has the patience...)
Julie seems a little tired, sore, and just not-feeling-well. And, perhaps, a bit nervous. She will call me when the doctor calls her and I will post right afterwards.
On a "Snuggles" note. Julie was awakened last night to Snuggles licking her awake, which caused Julie to cough. She realized afterwards that she had been struggling for breath a bit. So - Snuggles is watching over Julie, too.
She also will receive a DVD of her surgery. Her surgeon records all surgeries for malpractice reasons. Mom and I are interested in watching it. Julie absolutely does not want to watch it! She says it would make her hurt again! Knowing the outcome was okay -- I'd be fascinated to see the medical procedures used. I've seen so very much in real life! Maybe when I 'grow up' I'll be a nurse!
Wednesday, January 27, 2010
The First Day of 'Vacation'
Julie was well taken-care of last night. A friend from the ward brought in a delicious dinner, which was appreciated. Mom and Dad took turns watching over Julie last night. Dad took the first shift, Mom the last. Dad even helped Julie put cookie dough in the freezer at midnight. Cookie dough that belonged in the fridge. Julie was a little addled... She had malt o meal this morning and later had a peanut butter sandwich. She is trying to catch up on sleep as it was a bit sketchy last night.
She is feeling fine except for a headache and dizziness. She cut down on the Oxycodone and put food in her stomach so is expecting to feel better. Snuggles thinks she is deprived - no jumping on Julie's lap! If Dad is watching Snuggles, he catches her after she has jumped onto Julie's lap. Mom just gives Snuggles the 'look' and says "Snuggles" and Snuggles behaves. Snuggles can still lay on Julie's legs. If she stays there.
She's also had a number of phone calls - including one from Agnes Mae who was shocked that Julie was already home and answering the phone! "You can't be home!" over and over again. (Remind anyone of Grandma Owens?) I'm glad Julie is well-loved.
She is feeling fine except for a headache and dizziness. She cut down on the Oxycodone and put food in her stomach so is expecting to feel better. Snuggles thinks she is deprived - no jumping on Julie's lap! If Dad is watching Snuggles, he catches her after she has jumped onto Julie's lap. Mom just gives Snuggles the 'look' and says "Snuggles" and Snuggles behaves. Snuggles can still lay on Julie's legs. If she stays there.
She's also had a number of phone calls - including one from Agnes Mae who was shocked that Julie was already home and answering the phone! "You can't be home!" over and over again. (Remind anyone of Grandma Owens?) I'm glad Julie is well-loved.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Alive and Kicking
I talked to Julie herself earlier this evening. She said "Okay, ask me questions!" What questions? She was 'out' when the surgeon talked to Mom and Dad! She will see him again in a week. She's not worried about pathology reports. She wanted to know the difference between Oxycodone and Percocet. (Percocet contains acetaminophen and is not slow-release). Had to look that one up. She hates the stockings. She is grateful Mom and Dad wouldn't know how to download a picture to post on this blog, nor will she give me access to that part of the blog! Wonder why? I'd love to get a picture of her on here! She sounds chipper and herself.
She did comment that being told to intentionally cough while her abdomen still hurt wasn't fun. She feigned a loss of memory when I pointed out that she made me laugh right after my C-section. Repeatedly. Intentionally. And she thought it was hilarious! I think this is payback time! Any of you want to make her laugh? Go for it! :)
How fun to talk to her! I'll visit with her again in the morning!
She did comment that being told to intentionally cough while her abdomen still hurt wasn't fun. She feigned a loss of memory when I pointed out that she made me laugh right after my C-section. Repeatedly. Intentionally. And she thought it was hilarious! I think this is payback time! Any of you want to make her laugh? Go for it! :)
How fun to talk to her! I'll visit with her again in the morning!
She's Home!
Mom and Dad were able to go back and see Julie about 11:00 a.m. She left the hospital at about noon - and is now home! Pam and Glen - and Snuggles - were waiting to see Julie when she got home. Snuggles gave her a good 'kiss' while Julie was still in the car! She very slowly made it up her stairs - but won't be trying that again for a while! Julie got a multitude of after-surgery instructions: how to care for the wounds (here and there across her abdomen), getting the delight of wearing 'longstockings' to prevent blood clots, medication dosages and times, instructions to keep her feet and legs moving and to cough to clear her lungs, etc. etc.. (I wish I had a picture of those stockings!) She had a lunch of some chicken-noodle soup, then took pain medication: oxycodone. She is getting settled in for a nap. In the recliner. She is to sleep in the recliner tonight to enable her to be able to breathe easier. As Mom puts it, "She sure wants to sleep!" Dad is running back to the pharmacy for some over-the-counter medications she will need.
She's home and doing well!
She's home and doing well!
She's Out
Julie is out of surgery. (At 9:30) She is doing well; blood pressure normal, etc. Mom and Dad and the Sherrills are there. Mom mentioned to Dr. Brothwell that it went quickly, and Dr. Brothwell said it didn't seem that way to him! Gall bladder and appendix are out! He mentioned the appendix was in an unusual place - down low in a pocket - "kind of like a hernia." That, of course, makes me want to ask "Huh?" and get clarification but Mom and Dad didn't. They know Julie is okay and that is what matters to them! Mom was crying with relief when she talked to me. I'm so glad Mom and Dad and the Sherrills are there with her!
Her ovary looked just fine and they should have pathology reports in two business days - both on the mass in the appendix and whether or not there were gallstones. (Dr. Brothwell removed her gall bladder intact).
She'll be in recovery for two hours, then Mom and Dad can go back and be with her for about another hour - at least - before she is ready to go home.
Her ovary looked just fine and they should have pathology reports in two business days - both on the mass in the appendix and whether or not there were gallstones. (Dr. Brothwell removed her gall bladder intact).
She'll be in recovery for two hours, then Mom and Dad can go back and be with her for about another hour - at least - before she is ready to go home.
And So It Begins
At around 8:35 Julie went back into surgery. She was chipper and upbeat. She needed to use her inhaler a bit this morning, but that is somewhat normal. Mom and Dad liked Dr. Brothwell and thought he was very personable. They anticipate the surgery will take between an hour and an hour and a half.
I'll post again when she comes out.
I'll post again when she comes out.
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