Saturday, February 1, 2014

post-surgical


Friday morning finds me pre-op, sitting in my bear paw suit that has a blower attached to it shooting warm air over me.  Dr. Cristina Tinguely has already come to see me and said momentarily we would begin.  Between my nurses getting me ready, the anesthesiologist, and my friend Suzanne who peeks her head in the room and wishes me well- I feel ready.

I have to say it felt like a "privilege" of sorts to get to do a surgery- because they think I am healthy enough to withstand it, and that will never grow old. 

Each time I meet a new doctor I tell them "I'm healthy with a side of cancer."  And here comes my word into full presence… I truly didn't feel like a cancer patient this day… I got to become just another surgical candidate and that felt good. 

The hardest part of the whole day was signing the paper that acknowledges I will be "sterile," after this procedure.  Staring down the word "sterile," caused me to pause, and yet the signs are all there that this chapter of my life is closing.  So I hastily sign away and throw thankfulness up for the gift of two healthy boys, and how much being a mother means to me.  





Yesterday just seemed to go as smoothly as it could possibly go.  I firmly believe it was all the prayers.  As they came to get me to take me to surgery, I felt little anxiety.  I walked as they asked and laid down on the surgical gurney as asked.  They started attaching and adhering monitors everywhere and then the Anesthesiologist gave me something to put me out.  He complimented me on how I was doing, and I managed my last words, "you have no idea how many people are praying over all of us today.  I'm just resting in that knowledge."  I saw lots of heads nodding in agreement, and I heard several people acknowledge that prayer helps in mighty ways.


After the procedure I was sent to the recovery room and I actually woke up almost right away.  I don't remember precisely what she had to say, but Dr. Tingeuly was standing by my bed talking to me for a bit.  I was groggy, and yet each time I opened my eyes, I was more alert at the same time.


Dr. Tinguely told Rick my uterus looked "big and boggy, and no wonder I had such cramping and bleeding."  She says we'll monitor the uterus closely in case something needs to be done in the future.  


I do so wish I could share a picture of her with you.  Maybe on my follow up visit?  She is cute, kind, smart, and my incisions were so neatly done.  


In no time it seemed, I was being moved to the last recovery room.  My friend Suzanne, was working there.  She got busy right away making me toast and getting me something to drink.  My blood pressure was running low, so I just sat in the recliner resting and they kept a watchful eye over me.  It took awhile to find the right amount of pain meds to squash most of it, but eventually they did.  Plus it was truly a comfort having Suzanne nearby. 


Here I am just hours after surgery.  I was pretty ashen, and yet I felt okay.  


The anesthesiologist came for one last visit.  He was in street clothes and announced he was taking his six year old son to the Monster Truck Jam that night.  He lit up when he talked about his kids, and it was a great way to conclude my stay.

With some help, I shuffled off to the dressing room and put my own street clothes back on.  Superman who hadn't left my side, drove up and helped me inside and then we drove off into the Friday evening sunset.  

So thankful for your prayers- I hope you know what a difference they make in my life.  Blessings and love to you all. 







52 comments:

  1. Thank you for this step by step report. I'm so very glad it went well.

    Rest easy and remember that the prayers continue :-) <3

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  2. You are in my prayers _/\_
    I really admire you!

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  3. So glad it went well! I had that same ashy look, but didn't post. :)

    Rest up this weekend!

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    1. Yeah- I wasn't thrilled with the no make-up ashen face look- but its real and I just went with that. Hope you are resting too :)

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  4. So happy you're doing well! PTL!! Prayers still coming your way. ♥

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    1. Thankful for those prayers Jan ~so thankful~

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  5. Thanking our good Lord, that everything went well. Thoughts and prayers are still with you, as well. Talk care and rest! Love and hugs!

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    1. Yes- lots of worthy praise for His provision for all of us. Love and hugs to you!

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  6. what a good omen that you had your surgery and went home the same day! praise be to God! yes, you looked wan, but that's to be expected. may you continue to do well!
    hugs,
    Nonnie

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    1. Nonnie- oh how I love that name :) Thankful for your well wishes- hugs to you!

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  7. My dear,
    you are in my prayers every single day!!!!
    All the best for you and 1000 hugs and kisses,
    Barbara

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    1. Barbara- I would give every bit of that love back to you sweet friend!

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  8. So grateful for your successful surgery.
    Prayers will continue to flow.
    Blessings.

    Libby

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    1. So thankful for the prayers always, Libby- thank you!

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  9. As you continue to recuperate at home, know that smiling hearts rejoice hearing the good news regarding your surgery, and your surgeon's and nurses' tender care.
    Rest and continue to heal, Vicky.
    Love you,
    Jackie

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    1. Thank you Jackie- I certainly am resting and being very low-key :) Love you sweet friend!

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  10. Vicky, it is YOUR words that make a difference in OUR lives. You are the blessing! You are the love! Our prayers are simply a response to who you are - and loving you -- we trust God has His hand, the hand that understands and knows all, holds you gently in His palm.

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    1. Such faith-filled words, Cheyenne, and I am so thankful for them. Such high praise - it makes my cheeks flush- thank you for your thoughtfulness. I truly believe you all do more for me than you could possibly know.

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  11. So glad everything went well... AND, might I add, you look darn amazing for just having surgery!

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    1. Well in comparison to everything Michael has gone through- my surgery was a walk in the park. Truly, you and him amaze me with all of you've been through and continue to walk through!

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  12. It's such an honor to journey with you. Words are powerful, and "sterile" can't help but conjure many thoughts. And while words are powerful, they are still just words. Sterile in reproductive capacity, but in terms of being alive in spirit, Vicky, you are in a lush place of richness and fertility. So kick that word aside and keep embracing the abundance of all you are. :) Glad you made it out the other side! Rest, friend!

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    1. Love your perspective Roxane- truly a good way to look at things. Thank you friend!

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    1. Indeed~ they were and I feel incredibly blessed.

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  14. Vicky... so glad all went well. Hope you get a good rest. Still lighting candles for you!

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    1. Ahh- thank you Katie- I have no doubt those candles contribute so much!

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  15. Such a peace and joy fills me when I read your blog. I think it must be His Spirit shining through you. Even though you might be "sterile" now, you're words are profoundly fertile, planting seeds in every heart that finds them. So much love.

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    1. Julie- your words spoke right to my heart- thank you! Love and blessings to you!

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  16. Oh Bless your heart!!! these words you wrote.... "I truly didn't feel like a cancer patient this day...I got to become just another surgical candidate and that felt good"...and then you wrote, " The hardest part of the whole day was signing the papers that acknowledges I will be 'Sterile'. My beautiful friend... oh the mountains life has made you climb... allow yourself the tears during the upward climb. To feel good that you were just another surgical candidate speaks volumes...and Remember any of us, and I am beyond my child bearing years..but to sign a paper knowing I will be sterile would still bring me tears for that wonderful part of life that is now gone. I am humbled by your climb..and honored to be witness to it...and you will reach the top...throwing your arms back and twirling in the soft gentle wind with sunshine on your face...There are better days ahead! much love and continued prayers... p.s your pictures are beautiful...they show your soul, your fight and yet your utter beautiful human vuneralbility... you are truly amazing!!!

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    1. Amen, Peggy Sue! So beautifully worded! Loves to you! Linda

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    2. Thankful for your beautifully written words as well- Linda was spot on :) I treasure you so! Love to you sweet friend!

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  17. My dear friend, Vicky,
    I'm quite sure that I have never been so delighted to see a blog post!
    I can't stop smiling after reading, "I am healthy with a side of cancer" and
    "You have no idea how many people are praying over us today."
    And you may be the first person, ever, to feel that having surgery was a "privilege"
    since they thought you were healthy enough to survive it. :)

    Has anyone told you lately that you shine the light of God everywhere you go? Well...YOU DO!

    You are a blessing, and I do mean BLESSING, to all of us who read your blog, your hockey family, your beloved husband and sons, doctors, nurses, other cancer patients...the list goes on and on and on.

    All Friday morning I kept having the same picture of you float by in my mind and heart.
    It was about 6 am our time. I had been up drinking coffee by the fire and praying for you, and my other beloveds on my prayer list, on and off since about 4:30.
    With my eyes closed I keep visualizing you in surgery and Jesus was right there next to you. I tried to open my eyes and close them again, and the same picture just kept surfacing.
    It gave me such comfort to know He never leaves us or forsakes us, no matter where we are.

    May this recovery be gentle and may you feel a renewed energy as you continue to heal.
    Love you to the moon and back!
    Love Linda

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    1. So thankful for you Linda- I relish your words and they nurture me so- thank you! To the moon- and all the way back- love :)

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  18. Couldn't help but smile when you started out this post with the "bear paw suit".... ah, yes, the lovely paper gowns with impressive ventilation system! Gave me a big smile, as I've been in a couple of those these past months. So glad that you felt comfort from being so lifted in prayers, as you truly were. Continuing to pray for your healing and health - and more days when you don't feel like a cancer patient!

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    1. Ahh- thank you Jane- so sweet of you! Blessings and love to you!

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  19. So happy that the operation is over, was successful and that you are home in the arms of your family. Heal well.

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    1. Thank you sweet friend- God's blessings to you as well!

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  21. Oh Vicky, you are so loved and all those prayers really do make a difference in your life. Please recover quickly my friend.

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  22. So glad to see your smiling face! I think you'll be relieved as I was to have one less thing to deal with. Take it slow and easy as instructed. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers as always. XOXO

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    1. Thanks Deb- will do- so glad to have the extra reassurance from those who have been through it! xxoo

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  23. So glad to see that it all went well -- thought about you all day!! You know that!! Hope your recovery goes quick -- can't wait to see you!!!! Miss you lots and lots!!! Hugs and Hope always!!!

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    1. Thank you- hope we can get together soon- a month left of hockey and then our weekends and evenings will be more open! So fun to hear that Dr. Tinguely is Deb's neighbor and Deb knows her well :) Hugs back to you!

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  24. whew….so that's all done and behind you :)
    and ashen? not at all!! holy crap you looked gorgeous right after surgery!!
    xo

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  25. So happy all went well for you.
    I agree with Beth . Now its all behind you.
    Moving forward.
    xoxoxoxoxox

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  26. Kept up with you on Facebook and was so relieved to see Rick's (?) posting about you after surgery. Grateful you are doing so well. Had the whole thing done myself several moons ago and was shocked that I didn't feel like jumping out of bed three days later. Fully expected that. NOT. Glad you were able to cook today but take it slow and be gentle with yourself. We were gone on vacation for ten days so I'm sorry I missed your posts here but we had such a great time. These days are drawing to a close as the kids get older and we were so happy to have such a great time - just the four of us. Love to you.

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