This will be my final planned blog update.
After flying to Knoxville three weeks ago to visit my family, I returned to almost non-stop preparations for fall semester at Luther College. My duties as head of the voice area required much of me both mentally and physically. But, I was up to the task. Now I begin the second full week of teaching lessons and attending concerts and recitals. I have resumed my three mile walk most days and have been working in my yard each weekend.
There have been several times recently when I was eating or doing something else routine, and it would suddenly hit me that I was doing something routine--not thinking about my digestion, my energy level, my abdomen. It is so amazing to me that I feel so good now.
Next week I will celebrate my 57th birthday. I hope never to take for granted one single minute of life given back to me. I am so grateful for the excellent medical care of the Mayo system, Dr. Farnell and his associates, Dr. Dougan in Decorah, and the nursing staff at St. Mary's. There can never be enough gratitude expressed to my family and friends for their care and support. God bless you all.
Soli Deo Gloria!
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, August 5, 2009
Follow-up Appointment With Dr. Farnell
Yesterday my friend Jim Griesheimer drove me to Rochester for tests and a subsequent follow-up appointment with my surgeon, Dr. Farnell. The tests showed some remaining inflammation of what is left of my pancreas, but that did not concern Dr. Farnell. All other test results from the CT scan and from blood readings of enzyme and sugar levels indicate a good and steady recovery. Dr. Farnell was pleased at my progress and dismissed me from his care. I am to schedule annual check ups with a pancreatologist and to monitor my general energy level and "color". This last is to guard against anemia resulting from malabsorption of nutrients. He said my color was good, though.
It was a long day, the first one since my surgery when I was constantly on the go from 6:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. when I returned to my house. I felt energized for most of the day, but was exhausted by evening. I slept soundly, though, and have felt great all day today. I have been sleeping in my bedroom upstairs for a week. The downstairs bath, which I had been using to shower and for all other functions, has been returned to its primary use as a guest bathroom. Spencer and Andy helped me return my furniture to its various pre-surgery locations, so the guest bedroom is that again, and the dining room is for that purpose alone.
I think six weeks out from my surgery was a true tuning point for me regarding more energy and stamina, and less pain. Tomorrow will be seven weeks since my surgery, and I am hoping every day I will feel stronger, and that I will be ready for the fall semester in a few weeks.
I plan to fly to Knoxville on August 20 for a few days, to visit my mother and my family there. I believe I will be strong enough for the trip by that time. The next planned blog entry will either be after the Knoxville trip or sometime after I start teaching in September.
It has been an amazing journey to this point. There were times when I lost my hope in ever feeling normal again. I can see now that the time will come when I won't be thinking constantly about how I feel, or dreading how I might be feeling tomorrow. I thank God for his watchful care over me and the evidence of his love in the ministrations, both through prayer and deed, of so many of my family, friends, and even casual acquaintances who have now become friends.
God bless you all.
Ed
It was a long day, the first one since my surgery when I was constantly on the go from 6:30 a.m. until 3:30 p.m. when I returned to my house. I felt energized for most of the day, but was exhausted by evening. I slept soundly, though, and have felt great all day today. I have been sleeping in my bedroom upstairs for a week. The downstairs bath, which I had been using to shower and for all other functions, has been returned to its primary use as a guest bathroom. Spencer and Andy helped me return my furniture to its various pre-surgery locations, so the guest bedroom is that again, and the dining room is for that purpose alone.
I think six weeks out from my surgery was a true tuning point for me regarding more energy and stamina, and less pain. Tomorrow will be seven weeks since my surgery, and I am hoping every day I will feel stronger, and that I will be ready for the fall semester in a few weeks.
I plan to fly to Knoxville on August 20 for a few days, to visit my mother and my family there. I believe I will be strong enough for the trip by that time. The next planned blog entry will either be after the Knoxville trip or sometime after I start teaching in September.
It has been an amazing journey to this point. There were times when I lost my hope in ever feeling normal again. I can see now that the time will come when I won't be thinking constantly about how I feel, or dreading how I might be feeling tomorrow. I thank God for his watchful care over me and the evidence of his love in the ministrations, both through prayer and deed, of so many of my family, friends, and even casual acquaintances who have now become friends.
God bless you all.
Ed
Tuesday, July 21, 2009
Still Improving At Home
As a good friend reminded me today, it's been a while since I posted. Sorry if you were checking this blog every day for updates. I was waiting until things seemed to be on an upward trajectory.
After my last posting I discovered that a lot of solid food was not a good thing to be eaten for the evening meal. So, I've been eating soup and fruit for dinner. Lunches have included many delicious victuals brought in by friends. I still have a refrigerator full of things to last for several more days.
My sleep pattern has gotten steadier; I average two hours at a stretch, with a total of about seven hours per night. Tylenol PM is good for getting to sleep. I'm still in my little twin bed, which is set up in the dining room, but I plan to move back upstairs to my bedroom by the weekend.
I have started doing some household chores like swiffering and vacuuming, laundry, and washing dishes (well, I had to do that after Tim left last Thursday.) I've been out on a couple of excursions with friends and have been walking further distances. Last Sunday I attended worship at the college as a part of the final service of the Lutheran Summer Music Festival and Academy. I even sang on some of the hymns, and not wobbly, either.
Tomorrow I'm planning on having lunch at a restaurant with my friend H. George Anderson. It will mark another milestone if successful--eating out.
If things continue to progress as they have, I probably won't post again until after my check-up visit with Dr. Farnell on August 4.
As always, thanks for your interest, concern, prayers, comments, etc.
After my last posting I discovered that a lot of solid food was not a good thing to be eaten for the evening meal. So, I've been eating soup and fruit for dinner. Lunches have included many delicious victuals brought in by friends. I still have a refrigerator full of things to last for several more days.
My sleep pattern has gotten steadier; I average two hours at a stretch, with a total of about seven hours per night. Tylenol PM is good for getting to sleep. I'm still in my little twin bed, which is set up in the dining room, but I plan to move back upstairs to my bedroom by the weekend.
I have started doing some household chores like swiffering and vacuuming, laundry, and washing dishes (well, I had to do that after Tim left last Thursday.) I've been out on a couple of excursions with friends and have been walking further distances. Last Sunday I attended worship at the college as a part of the final service of the Lutheran Summer Music Festival and Academy. I even sang on some of the hymns, and not wobbly, either.
Tomorrow I'm planning on having lunch at a restaurant with my friend H. George Anderson. It will mark another milestone if successful--eating out.
If things continue to progress as they have, I probably won't post again until after my check-up visit with Dr. Farnell on August 4.
As always, thanks for your interest, concern, prayers, comments, etc.
Monday, July 13, 2009
Home At Last
Well, I thought it would never come to pass, but I am now home. Cindy brought me from the hospital on Saturday; the trip was not too bad, even though I hadn't remembered how bumpy much of Hwy 52 is.
Food was not my friend on Friday, but since coming home my poor system has rallied and begun the relearning process regarding digestion. I am tolerating most things that sound good to me: rice, potatoes, chicken, pasta, even a few bites of pork chop (Iowa's best, of course.)
Although I did not sleep much Saturday night, last night was very restful. I gave Cindy and my brother, Tim, who arrived by plane yesterday, the grand tour of Decorah this afternoon. Cindy leaves tomorrow and Tim will be here until Thursday morning. After that I need to be independent enough to prepare my own meals (or at least clean up from eating things other good Samaritans have brought) and fetching my own water, mail, blanket, etc.--things I have been all to eager to have others do for me in the first few days home.
Many visitors so far, also. I welcome your visits, but ask that you call before coming in case I'm not feeling well. The days have their ups and downs, so please don't be discouraged if I sound wimpy in the morning and chipper in the afternoon. Who knows why?
Looking forward to greeting those who can come by or phone. Blessings on all who are supporting me by prayer, action, deed, thought, etc.
Ed
Food was not my friend on Friday, but since coming home my poor system has rallied and begun the relearning process regarding digestion. I am tolerating most things that sound good to me: rice, potatoes, chicken, pasta, even a few bites of pork chop (Iowa's best, of course.)
Although I did not sleep much Saturday night, last night was very restful. I gave Cindy and my brother, Tim, who arrived by plane yesterday, the grand tour of Decorah this afternoon. Cindy leaves tomorrow and Tim will be here until Thursday morning. After that I need to be independent enough to prepare my own meals (or at least clean up from eating things other good Samaritans have brought) and fetching my own water, mail, blanket, etc.--things I have been all to eager to have others do for me in the first few days home.
Many visitors so far, also. I welcome your visits, but ask that you call before coming in case I'm not feeling well. The days have their ups and downs, so please don't be discouraged if I sound wimpy in the morning and chipper in the afternoon. Who knows why?
Looking forward to greeting those who can come by or phone. Blessings on all who are supporting me by prayer, action, deed, thought, etc.
Ed
Thursday, July 9, 2009
3 Weeks Out
Today is day 21 since my surgery. The NG tube came out Tuesday, after which I spent a day in a state of semi-nausea (I know, TMI.) Today I began a liquid diet, starting with clear liquids and progressing to full. So far, so good. The nutrition IV will end tonight, so perhaps tomorrow I will actually feel hungry enough to eat more than a few bites.
If tomorrow goes well, with all that entails regarding how the various components of my digestive system continue to re-learn how to work in co-operation, I may be going home Saturday or Sunday. Glory Hallelujah!
My cousins John and Joyce were an invaluable support during the past few days. They have returned home to Tennessee, but have been replaced by John's sister, Cindy. Cindy and I lived our early childhoods as neighbors and she is like a sister to me. It's good to have family.
Next post (I hope) will be written from 619 North Street.
If tomorrow goes well, with all that entails regarding how the various components of my digestive system continue to re-learn how to work in co-operation, I may be going home Saturday or Sunday. Glory Hallelujah!
My cousins John and Joyce were an invaluable support during the past few days. They have returned home to Tennessee, but have been replaced by John's sister, Cindy. Cindy and I lived our early childhoods as neighbors and she is like a sister to me. It's good to have family.
Next post (I hope) will be written from 619 North Street.
Monday, July 6, 2009
Some Positive Developments
It's been a while since I posted; I've been waiting on some positive developments to take place. Over the holiday weekend I finally passed some more gas and had other movement in the bowel. The doctors were awaiting this as if it were a fulfillment of a prophecy. However, my stomach is still retaining quite a lot of digestive fluid. As long as this fluid isn't moving out into the intestine I won't be given food by mouth.
This morning, day 18, I got some more good news. Dr. Farnell, who returned to Mayo from a week away, suggested that there might be a narrowing of the connection between the stomach and the intestine, preventing the fluid from moving. He had me undergo a barium moving x-ray. This test revealed that the opening was of generous width, not blocking the fluid's movement. So, while this doesn't get me to eating right away, it does eliminate one more possible complication.
Right now the NG tube is clamped for as long as I can stand it, to encourage the stomach to move. If I start getting nauseated, though, I'm starting the pump again.
My cousin Dr. John Johnson, and his wife Joyce, are visiting me for the week from Greeneville, TN. It is nice to have family around.
This morning, day 18, I got some more good news. Dr. Farnell, who returned to Mayo from a week away, suggested that there might be a narrowing of the connection between the stomach and the intestine, preventing the fluid from moving. He had me undergo a barium moving x-ray. This test revealed that the opening was of generous width, not blocking the fluid's movement. So, while this doesn't get me to eating right away, it does eliminate one more possible complication.
Right now the NG tube is clamped for as long as I can stand it, to encourage the stomach to move. If I start getting nauseated, though, I'm starting the pump again.
My cousin Dr. John Johnson, and his wife Joyce, are visiting me for the week from Greeneville, TN. It is nice to have family around.
Thursday, July 2, 2009
After freedom, confinement again
Yesterday Dr. Fatima said that Dr. Farnell had given orders for the NG tube to be removed. His idea was that, despite the presence of lots of stomach acid, my body must learn to deal with it. The first few hours were great--no proboscis dangling in front of my face. Plarent and I walked to several key sites in the hospital, including a meditation room and the patient library.
About 3 p.m., however, I began to have some nausea; by 5:00 it was horrible. I was in misery the rest of the evening and most of today. At 2 p.m. today I was taken to have another CT scan to determine if I had a leak from my pancreas. If so, a drain would have to be installed. Fortunately there was no leak, so no drain. Dr. Fatima reinstated another NG tube, which has completely aleviated the nausea. I look forward to some sleep this evening.
Despite some bowel activity, they are still waiting for more consistent signs that my bowel function has returned. Perhaps I will be eating by the weekend.
Today marks the end of the second week since my surgery.
About 3 p.m., however, I began to have some nausea; by 5:00 it was horrible. I was in misery the rest of the evening and most of today. At 2 p.m. today I was taken to have another CT scan to determine if I had a leak from my pancreas. If so, a drain would have to be installed. Fortunately there was no leak, so no drain. Dr. Fatima reinstated another NG tube, which has completely aleviated the nausea. I look forward to some sleep this evening.
Despite some bowel activity, they are still waiting for more consistent signs that my bowel function has returned. Perhaps I will be eating by the weekend.
Today marks the end of the second week since my surgery.
Monday, June 29, 2009
11th Day -- Waiting
It's day 11 and still not much movement in the bowel. The new resident, Dr. Fatima, and the nurses all say that patience is needed, in addition to lots of walking. Everyone's system reawakens following surgery at an individual pace.
Despite the fact that I am not yet allowed to take food by mouth, I am well-nourished through the IV drips and feel stronger each day. I walked well over a half mile of hallways today and sat in the chair much of the rest of the day.
I feel well enough now to watch movies on the "movies on demand" feature on my room television. When I am finally allowed to eat and no longer connected to the IV tower, I will feel much more free to move about the hospital while waiting to see if the food I eat goes through my system as planned.
Thanks to Spencer, Andy, David, and Lauren who visited on Saturday and brought a beautiful basket of flowers from LSM, and to Norma and Harley for bringing me a contraband lime to put in my water. Small things sometimes make a big difference.
Despite the fact that I am not yet allowed to take food by mouth, I am well-nourished through the IV drips and feel stronger each day. I walked well over a half mile of hallways today and sat in the chair much of the rest of the day.
I feel well enough now to watch movies on the "movies on demand" feature on my room television. When I am finally allowed to eat and no longer connected to the IV tower, I will feel much more free to move about the hospital while waiting to see if the food I eat goes through my system as planned.
Thanks to Spencer, Andy, David, and Lauren who visited on Saturday and brought a beautiful basket of flowers from LSM, and to Norma and Harley for bringing me a contraband lime to put in my water. Small things sometimes make a big difference.
Friday, June 26, 2009
8th Day After Surgery
A lot of things happened today, the eighth day after my surgery.
I received the dreaded PICC line, which I was fearing after a failed attempt yesterday to install it in my room. It is just a large scale IV in a large upper arm vein, but the technicians yesterday kept running into resistance and had to stop (due to my screaming). The doctor in the procedure room with special tracking equipment (and a large injection of narcotic in me) had no trouble.
Dr. Farnell gave his final in person report on my progress, as he will be away for the next two weeks: the drain from the incision has been almost dry for a day and none of the fluids reveal any leakage from the pancreas--so the drain came out--yeah; although my bowel is still not moving much, he said that is normal and will return to activity soon; he gave orders for the catheter to be removed--yeah!
Also, Dr. Renata Maricevich finished this quarter of her rotation with Dr. Farnell's group and will be leaving. I am sad about that.
Many visitors today, including Matt Tschimperle, Jim Griesheimer and his son, John, Christine Gowdy-Jaehnig, Darla, and Yvonne Knoepfel. Darla introduced me to a couple who are here from Peoria area, Bernie and Kay; Kay is recovering from a similar, but less extensive pancreas surgery. She is also cancer free.
Thanks to all who are supporting me, caring for me, putting up with me, etc.
I received the dreaded PICC line, which I was fearing after a failed attempt yesterday to install it in my room. It is just a large scale IV in a large upper arm vein, but the technicians yesterday kept running into resistance and had to stop (due to my screaming). The doctor in the procedure room with special tracking equipment (and a large injection of narcotic in me) had no trouble.
Dr. Farnell gave his final in person report on my progress, as he will be away for the next two weeks: the drain from the incision has been almost dry for a day and none of the fluids reveal any leakage from the pancreas--so the drain came out--yeah; although my bowel is still not moving much, he said that is normal and will return to activity soon; he gave orders for the catheter to be removed--yeah!
Also, Dr. Renata Maricevich finished this quarter of her rotation with Dr. Farnell's group and will be leaving. I am sad about that.
Many visitors today, including Matt Tschimperle, Jim Griesheimer and his son, John, Christine Gowdy-Jaehnig, Darla, and Yvonne Knoepfel. Darla introduced me to a couple who are here from Peoria area, Bernie and Kay; Kay is recovering from a similar, but less extensive pancreas surgery. She is also cancer free.
Thanks to all who are supporting me, caring for me, putting up with me, etc.
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Wednesday evening, June 24, after TWO Long Days!
Well, after so many responses to my previous positive entry I must now tell of some not so positive intervening hours leading to what I hope is now again some positive progress.
Soon after that previous post on Monday evening I developed an agonizing pain caused by swollen stomach and bowel and that pressure on the incision. (Dr. Farnell pointed out that it is still an incision and not a scar, and that it is more like 18-20 inches long.) As I had been taken off of self-administered pain medication, as well as IV fluids, no directive or pain medication was available to the night nursing staff. It wasn't until 6:30 a.m. yesterday that any relief was forthcoming. The doctors saw me mid-morning and Dr. Farnell determined I needed to be re-attached to IV, catheter, and other IV port administered medicines such as antibiotics (precautionary) and pain relief injections. Having a catheter installed when one is under general anesthetic, and when one is not, are two very different experiences! Ugh!
I had several visitors yesterday, but some were unable to come into the room because I was either screaming in pain or sleeping. I thank them for their trouble anyway. Norma Refsal was able to stay a little over an hour and a half, though. Being a nurse herself, she took over arranging the untidy room, getting the nursing staff attentive to my needs, etc. Just what I needed. Later in the afternoon H. George and Chris Anderson were able to come to my bedside and share a prayer with me. Just what I needed, also. Darla has been very attentive and came to stay a while after the successful surgery performed earlier yesterday on her son Erik.
Last night was not as horrible as Monday, but close. This morning I had a CT scan, returned to my room, regurgitated a good amount of bile, felt better, took my first shower since Friday morning at 5 a.m., and felt even better. Had several visitors, including Julie Jensen who had tried yesterday, Norma again (thanks again) and Peter Liermann and Jessica Paul. While Darla was visiting late in the afternoon, Dr. Maricevich came by to tell me that the CT scan had revealed no leaking in any of the internal organ sutures, but that the distension and bloating of the stomach and bowel were in need of relief. She proceeded to tell me briefly about inserting an NG tube, which is a plastic tube that goes into the nostril and down the back of the throat into the stomach. Sounds fun, right? It was even more uncomfortable than the catheterization had been. However, it immediately began to suck out all manner of air, fluid, and unspeakably horrid looking stuff. Dr. Maricevich said that that was what was causing my bowel not to function efficiently. It is hoped that tomorrow that second issue will be addressed so that I may get on to the necessary next step of digestion.
Sorry if my graphic descriptions are too much for some of you, but they help me to keep a record of what is happening in this process. Right now I'm feeling much better, even though there is a plastic hose hanging out of my nose and irritating the back of my throat. Everything is relative, I guess.
Soon after that previous post on Monday evening I developed an agonizing pain caused by swollen stomach and bowel and that pressure on the incision. (Dr. Farnell pointed out that it is still an incision and not a scar, and that it is more like 18-20 inches long.) As I had been taken off of self-administered pain medication, as well as IV fluids, no directive or pain medication was available to the night nursing staff. It wasn't until 6:30 a.m. yesterday that any relief was forthcoming. The doctors saw me mid-morning and Dr. Farnell determined I needed to be re-attached to IV, catheter, and other IV port administered medicines such as antibiotics (precautionary) and pain relief injections. Having a catheter installed when one is under general anesthetic, and when one is not, are two very different experiences! Ugh!
I had several visitors yesterday, but some were unable to come into the room because I was either screaming in pain or sleeping. I thank them for their trouble anyway. Norma Refsal was able to stay a little over an hour and a half, though. Being a nurse herself, she took over arranging the untidy room, getting the nursing staff attentive to my needs, etc. Just what I needed. Later in the afternoon H. George and Chris Anderson were able to come to my bedside and share a prayer with me. Just what I needed, also. Darla has been very attentive and came to stay a while after the successful surgery performed earlier yesterday on her son Erik.
Last night was not as horrible as Monday, but close. This morning I had a CT scan, returned to my room, regurgitated a good amount of bile, felt better, took my first shower since Friday morning at 5 a.m., and felt even better. Had several visitors, including Julie Jensen who had tried yesterday, Norma again (thanks again) and Peter Liermann and Jessica Paul. While Darla was visiting late in the afternoon, Dr. Maricevich came by to tell me that the CT scan had revealed no leaking in any of the internal organ sutures, but that the distension and bloating of the stomach and bowel were in need of relief. She proceeded to tell me briefly about inserting an NG tube, which is a plastic tube that goes into the nostril and down the back of the throat into the stomach. Sounds fun, right? It was even more uncomfortable than the catheterization had been. However, it immediately began to suck out all manner of air, fluid, and unspeakably horrid looking stuff. Dr. Maricevich said that that was what was causing my bowel not to function efficiently. It is hoped that tomorrow that second issue will be addressed so that I may get on to the necessary next step of digestion.
Sorry if my graphic descriptions are too much for some of you, but they help me to keep a record of what is happening in this process. Right now I'm feeling much better, even though there is a plastic hose hanging out of my nose and irritating the back of my throat. Everything is relative, I guess.
Monday, June 22, 2009
Monday, June 22 A Long Day
Today began much as yesterday, with some pronounced abdominal pain when I tried to raise myself from a prone position to sitting on the bed. One of Dr. Farnell's wonderful assistants in the surgery, Dr. Renata Maricevich, greeted me at 6 a.m. with news that the catheter would probably be removed after Dr. Farnell's visit at 10:30, which it was. This was also Dr. Farnell's first viewing of the finished sutured scar, which had been completed after he had left the operating room on Friday. He seemed very please, even smiling (a rarity, it would seem.)
I was instructed to remain on clear liquids until I can pass some gas (too much info for some, but it is the way things go.) I tried eating some of the mixture that passes for chicken broth, but I just couldn't get myself to eat much more than a couple of tablespoons. I ate about half of a small container of raspberry ice and some raspberry juice. It was somewhat freeing not to be tied to the catheter, but I still have the wound drain and the nutrition IV line.
Later in the morning I had a visit from Dr. David Larson, a Luther grad and former member of Luther's board of regents. I had met him when I was a faculty rep to the board some years before. He is a good friend and neighbor of Dr. Farnell's and was interested in seeing "the scar", which had evidently gotten some notoriety from Dr. Farnell from his earier visit. Dr. Larson has as good natured and smiling a personality as one could wish for. He certainly is an admirer of Dr. Farnell's work and told me so.
Bill and Yvonne Kuhlman visited around noon, bringing an unusual and interesting book of quotations. On one side, with a white paper cover is the title The Optimist's Handbook: a companion to hope. Flip the book over and the other side, in black, is titled The Pessimist's Handbook: a companion to despair. Quotations from great thinkers, philosophers, writers, musicians, theologians, etc. are included in both sections. The two books are further subdivided into 57 categories such as "adventure", "baldness", "genious", "love", etc. It should prove an entertaining read.
Darla came by around 5:30 p.m. for a short visit. While she was here a young man, Hal Sundt, from Mayo's Episcopal Pastoral Sevices came in the room and asked if there was anything he could do regarding scheduling a chaplain visit, Eucharist, etc. After speaking with him about those things for me, I asked him to join in a prayer for Darla's son, Erik, who will be undergoing surgery tomorrow.
After Darla left I took my sixth walk of the day. Later, Dr. Maricevich came by to speak with me. She was still waiting for the pathology report, which didn't arrive until 9:30. It showed no signs of full-blown cancer, but the cyst was described as an Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, with high grade dysplasia. Apparantly, it was as close to being cancer, without being cancer, as is possilbe. In other words, Dr. Farnell's decision to remove it immiediately was life saving.
I was instructed to remain on clear liquids until I can pass some gas (too much info for some, but it is the way things go.) I tried eating some of the mixture that passes for chicken broth, but I just couldn't get myself to eat much more than a couple of tablespoons. I ate about half of a small container of raspberry ice and some raspberry juice. It was somewhat freeing not to be tied to the catheter, but I still have the wound drain and the nutrition IV line.
Later in the morning I had a visit from Dr. David Larson, a Luther grad and former member of Luther's board of regents. I had met him when I was a faculty rep to the board some years before. He is a good friend and neighbor of Dr. Farnell's and was interested in seeing "the scar", which had evidently gotten some notoriety from Dr. Farnell from his earier visit. Dr. Larson has as good natured and smiling a personality as one could wish for. He certainly is an admirer of Dr. Farnell's work and told me so.
Bill and Yvonne Kuhlman visited around noon, bringing an unusual and interesting book of quotations. On one side, with a white paper cover is the title The Optimist's Handbook: a companion to hope. Flip the book over and the other side, in black, is titled The Pessimist's Handbook: a companion to despair. Quotations from great thinkers, philosophers, writers, musicians, theologians, etc. are included in both sections. The two books are further subdivided into 57 categories such as "adventure", "baldness", "genious", "love", etc. It should prove an entertaining read.
Darla came by around 5:30 p.m. for a short visit. While she was here a young man, Hal Sundt, from Mayo's Episcopal Pastoral Sevices came in the room and asked if there was anything he could do regarding scheduling a chaplain visit, Eucharist, etc. After speaking with him about those things for me, I asked him to join in a prayer for Darla's son, Erik, who will be undergoing surgery tomorrow.
After Darla left I took my sixth walk of the day. Later, Dr. Maricevich came by to speak with me. She was still waiting for the pathology report, which didn't arrive until 9:30. It showed no signs of full-blown cancer, but the cyst was described as an Intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm, with high grade dysplasia. Apparantly, it was as close to being cancer, without being cancer, as is possilbe. In other words, Dr. Farnell's decision to remove it immiediately was life saving.
Sunday, June 21, 2009
Sunday, June 21
Woke up this morning tangled in drain hose, catheter tube, nurse call remote, and cell phone charger cord. Couldn't get up or lie back down. Pain! The nurses were laughing at my predicament, but soon got me loose.
Dr. Iqbal, a resident assigned to my case for the weekend, removed the protective surgical covering from the scar across my abdomen. Much to my surprise, instead of being a wide, six inch, vertical scar, it is in reality a very thin, neat, twelve inch scar running in an arch following the general arch of the diaphragm beneath it. I think it will heal into a much less noticeable scar. It is clean so far, with no indication of infection.
I walked several times today, the last two times unaided by nurse or rolling walker. I am not as dizzy now, either. For dinner I had a couple of sips of vegetable broth and a few small bites of lemon ice. So far all of that has stayed down; hope it passes tomorrow, because that would be a sure sign of progress.
Plarent returned to his home this afternoon; Darla will be staying into the week to care for her son, who is having surgery Tuesday. She has been a very good friend, putting up with my moodiness in addition to her own emotional stress anticipating Erik's surgery.
The nurses assigned to me have been wonderful. Lisa, James, Janet, Dawn, Mallory, and Tonya have been especially helpful and good natured. Tonya is also a Luther grad and was in band with
Fred Nyline in the mid nineties.
If you would like more specific/different information on this blog, let me know. Thanks again for your interest in reading it and in my reovery. I truly feel empowered from everyone's support in prayers and messages.
Ed
Dr. Iqbal, a resident assigned to my case for the weekend, removed the protective surgical covering from the scar across my abdomen. Much to my surprise, instead of being a wide, six inch, vertical scar, it is in reality a very thin, neat, twelve inch scar running in an arch following the general arch of the diaphragm beneath it. I think it will heal into a much less noticeable scar. It is clean so far, with no indication of infection.
I walked several times today, the last two times unaided by nurse or rolling walker. I am not as dizzy now, either. For dinner I had a couple of sips of vegetable broth and a few small bites of lemon ice. So far all of that has stayed down; hope it passes tomorrow, because that would be a sure sign of progress.
Plarent returned to his home this afternoon; Darla will be staying into the week to care for her son, who is having surgery Tuesday. She has been a very good friend, putting up with my moodiness in addition to her own emotional stress anticipating Erik's surgery.
The nurses assigned to me have been wonderful. Lisa, James, Janet, Dawn, Mallory, and Tonya have been especially helpful and good natured. Tonya is also a Luther grad and was in band with
Fred Nyline in the mid nineties.
If you would like more specific/different information on this blog, let me know. Thanks again for your interest in reading it and in my reovery. I truly feel empowered from everyone's support in prayers and messages.
Ed
Saturday, June 20, 2009
June 20 visit with surgeon
Dr. Farnell came by my room (Francis 2C-125) at about 4:45 p.m. After examining the dressing over the incision, the drain, and the catheter and fluid from it, and after reviewing my vital records for today, and after asking me how I felt, he said things looked very good and that I seemed to be progressing quite well. The cyst and other tissue that was removed have been preliminarily determined not to be malignant. However, the official report from the examination of the complete frozen sections will not be available until Monday.
I may be able to try liquid foods orally also on Monday. Visitors are welcome beginning Monday, too.
My thanks to Plarent and Darla for their countless acts of help and good advice. Dr. Farnell thinks that if things continue to go as well as they have I may be able to return home on June 29.
An interesting sidebar: Dr. Farnell said he had performed six of these surgeries just this week. He is aiming for a career total of 1,000 by retirement.
I may be able to try liquid foods orally also on Monday. Visitors are welcome beginning Monday, too.
My thanks to Plarent and Darla for their countless acts of help and good advice. Dr. Farnell thinks that if things continue to go as well as they have I may be able to return home on June 29.
An interesting sidebar: Dr. Farnell said he had performed six of these surgeries just this week. He is aiming for a career total of 1,000 by retirement.
The day after - Plarent posting for Ed
Ed is doing well. He has already walked short distances twice. He feels some pain but he is getting some good use out of the pain medication.
Friday, June 19, 2009
Ed is out of surgery and doing ok - (Plarent posting for Ed)
Ed just came out of the post operation anesthesia and he is in a hospital room. The surgery went well and the doctor mentioned things went as smoothly as can be expected and that no cancer was found. We will receive a full pathology report on Monday but, so far, things look good.
Ed is semi-awake at this moment. I have spoken to him and he already told me a joke. I will keep you posted.
Plarent
P.S.
Call me at anytime if you have questions.
Ed is semi-awake at this moment. I have spoken to him and he already told me a joke. I will keep you posted.
Plarent
P.S.
Call me at anytime if you have questions.
Thursday, June 18, 2009
Day before surgery
Darla Thorland drove me to my appointments in Rochester this morning. I've been through the testing and pre-op instructions; the consultation with Dr. Farnell went well. My friend, Plarent Ymeri, was present at that meeting. Plarent will be updating the blog in the time that I am still recovering from the surgery.
After reviewing the CT scan of the pancreas and cyst, Dr. Farnell approved going ahead with the surgery tomorrow, despite some remaining inflammation in the pancreas. Both Dr. Farnell and his nurse were very encouraging of a positive outcome and quick recovery. I certainly hope they are right.
The likely time I will report for surgery is 5:30 a.m., with a 7:45 a.m. incision (that is the term they used.) I should be out of the operating room around 3 p.m., with two to three hours in post-op recovery.
After reviewing the CT scan of the pancreas and cyst, Dr. Farnell approved going ahead with the surgery tomorrow, despite some remaining inflammation in the pancreas. Both Dr. Farnell and his nurse were very encouraging of a positive outcome and quick recovery. I certainly hope they are right.
The likely time I will report for surgery is 5:30 a.m., with a 7:45 a.m. incision (that is the term they used.) I should be out of the operating room around 3 p.m., with two to three hours in post-op recovery.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Surgery scheduled
My surgery, a pancreatoduodenectomy, is scheduled now for Friday, June 19, at St. Mary's Hospital, Mayo, Rochester, Minnesota. The primary surgeon is Dr. Michael Farnell. http://www.mayoclinic.org/bio/10245928.html
A brief pictorial description of the surgery may be found at the following link:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/pancreatic-cancer/whippleprocedure.html
The cyst that is precipitating all of this has been determined to be benign at the present time. But Dr. Farnell advises that it should be removed now before things get worse. The projected hospital stay is 14 days. A further 8 week convalescence at home is expected before I will be fully recovered. I'm hoping, though, that I will feel better each week and that I will be able to perform some constructive and enjoyable activities in a few weeks after coming home.
A brief pictorial description of the surgery may be found at the following link:
http://www.mayoclinic.org/pancreatic-cancer/whippleprocedure.html
The cyst that is precipitating all of this has been determined to be benign at the present time. But Dr. Farnell advises that it should be removed now before things get worse. The projected hospital stay is 14 days. A further 8 week convalescence at home is expected before I will be fully recovered. I'm hoping, though, that I will feel better each week and that I will be able to perform some constructive and enjoyable activities in a few weeks after coming home.
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