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