Two or three sleeps and I’m coming home! After a tough week, things came together in the last day or two and I believe I will be coming home very soon. (Fingers crossed for Sunday or Monday!).
I had a port (G-tube) inserted into my stomach on Wednesday, and after giving it a day to settle, I used it continuously last night without complications. Today I will start using it independently, “feeding” myself with a syringe rather than bag, so it will be much more convenient. If I still don’t have complications, we’ll monitor it for another day or two and then I’ll come home with a pack of tetra pads and syringes and work with the dietician in NB to make sure I continue to gain weight
The biggest positive for me was that one of the surgeons finally came to clean up the wound on my face and stitched up the opening at the end of my lips. Those stitches won’t last as long as I’d like since gravity, coupled with radiated skin will eventually open the mouth up again. That’s a very difficult thing for me to accept, particularly since it will be several months before they do surgery to repair it. I struggle with the aesthetics of it, and also the fact that it means I can’t eat or drink without dribbling (I’ll be like a toddler with the big bib which is funny to think about in the moment but pretty depressing in the long term.)
I’m not at the point I wished I could be before coming home, but I know that being at home will be a big boost for my spirits and I will most likely heal quicker there than being stuck in the hospital any longer. Who would have imagined a 10 – 12 day stay would turn into a 10 week stay and I’d still require more surgeries, etc.
Still, the main thing is, I’m coming home, the pathology indicates they removed the cancer, and I have the amazing love and support of my amazing family and friends to celebrate these victories and encourage me through the coming days.
And I’m so grateful for your support during these very difficult times. I look forward to the day I can talk and hopefully get to thank you in person.
Better days are ahead.