What A Pain!
I am awake after being visited by my nursing team, so I thought I’d post an update. (Typing is a challenge right now because I’m only able to type with my left hand; my right arm is out of commission.)
So what to share? I think we got the nurses’ visits and medication administration down to a science. M.D. Anderson uses a pain scale – 0 – 10; 0 is no pain and 10 is excruciating – to gauge a patient’s level of discomfort/pain. This helps the care team determine the amount and type of pain medication to give. After surgery, my pain number was about a 4 – uncomfortable but not “off the charts,” however that number shot from a 4 to an 8 during the first visit of the day by the care team on the day after surgery. This probably had to do with their manipulation of my arm, body, taking vitals, etc. To address the spike in the pain number, I got a dose of Vicodin, but because it takes about a half hour for the drug to start working, morphine was added to my IV drip, so I could access that immediately. What I learned very quickly was that any movement of my right arm brings about intense pain. One thing happened to give me a false sense of security about my real pain level. During surgery I was given a paravertebral nerve block – which basically numbed the right side of my chest and my entire right arm, for several hours after surgery. I experienced little to no pain in and around the surgery sites. So while the nerve block was still working, I was unknowingly over-stretching and moving my arm as if I had normal use of my arm. With the return of feeling to my chest and arm, I realize the real (and painful) limitations of my body, and pain meds are administered accordingly and manipulation of my body is done much more gingerly. I have been up and out of bed twice since surgery. Kelly, Nat and I figured out how to get me in and out of bed with relative ease. It feels good to stretch and move around a bit. My pace isn’t nearly as fast as I’m accustomed, and I can’t walk very long – unsteady because of medications – but it feels good to get out of the confines of my hospital bed and room. Nat stayed with me last night. It feels comforting to know he is near. I think he’s even been able to sleep in the recliner that serves as his bed. I have loved reading messages on my Carepages, so thank you for dropping in and leaving word. We’ll continue keeping you up-to-date throughout recovery from surgery and upcoming treatment. Lots of love.
--MESSAGES--
Thinking of you E. and I send our love. M.
Hey girl I figured it out, I think…You’re doing this because you plan to win the next ten M.S. 150’s and you decided to take a page out of Lance Armstrong’s book, right? LOL I’m just messing with you…although it is a scientific fact that C rides harder when she’s staring at the back of your jersey (which from what I understand is generally all she sees if she rides with you, haha). Anyway, we are thinking about you and definitely sending good thoughts your way, and looking forward to seeing you. Lots of love, K and C
You sound great! I can’t believe you’re already typing! I’m so glad to hear things went well, and you are taking morphine (hee hee hee). Seriously, it is great to hear you are doing well, although it doesn’t surprise me that you are already back in control. I noticed there is a place to post photos on your Carepages… hmmm, you know, I have many…..I also notice that they must be approved by YOU…so I guess that means you would have to check out the hair and makeup in each pic before we could show it to anyone else (although, remember, most of these pics are pretty damn good. How many times did we take pictures of ourselves in your living room before we went out??? Can you say vain??!!) I don’t think I know Mary but I agree with what she says about your top 10 qualities, although I know nothing about you loving dirt… Glad you’re well, my friend. Also glad you have such a wonderful husband to stay with you. Love you, C
Good Morning Lisa – It was so nice to see a message from you. I’m really enjoying reading Lisa stories. As a matter of fact, I’ve been unable to think of anything but Lisa stories. You said you didn’t think you’d look good in a scarf unless it had bangs, however… I have an interesting picture of the two of us wearing scarves and we don’t have bangs. The picture was taken in your dorm room at Mount Mary. We’re wearing scarves holding crosses and we’re surrounded by candles. Do you remember why we did that??? I think that’s also the night we came up with the phrase “Kiss my Habit”. Welcome Home!! Love, B
It’s 9:00 a.m. and I’m hoping you are home Hi Lisa and Nat! I’m really hoping that you guys are home now and resting in your own environment. Lisa, it’s so good to hear from you, and I love reading all of the postings! Forgive me…but I must tell Cate our dirt joke. I don’t want her to think that you are going to have a career change and go into farming! I think this is how the whole thing first started: One time Lisa and I went shopping and while at Bath and Body works we tested the different scents. Lisa gravitated towards products that smelled earthy. The fact that she’s vegetarian, loves natural fabrics and earth tone colors allowed me a chance to playfully tease her that she loves dirt! When she and Nat were in the throes of planning the wedding, Lisa invited me to go to a cake taste testing with her…which I loved! I saw her colors for the first time when we were there and got such a kick out of it because they were all colors that come from the dirt. That’s what I love about Lisa…she’s the real deal…dirt and all!!!! Lisa, while this experience is not one that you would have chosen, I know that you will find the good in the experience. It’s a shame you couldn’t have had the experience without cancer! Much love to you and Nat and the rest of the family. I’m a phone call away if you need anything! A million hugs, M
You are on my mind Lisa, You and Nat have been on my mind. I have been sending good thoughts your way. You are in my (and my mom’s!) prayers. We will call you later today. Love you both, C
Hello Dear Lisa, Just to add our best wishes for a speedy and complete recovery. We are pulling for you in Ann Arbor. Love C. and H. A.
Wishes from Ferdon Rd in Ann Arbor Hello, Lisa and Nat: We send our very best wishes during your recovery from surgery and your anticipated treatments. What a jolt for you both. Jolts are something . . . We are so glad to get news through Carepages, and lucky to have Prue and Ami nearby to hug. We send virtual hugs and love to you. J and C
another “Shabbos Grouper” sends get well greetings Lisa and Nat, We’re down in Hilton Head with our family and everyone sends you hugs and is plugging for you as you embark on your treatment. Go blue! Go, Lisa! S. and A. C.