The first visit of the day (at 7:30 am!) was Dr. Birhiray, the oncologist. His timing was perfect because Roger's disposition was pretty foul due to pain and discomfort. Dr. B ordered a "turbo boost" of pain killer to help reduce his pain and frustration. It made a huge difference and took the edge off.
There were multiple other visits from surgical nurses, pain doctors/nurses, and the best visit of the day was from the surgeon, Dr. Freeman. He told us: 1) the epidural and catheter are coming out today, 2) the naso/gastric tube is coming out of Roger's nose tomorrow, and 3) most importantly, the tissue that was removed including the esophagus and the lymph nodes all came back clean of cancer (pathology reports were received) - this is really great news because it suggests that we are as close to "cure" as we can get. Apparently the surgeon and oncologist use the test results of these biopsies as a large measure of cancer treatment "success". Some patients have biopsies that still come back positive for cancer after chemo/radiation which means the patient could be susceptible to cancer coming back in the remaining tissue area post surgery...its thought that the patient's system is resistant to chemo/radiation. So the best news the surgeon and oncologist can hear is that the tissue tested negative for cancer. Roger's lymph nodes and esophagus tissue that were removed (all formerly tested positive for cancer) were clean!
Around 10:30 this morning, the doctors removed Roger's epidural. The procedure itself was painless. The balance of the day has proven to be a little more challenging as the doctors and nurses worked to find the right combination of pain killers. We think they have found the right formula. He has a pain patch, a high-power anti-inflammatory, and a morphine "button" which Roger pushes as he needs it. He's relatively comfortable (the pain is "mild") initially, as the dosage wears off, you can quickly see the pain reflected in his knitted brow and failing disposition. The surgical nurse said that day 3-4-5 post surgery can be the worse...we're smack dab in the middle.
The removal of the epidural started the clock for the removal of the bladder catheter. The catheter was removed around 5:00 this evening. So, that's two less tubes/wires for Roger to dance with. He's happy to have them gone due to sheer comfort and I'm happy to have them gone so that I have a few less things/tubes/wires to watch for when giving a massage or sponge bath. This will be way more information than many of you really want....after having a catheter removed, a patient must urinate within 6-8 hours OR the horrible catheter will be put back in while the patient is awake. NOT a pleasant thought for anyone....happily, Roger met that goal. Again, more info than you probably wanted, but a real part of our journey and its a huge milestone!
I've heard from many of you that I need to make sure that I'm taking care of myself. I understand and hear you all. I'm getting sleep - I promise. And I'm eating - I promise. I enjoy being with him and am able to anticipate his needs, so being here isn't a burden.
More than anyone, I know that we are only half way through this marathon....so I'm saving enough energy to make it the "last 13 miles". I may be a little rough around the edges by the end of the race but it will be completely worth it. Honestly, who isn't a little rough around the edges after a marathon?
I'd never wish this experience on anyone, but have to tell you there are a few positive things which you can take away from this..... 1) you meet a lot of wonderful people in the caregiving community, 2) the experience reminds how much you love the people around you (especially my hubby in my case), and 3) finally, this experience reminds you that you can do virtually anything... the human spirit can endure some pretty horrible stuff and prevail.
~Angie
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