Day 5 Post Op

Hello all,

Kevin is recovering well, though not as quickly as he would like. He still has the NG (Naso-Gastric) tube inserted to pump stomach fluids (prevents vomiting). It KILLS his throat, making it hard for him to rest. In order to shut the stomach down, he can't even swallow liquids, so his poor throat is also dry and hot. He doesn't speak unless he has absolutely has to--not even to make wise-cracks. His IV sedative does not relieve the throat pain, neither do numbing lozenges and spray.

Tomorrow they may try clamping the NG tube and see if he can avoid nausea for the day without it. If so, they may remove it Tuesday. Please pray that that thing can come out Tuesday at the latest!

They did remove the catheter this morning. One tube down; seven to go. Each time a tube comes out, mobility is a little easier. He started walking in the halls yesterday, and seems to have more strength and energy each day. I think he'd have more if he were not managing pain all the time.

Vital signs have remained strong and steady, healing of intestines and bowels seems to be progressing, white count has dipped slightly below normal, but Dr. Sugarbaker isn't worried. He says the milder chemo drug they used this time tends to kick in later down the road, so we still need to pray that Kevin will avoid a further decrease of his white count after leaving the hospital. Still not sure when that will be--Dr. predicts a week from Tues. at the very earliest.

My parents left on Sat. morning. They were a great help, but it seems as though Kev and I can handle things okay from this point on without having someone else physically present. The nurses have been wonderful. They all remember us from Feb./Mar. and are so sweet and caring. The ward was full when we were here before, and they were run ragged. They are at half capacity now, so response time, quality of care, etc. is better. (Donna, I passed your message on to Rose; she would like your email. Okay to give it to her?)

Tomorrow, we will be reunited with Alice--our down-the-hall pal from Feb. She is having follow surgery on Tues. Your prayers that all would go well for her would be very appreciated.

Will let you know when the NG comes out. There will much celebrating here!

Roni