That's a direct quote from the surgeon who operated on Sue this morning.
We got to the hospital shortly after 6am and took care of the check-in and paperwork and such until around 7:30 when they took her into the O.R. The operation was supposed to start at 7:30 and end around 11. Instead, they didn't actually start operating until 8:30, and by 10:25 Dr. Ginny was delivering the good news. Since the operation was shorter than anticipated, so was the stay in recovery. We (Deb and Di were waiting with me) were waiting when Sue arrived in her room, groggy and nauseous, around noon. She did vomit a few times then and again later when she got up to go to the bathroom (anesthetic drugs, I would assume), but she managed a few quick naps over the course of the afternoon and got progressively stronger with each one. Barring any unexpected hiccups, she should be released tomorrow morning.
We'll have to wait on the pathology report to see exactly what was in the tissue they removed, but Dr. Ginny said she could only identify one lymph node affected by the cancer. She also said there didn't seem to be any tissue damage from the chemo, although the anesthetist did have to put the intravenous in her left arm because of the chemo damage to the veins in her right. It also appears she only has two drains instead of the expected three.
I can't begin to describe the feeling of relief that washed over me as the doctor shared the good news. Up to that point I had been handling things pretty well, but it was all I could do to hold it together as she spoke. I knew on some level we were both stressed over this operation, but I had perhaps underestimated the weight of the load.
I'll let Sue take it from here, except to say thanks again to everyone for their calls, cards, emails, Facebook & blog posts, etc. over the past few days. Thanks so much to my sisters for being there with us this morning. Admittedly, I'm more than a little introverted and independent, and find it exceedingly difficult to admit that I might need some support, but it was very much appreciated.
- Rob
Even being as sure as I was that the outcome of today's surgery would be positive, it's still such a relief to hear that it really is over and the result even better than hoped for. I will continue to keep you both in my prayers that recovery for this stage goes equally as smooth.
ReplyDeleteAnd Rob, being a bit of an introvert myself (did I hear a gasp of disbelief from the crowd...lol)I understand how difficult it can be to ask for support. If my back had made me able to get there, I would have been. I am in spirit. If there is anything at all that either of you need, please let me know. Love to you both!
I am so happy to hear your news Rob!! I have been checkin here periodically all day. So relieved that everything went well, although I knew it would. I wish I had been there with you while you waited, if I could have I would have, you certainly had all my thoughts and prayers all day. I will give a call in a day or two, when she has rested! Please give her a hug from me and tell her I love her, and tell her what a strong gal she is!! Love to you both, H
ReplyDeleteSue and Rob, you have both shown such strength during this trying time. I'm so glad that things are going well. Onward and upward from here. Our prayers are with you both. Marilyn
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