Hi Honey, I'm Home!

I got home a few hours ago from the most interesting adventure ever!  Thank you, each and every one of you, for your thoughts and prayers.  It really REALLY meant so much to me!  Thank you, Jan S., for being my surgery Angel and my daugther, as well, for letting you know I was fine! Went into surgery on Thursday morning.  Was told, at the last minute, to be there by 5:30 a.m.  Got there at 5:30 a.m. and didn't get seen until 6 a.m.  Typical....  We all had a laugh about that one.  Did all the pre-op stuff and saw the surgeon.  She doesn't have much humor but the Anesthesiologist sure did!  Whew....  Stress equals humor for me.  My daughter happened to mention I'm a touch claustraphobic and the Anesthesiologist was thrilled to hear that.  People don't think to mention it and end up in a panic.  Anyway, got to my room by early afternoon and had a great day.  No problems at all.  Loved the pain pump (I named him My Friend Fred) that first day.  Had some dry heaves a couple of times that first day, too.  No biggie but they addressed it quickly.  I was prowling the hallways by 7 p.m. that night.  Did 10 laps around the floor at 11 p.m. and again at 4 a.m.  I was able to do them by myself almost from the first go!  The night shift knew me very well.  LOL I had become dehydrated from the bowel prep so they had a little trouble "encouraging" my kidneys to decide to give back.  The doctors won that battle, too! I had the nicest group of nurses and aides imaginable.  Really good to remind me that there are great people in the world! The relief coverage surgeon saw me yesterday and today.  Very nice and much more personality.  He came by today and took out the drain for me.  He said he never heard anybody make that sound before when he did that!  LOL  Then he told me he was off to remove a few gall bladders.  I told him mine was already down there so tell it hello from me when you see it.  He laughed and went on his merry way. Came home with a urinary tract infection and they were all a-buzz about my elevated white count until I reminded them I have CLL which is a form of leukemia.  Ah....... was the reaction I got many, many times. Today I've managed to get 3/4 of my quota of protein in.  Barely any time left to sip water after that.  I'm home and a bit tired.  Also a bit sore but not bad at all.  Got alot of prescription filled so I have some pill crushing to do and some in liquid form. So, I'm going to rest, sip, and walk.  Scared to put a bra on yet.  Will work up to that as soon as possible.  First goal is to be allowed to take a shower.  Have to wait 48 hours after the drain coming out.  I only weigh 4 pounds more than when I went in! Take care and I hope to read back to see what I've missed since I was away.  I'll catch up quickly I'm sure. Hugs, Kathi

Kathi I'm so glad you breezed through the surgery !  I figured with all the time you had to wait, the surgery itself would be anti-climactic.  Or not ! Anyhow, glad to see you're home and doing well.  The surgery weight gain will disappear fast (it's all fluids), and you'll be on your way.  There's a seat right next to me on the loser's bench.  I made room....

Candy

Thanks for the support - and the GREAT card, Candy! I'm not worried about the weight one little bit at this point.  Don't know where I'd be in this without the wisdom and experience of everyone before me.....   I think I'm doing well.....  I was able to sleep in my own bed last night!  I slept elevated on pillows and flat on my back but it was in my bed!  Yeah....  I'll take that.... Hugs, Kathi

Welcome Home Kathi! So glad to hear all went well without anything major happening.  You have such a great attitude I expect that you will do fabulously with your recovery and weight loss.  Take care of yourself. Bev

It's been an experience, Bev! I think it's been a great experience for me because I was able to know exactly what to expect.  Without everyone sharing, I can't imagine how I would be feeling now.  I sure hope you're right that recovery goes well for me.  I know the weightloss will come. Hugs, Kathi

Kathi, Glad to hear you are home and doing well.  Those nurses were extra nice because they had an extra nice patient!!!!!  Take care.  Sending good thoughts your way!!!!!!!!!1

Hi Donna! I feel the good thoughts coming through here and I thank you...  I think extra special people tend to go into the nursing profession and if you're nice to them it's easier for them to be nice right back.  But I was truly blessed.  My friend, who is a nurse herself, brought them a special treat when she came to visit on Saturday night.  She could tell I was getting very good care and that made me feel really good too. Hugs, Kathi

* * * * * W E L C O M E ... H O M E ... K A T H I * * * * * You sound so perky and "with it" Must be the drugs..... .. lol I'm glad to hear you did so well during surgery and the hospital stay. Now relax, rest and recuperate because there is a whole new world out there. Best Wishes ... Millie

Hi there, Millie! Thanks for the banner welcome!  Feels great to be back home and among friends.  I plan to rest and do what I'm supposed to do, believe me.  I've crushed my pills and "chewed" them already this morning.  That's simply the worst part of this whole entire deal.  LOL  I think if that's as bad as it gets I'm very very lucky! Hugs, Kathi

Hey Kathi, Glad to hear you made it through ok. The 4 lbs is the iv fluids, so that will go away soon, and about the bra, girl, pretend its the 60's all over again.  You're doing fine!