Turned the corner!

Well, we were so excited being able to come home from Houston, but a little naive regarding the recovery. Healing from the surgery has been harder than chemo and radiation combined.
Cindy struggled with extreme pain for the first two weeks, and was limited to pain management. The medicine she used before and after surgery only exacerbated the recovery and digestion of food. Cindy lost a lot of weight with a very limited diet. After several trips to the ER, Tx Oncology, and GI offices, we were off again to Houston to bring out the big guns at MD Anderson.
Well it turned out that Cindy was stuck in a vicious cycle. She would crash, and we would take her into the ER or Tx Oncology for extreme lethargy and lack of energy. There, she would receive an IV to stabilize her hydration and electrolytes, then go home to resume the recovery. She was on a very limited diet, unable to eat fiber, fat, grains, nuts, or vegetables.
Once she was seen at MDA, they recognized that she was hypoglycemic, causing her blood sugar to skyrocket after eating the recommended diet. This would cause her body to dump fluids and electrolytes, resulting in the extreme lethargy.
We have now added low carbohydrates to the list and changed her diet. She is back on her feet and feeling much stronger. She is very confident that a full recovery is just a few months away! It's amazing how bad you can feel when your blood sugar spikes over 200.
These symptoms should only be temporary, the doctors said that as she heals, her body will resume normal functions seen in over 90% of cases.
Some have asked, "How many stitches did it take to put her back together?" Almost 100! The doctors said that she is in the top 10% of patients who recover this well at this stage. GO CINDY!

As always, thanks to everyone for your thoughts and prayers.
-Paul

Austin bound!

Cindy followed up with her surgeon, Dr. Fleming, and he was very pleased with how the well the healing process is going. They have changed her pain meds, and they seem to be helping as well. Cindy's approved diet is expanding, which is exciting! But most importantly... she gets to come home tomorrow!!! Cindy will begin updating the care calendar when she gets back home, and is beyond excited to be heading back!

Farewell for now MD Anderson!

Cindy was discharged yesterday around lunchtime from MD Anderson!!! They want her to stay close for the next couple of weeks for monitoring.
Stacy, Alex, and Paisley went down to see her this weekend and help lift spirits all around. Cindy was also blessed with Tom, Becky, and Lisa being able to go down and visit during this transition, and they are a great source of strength and love.
Cindy is still on a liquid diet but getting stronger by the day.
The strong prayers and thoughts are being felt all around, and the family is so grateful for all forms of support.
Please continue sending your love and prayers, the fight is still long and tough, but is made easier through the support of family and friends.

Gratefulness and Love,
Cindy and the Family

Recovery Day 8

Cindy had a very good day!

She took her first hot shower and washed her hair. She took many walks around MD Anderson and went up to the observation deck on the top floor. Her diet has been expanded to soup, oatmeal, grits, and pudding. Yum! Food is digesting well and increasing her strength.

Cindy is transitioning from IV meds to pill form in preparation to leave the hospital. Tomorrow she will lose her side stomach port.

If all stays stable she will leave the hospital Friday! Thank you Darla for being here this week!

Pathology clear!

Cindy's pathology report came back today and showed all clean and clear margins and no lymph involvement! What fantastic news to hear! Still hitting rough patches in the recovery as far as her digestive comfort is concerned, but still healing. Her epidural is coming out today, and they will begin to transition to oral medications. A hot shower is in her near future, and she is dining on Jello and juice today! But the huge news being that she is cancer free!!!
Cindy is so thankful for the amazing love and support throughout this process, so keep it coming! The recovery is taking big steps!

Recovery Day 6

Cindy got her stomach pump taken out today! HOORAY! The tube through her nose was very uncomfortable and she couldn't wait for that to go. She also got to visit the beauty parlor, put make-up on and get a warm sponge bath. She is feeling like a brand new woman!

She then got to visit the outdoor park on Floor 2 of MD Anderson to soak up some sunshine. She was in heaven! Took a nap in the sun and got to enjoy the panoramic view of Houston. She is meeting all her milestones like a champ.

She is likely to discharge from the hospital to Mark and Jeanne Marie's home in Houston on Friday!  That will be the best time for flowers or other gift deliveries.

Cindy's brother, Tom and wife Becky from New Mexico, Friends Lisa and Mike, Stacy, Brandon, and Alex will be there this weekend as she transitions out of the hospital. Paisley will also get to join us! Cindy has been waiting and waiting to get some puppy kisses!

Recovery Day 5

Great day today! Pain is getting much more manageable. Walked the floor 6 times and gaining strength by the day. Had my first bowel movement and peed not using the catheter!!! This is a major success on the road to going home. Had my first blood infusion and feel good. Having my daily popsicle which is such a treat!

Had lots of help over the weekend from Paul, Mark, Jeanne Marie, Caroline, Alex, Kelli, Karen and Jane. Thank you all for your help! I also had a surprise guest helper, Sara that showed up tonight from Austin to sit with me for the night shift. WOW!

I look forward to seeing my sister in law, Darla, tomorrow who is coming in for the week from Florida!

Many prayers answered and I feel so blessed!