For the most part, the drain has been the source of our frustration the past few days. Not the drain themselves, but the stitches were leaking last week. So on Thursday, I went to Hopkins to have the one area stitched better with 2 new stitches. Unfortunately, two days later we had one of the toughest days yet.
On Saturday AM, I woke coughing and throwing up a little. I think all the pressure on my abdomen pushed the stitches apart and my abdomen pretty much turned into a leaky faucet. My dressing was dripping with fluid every 30 minutes. Having to repeatedly change the dresssing soon became very annoying and frustrating for Meg and I. By 11pm that night, we finally got worried because it wasn't stopping and so we went to the Emergency Room by our house. Fun. Fun. Fun.
It actually wasn't too bad, but we were there from about 11pm to 1:30am. Knowing that my situation is complicated, we were very weary of who would be attempting to fix the problem. Well, so was the ER doctor and so we all agreed to actually do nothing and hope that laying down flat over the next 24 hours would alleviate some of the problems.
When we got home, we put on probably the 10th bandage of the day on. We put towels on the bed and around my stomach. We took every precaution necessary and I was ordered not to move. Low and behold - it worked (knock on wood). It's been dry so far since that incident. I can't explain it, but let's hope it stays that way. I actually went to Hopkins today to get it checked again and they agreed to do nothing for now. I'm just nervous the next big cough or nausea reaction might rupture the stitches. Let's pray it doesn't and everything heals so we can move on!
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There was a time when we ourselves didn’t know how to react when someone was diagnosed, what questions to ask, or what daily life was like for anyone surviving cancer. Now that we have some experience in the matter, we wanted to share our thoughts and feelings to hopefully help others who have been touched by cancer.
Please visit the National Collegiate Cancer Foundation http://www.collegiatecancer.org/ for more resources.
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CancerCon8 years ago
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7 comments:
Oh Dan, I am so sorry you are experiencing frustration with this drain that we thought would make life easier for you. Good idea to just stay in bed for a day and sleep and rest so you can visit with family later this week. We all love you and want to see you and Meg. Love, mom
Oh, Dan, this latest "Drain-o" episode sounds positively miserable-BUT you always seem to beat whatever plaguing issues arise. I'm amazed and delighted and hopeful for whenever you get kicked down with another debilitating symptom, somehow you find a way to get through every nasty one of them. To me it's amazing--your resiliency is remarkable, so impressive. And I believe, that in your resiliency lies the code to your continual and steady success of comebacks--Could it be part of your DNA? Maybe, but it is surely your resiliency that is getting you through this horrendous struggle and that which will get you back to full health. Hang in there, Dan, you do have a strength within you that is extraordinarily unique and healing.
cousin Paula
How frustrating! Somehow the body has a way of telling you to slow down and take it easy (in this case not to move!) and it will do its job. Hopefully the healing moves along quickly and you can "enjoy" the convenience of the drain. I love that the drain itself has been the source of many fun word titles in your last few posts. Keep up the humor, but don't laugh too hard those stitches need more healing!
Love,
Dana
P.S. I didn't know that Phil was one of your favorites!
Just wanted to let you guys know I've been thinking about you. I have been reading your blog in my cubicle for the past hour or so. Dan, I hope that you start to get some relief from this discomfort soon!! You are both so inspiring to all of us....WWW!
Christy
I hope you are doing better today dan!
I know listening to Obama's speech last night this line stood out that we will "launch a new effort to conquer a disease that has touched the life of nearly every American by seeking a cure for cancer in our time." It's coming, stay strong, day by day!
Waeger Will Win!
LFord
Dan and Meg, this sounds like it must have been so scary to go through. I'm so sorry to hear this. We miss you guys.
-Lisa
Ready for some unsolicited advice from a complete stranger based on second-hand experience? Anytime someone is working with or around your port insist on gloves and a mask. Some folks (even those who should know better) can be a little too casual with this expressway to your bloodstream. Be polite but firm and do not waiver. I nearly lost my aunt this way.
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