Dear Friends,
This blog entry is being co-written by Kip and Catherine. Kip is very tired tonight, but also extremely happy. It has been a good day. Kip had a good night in hospital, if such a thing is to be had. There was some sleep, some meditation, some chatting with the night nurse, some introspection and the day, like all days in hospitals, started early. I (Catherine) and Barb arrived at the hospital about 8:00 and found Kip up and happy to see us. We met with the doctor (one of the fellows working with the surgeon, who was part of the operation) and he was able to answer some of our questions. The axiol dissection on the left side means that all of the lymph nodes from the first two levels were taken. On the right, the sentinel node and one smaller one beside it, was also taken. These will be closely inspected by the pathologist and we will get that report at the end of January. No muscle was taken, and only one nerve was harmed, which explains some of why Kip has such good range of motion already. However, the nerve that was taken was under her left armpit has left a numb area that extends from under her arm from the edge of her shoulder to the elbow. The doctor says that some sensation may return.
The pain is pretty managed with Tylenol-3, but Kip says that with certain motions she feels like a dog hitting an electric fence (not a totally relaxing image). But she is getting used to the limits.
We have learned how to milk the drains (there are four of them, and they collect fluids that are confused by the absent lymph nodes).
We left the hospital by about 11:30, and Christina (the home care nurse) came by not too long after to deal with the back absess. Everything looks good there, and there will be a home care nurse in every day for as long as we need one.
After an afternoon snooze, Barb came by with Helen and made dinner for us, and Maureen came as well. An impromptu party emerged, and Kip had a contraindicated yet well deserved glass of wine or two! We laughed and cried and celebrated this moment together.
We hope for a long and restful night.
Sending love and good thoughts,
Catherine and Kip
This is all great to hear. It sounds like you couldn't have hoped for any better. You are in my thoughts, Cress
ReplyDeleteThis is good news. Contraindications in moderation can be managed with aplomb, so my hope is that Saturday is not the worse for the wine!
ReplyDeleteNerves do regenerate, so the lack of feeling may not be permanent.
I have really good news from my friend Barbara, who had breast cancer surgery in mid-December. She received an all clear, no nodes implicated, and only requires radiation treatment followed by the usual regular mammogram. She had a celebratory drink, too. And I toasted her, too. So there will be a toast coming your way, too.
Here, I'm getting ready for the term to start on Monday. Mixed feelings about that. Do you think I coul be paid a good salary for doing just what I want to do? Not likely.
Much love,
Roberta