Mom is improving...her BP is up and she has continued trying to eat another cracker, a bit of broth and juice. She was up in the chair again for an hour. Doctors are very pleased with the surgical wound sites, they are healing nicely.
A little about the surgery...the cancerous growth, sternum and bone that was removed was approx 14 cm x 6 cm. Abdominal wall muscles were cut and "threaded" up through to her chest wall to help cover the hole left behind after removing the cancer. They also removed an area of tissue and skin at the same spot, like a skin graft, to cover the muscle. They did not have to collapse a lung, however they did have to remove some muscle tissue, under the major pectoral muscle, which by building other muscles she will eventually be able to overcome most of the loss, all of which is truly an unexpected blessing! They did find and remove a small benign lump in her breast, which they removed as well. They checked out her lungs and surrounding tissue for any signs of cancer and found none.
It is expected that she will have a about 6 weeks of no pushing, pulling, lifting ANYTHING. A little physical therapy to help with her regaining and building muscle...soon she will be able to open a catsup bottle (something we girls have always struggled with :)
that all sounds positive. Glad to hear the progress. Hope the nausea is passing. lotsa love. xoxo
ReplyDeleteWendy and kids
Keep up the good work girlie. We're checking throughout the day and are grateful to be able to keep up on your progress. Sending hugs, De & Steve
ReplyDeleteNice report, thanks Kelly! Karen, sure hope that you continue to enjoy nourishing food to gain strength, heal, and to get up even better today (with help from your angels). I'm sure you will keep that spirometer moving and even be blowing up balloons for Cate soon. Continue to soak up the love that surrounds you and get well soon. Thinking of you with love. Marsha & Jim
ReplyDeleteAh this brings tears of joy to me. I am so very grateful to people who are willing/wanting to learn medicine so that we all can be blessed. Sounds like she is improving well. yay!!! So proud of her. Karen... it's definitely a finesse getting in and out of bed so that it doesn't hurt but you'll get it.:) How's the nausea today? Getting better I hope. :) Smile that beautiful smile of yours today as you take your walk. Love to you!!!
ReplyDeleteSharon