Wednesday, November 5
I was feeling positive before surgery, all dressed in the latest hospital fashion of ugly bootie socks and gown, that if not closed properly, walking to the bathroom could be like a runway mishap on Project Runway. I had seen the nurses, anesthesiologist, and finally the surgeon came in for one last visit before the procedure. I can't say it was a great pep talk - it was more like, I'm going to do everything I can to make this surgery a success. But, even if it is "successful"; you may still have numbness or complete paralysis. I had some tears when he left, but pulled myself back together because - like he also said - No surgery meant complete paralysis with no chance of regaining that loss of feeling. Having faith in a sovereign God and knowing that you are in His hands, is so comforting at times like these! I can say that I truly felt everyone's prayers for me and my family. I am normally an anxious person and this kind of surgery would typically be cause for great anxiety, but I felt at peace. My sister and niece came down to sit vigil with my husband during the six hour procedure and I was so thankful that I got to see them before the surgery and having my sister pray with me, meant so much.
Soon there was a flurry of activity as they took me back to the OR and before I knew it, I was off to dreamland! The surgery lasted six hours, which is what the surgeon had predicted. He came to the waiting room to talk with Mark and my sister about the procedure and that it had been a success. Five vertebrae were removed to gain access to the tumor and the tumor was removed completely with no complications. The removed vertebrae were replaced with rods and pins. He told them that it would probably be about two hours until they would be able to see me - since it was a longer procedure, it would take longer for me to come out of the anesthesia and be moved to a room. They were shocked when they were paged a half hour later to tell them that I was already awake and in my room.
The next thing I remember is seeing Mark, my friend, Cindy, my sister and niece surrounding me! They were all laughing and crying! Apparently, I was being hilarious as I came out of the anesthesia - asking Cindy how my hair looked and then declaring - vanity, vanity! I kept moving my feet and toes and touching my thighs and abdomen - I was so excited to have some feeling in these areas where a few hours before I did not!
The surgeon came in to see me that evening and again the next morning. It was the first time I had seen him where he was animated and happy - I think the demands of my surgery had been weighing on him. He kept telling me that I was NOT a textbook case and that from the first time he saw me and saw my MRI with a tumor almost totally compressing my spinal cord, he couldn't believe that I was not completely paralyzed. I felt great the day after surgery and was up and walking around in the morning and physical therapy cleared me to go home the next day. On Friday, I came crashing down with lots of pain and nausea! By evening, the pain and nausea were both under better control and they discharged me to home. I had an absolutely horrible weekend at home (but, I probably would have felt worse in the hospital). I think my body just needed an adjustment to all the different medications I was taking for pain. I wasn't eating much, thus the nausea from the pain meds. By Monday morning, I finally felt a bit better and was able to get a shower and that was amazing! The remainder of the week was mostly good - feeling a little better/stronger each day.
I had a follow up with the surgeon on Thursday and the bandages were removed. The tumor that was removed showed no signs of cancer! I have a lovely brace that I need to wear for the next six weeks, but how can I complain about that! I'm restricted in certain movements - no twisting, no bending, no lifting! But, I have regained the feeling from my toes to my upper abdomen and I'm so thankful! I've already started to pester my hubs to get the Christmas things down from the attic so we can slowly start to decorate! He's not going to let me get in over my head and will make sure I take things slow!
I have so many things to be thankful for, but I'm especially thankful for my friends and family who have blessed us with meals, gifts, and gorgeous flowers to cheer me! And, my blog friends who have given their time to post here for me while I recover.
I had a new furry friend waiting for me when I got home. Her name is Sadie. I couldn't wait to show her off today, but I'll be back to tell you all about how she came to live with us! She has been the purrr fect companion for me! If you want to see more of Sadie, I've been posting pics on Instagram #50shadesoftabby.
Tomorrow, Kim from Savvy Southern Style will be here to share some tips for extra holiday seating! I can't wait to read it myself!