This road we’re on seems to be full of twists, turns and surprises. But then, that’s a pretty apt description of life, isn’t it?
Husband is still in ICU – he seems to be doing fine, but the doctor wants him carefully monitored. We met with that doctor yesterday, and it seems the scan they did the day after surgery showed that he had not gotten that 70% of the tumor he thought he had. Seems the stubborn tumor has buried itself deeply into the brain, and he got only about 50% of it. He is not happy. We are not happy. We are afraid of what we’re going to hear.
Is there a sadness that we feel relief when what we hear is that he wants to go in again? Maybe. But also hope. He feels that since he has already done much of the prep work, he has an incision through which he can work, he should go in again, but take a different approach this time. An approach that he feels will enable him to get that other 40% he wanted to get. He said that during the first surgery, he had the thought that this might end up being a two parter. And a two parter it will be.
This surgery will be done Sunday – tomorrow – a.m. Early, again. Hopefully shorter than the last one. We have experience now. We are prepared. We think. We hope this one will do the trick. I have noticed little difference in husband’s cognitive abilities from before that first surgery, and he appears to have no real improvement in his sight in his right eye. Perhaps it’s just too soon. Perhaps the second surgery is the answer. We hope. We pray.
I have a trail from my motel room to the hospital. At first I followed the crumbs. Now I have it memorized. I know about the hospital. I know where the restrooms are, where to find food, how to access the wifi. I have learned the best place (at least my idea of the best place) to park, and have also learned that unless one arrives at the hospital very early – before ICU lets one in – one will not get the best parking place. But I have not lost my way after the first night. Again, I have my trail. I know the channel lineup for the cable TV here. I have found HGTV, and I found American Idol. The second is a bit of a mixed blessing this year, given the female judges they’ve selected.
I found my way to Bimart yesterday. It seems when I packed I thought we would be here a week or less. I brought all of husband’s medications – I brought only a week’s supply of my blood pressure medication. Whoops! The pharmacy worked with me and provided another refill for me. So I wended my way to the pharmacy yesterday, missing a turn and getting there in a somewhat backwards manner. Leaving, I managed to miss a different turn – because a sense of direction was not given to me and my street got there much faster than I expected – so I took the scenic route back. But I did get back to the hospital, so I viewed it as a successful trip. Having studied the Google map a bit before I made the trip did help – at least I recognized street names leading me to where I needed to be.
I have the love and support of my family and my friends – and my bloggy friends. I have the love of my husband and he has the care of cheerful, helpful medical personnel. I have hope. I have enough.
Thinking of you and your husband and wishing you well. Sorry to hear it is a two parter.
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I’m sending prayers and good wishes to your husband for his second surgery tomorrow. Blessings and peace to you, Carol. And love. Lots of love. ❤
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Both of you are in my thoughts and prayers. I am deeply sorry for all you are going through. Praying the good Doc gets the rest of it and this second surgery is the key. Hugs!
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Praying for you both Carol and that all goes well tomorrow.
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Carol, please know that both of you are in our hearts and our prayers. And thank you for these updates. Thinking about you.
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My heart goes out to you and your hubby!! You must be exhausted. Sending much love and energy to both of you!!!
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Carol – I’m wrapping you and yours in a warm, energetic blanket of “peace of mind.”
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Lifting you all up in prayer. Carol, I hope all goes well with your husband’s second surgery.
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We’re thinking of you & Pat and are looking forward to a positive report from the 2nd surgery.
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Sending more hope and prayers to you.
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Tough stuff. You both sound very courageous in the face of incredible trial. May peace and comfort be yours.
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Oh Carol, no words are enough, so sending you a heart full of love. xxxxxx
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Carol. It’s so exhausting for both of you. Him for all he is going through and you for the endless waiting and stressing. Hang in there. I hope someone will be with you tomorrow. If not, know that all of us are with you in spirit. Check in with us a bit if you can. We will all be thinking of you all day. Hugs. I’m praying hard.
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Thinking of you……..
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My thoughts are with you.
It is, in fact, wonderful that they are going back in.
(When I was recently in the hospital, the woman sharing my room “wasn’t a candidate for surgery” for an injury, and was going straight to hospice.
A two-parter is wonderfully optimistic, awful as it feels.
But this is hard, hard times for both of you.
Stay strong.
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Pilgrim stock….yes, that’s what you are…Pilgrim stock. We’re all with you in spirit and prayer.
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Carol, I have been away from the blogging world for about a month, so I had no idea when I stopped by today that I would find your husband having had brain surgery. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
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Oh Carol, I’m so sorry. I’ve been in my own little world for weeks. I had no idea.
Sending all my most positive thoughts your way. May you both stay strong and be well.
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Hope the surgery went well, Carol. Will continue to hope and send you positive thoughts.
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Hoping for the best Carol.
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Thinking of you both, Carol.
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