Sometimes I need to take a timeout from talking about Australia and talk about home, family and things close to my heart. It has been a busy few weeks for our family. Mom has made the rounds of her family doctor, radiologist and surgeon, not to mention all kinds of tests in preparation for surgery. Stress test - good. Breathing test - check. Last week she was admitted to hospital for two procedures. The first one involved searching for evidence of any cancer in her lymph nodes, via a very tiny camera inserted via the throat. Good news - nothing in the lymph nodes and the only side effect was some difficulty talking. The following day (Thursday) the surgeon removed a portion of her lung. She spent a little over a week in the hospital, hooked up to various machines which pulled fluid out of the lungs (since the one which was operated on can't do it for itself while healing) She's also using an inhalation therapy machine, which pumps medicine into her lungs, which loosens phlegm which settled into her chest from the surgery. And don't forget the oxygen machine. All this technology... it makes me aware of the amazing number of things our bodies do for us all the time and which we take for granted. It also increases my (already great) appreciation for research and innovation in medicine. Imagine how much slower her recovery would be if her lungs had to clear themselves while in such a weakened state. The surgery itself would probably be as dangerous as the cancer. Such visionaries... I'm in awe.
I am pleased and relieved to report that my mother is home from the hospital and continuing to recover. Her diabetes contributed to her extended hospital stay. She didn't have much of an appetite (it hurt to eat, not to mention trying to negotiate all the tubes and wires), which made her blood sugar levels a bit unstable. Insulin shots helped to smooth those out (another research miracle), and now her task is to maintain a regular eating schedule, rest, and let her body heal.
Mom's surgeon seems to think that chemo will not be needed, but her GP has referred her to an oncologist for his opinion. I'm grateful for that. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. That will take place in a couple of weeks. In the meantime she is receiving lots of get well cards and family support.
I hope to write again soon with even better news. For now, I will end by saying I am extremely grateful to my sister Dianne, who faithfully sends informative emails describing the details of doctor visits, surgery, recovery progress, and easy to understand explanations of the complexities of surgery, disease, and medical equipment. Thank you, sweetie! Thanks also to everyone who has called, emailed and written their interest and support for me, Vince and especially my Mom. It is appreciated and it is helping. You bless all of us.
I am pleased and relieved to report that my mother is home from the hospital and continuing to recover. Her diabetes contributed to her extended hospital stay. She didn't have much of an appetite (it hurt to eat, not to mention trying to negotiate all the tubes and wires), which made her blood sugar levels a bit unstable. Insulin shots helped to smooth those out (another research miracle), and now her task is to maintain a regular eating schedule, rest, and let her body heal.
Mom's surgeon seems to think that chemo will not be needed, but her GP has referred her to an oncologist for his opinion. I'm grateful for that. Just because you can't see it doesn't mean it isn't there. That will take place in a couple of weeks. In the meantime she is receiving lots of get well cards and family support.
I hope to write again soon with even better news. For now, I will end by saying I am extremely grateful to my sister Dianne, who faithfully sends informative emails describing the details of doctor visits, surgery, recovery progress, and easy to understand explanations of the complexities of surgery, disease, and medical equipment. Thank you, sweetie! Thanks also to everyone who has called, emailed and written their interest and support for me, Vince and especially my Mom. It is appreciated and it is helping. You bless all of us.
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