I just got a Google calendar reminder that my surgery for colon cancer was starting on 4-12-2007. Two years ago today, I had seven inches of my large intestine (or my descending colon; are those the same?) cut out. I didn't know what I was in for, really, at that time. I just knew my doctor said it had to be done.
I was due at the hospital around five or six that morning. When I went to the basement to let the dogs out, Louie had pooped all over the floor. Not a good solid poop either. Was this foreshadowing? Bob and I spent valuable time mopping the basement floor. Not a good start.
Surgery happened, and after, the nurses stuck a needle in my spine for the epidural that would dispense pain relief. For a couple of days, any time I was in pain, I just pushed a button and it went away. But eventually they took that needle away. I thought I had a high pain threshold, so I didn't ask for drugs when I felt a little pain. But then it got worse. When the doctors made their rounds to see me one morning (I say doctors because I was in a teaching hospital), I was wailing.
Man, it hurt. Tears still spring to my eyes when I think about it. I don’t really even remember where the pain was. I just remember it was most definitely there. The nurses gave me something. Morphine? And told me not to wait so long next time. After a few seconds, I felt better.
One day, I got out of the hospital bed and walked. The following day, I knew I needed a shower. Then, I pooped, the function necessary for my release. Finally I went home.
Every Easter from now until my death, I will remember what it feels like to be resurrected.
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8 comments:
Terri, that is some story.
I've recently started following your blog ... please stop by and say hi. Should you be interested in beoming a follower, I would list your blog in the blog roll on the right side of my blog.
I try and bring cancer blogger together ... no matter the type of cancer.
All the best to you.
Good luck to you. I'll list your blog on mine too.
Hi Terri, I can't believe it's been two years. Thank God for your resurrection. Do you know Paula Ross, LCMS Communicaitons? She's a-bloggin' on her cancer too. Like you, she is able to write with great humor on such a grave subject. She's linked from my blog. Take care, the other Terri
What's with all the cancer bloggers? Congratulations on your anniversary.
I was home from the hospital a few days and very disturbed about not having much in the way of bowel movements (I was in the hospital for eight days and didn't eat solid food for 11). I called my mother-in-law because of her nursing credentials. She asked me what I had to eat that day - "a half of a tomato sandwich." She laughed. "If you don't eat, Tom, you can't poop." That problem went away on its own.
Enjoyed your last two posts. I could relate to your idea of reserrection and to the anxiety preceding upcoming diagnostic tests. I am a 7 year survivor of an aggressive leukemia with a median survival of 7 months. I just started my own blogging community. Stop by sometime and visit. www.beingcancer.net Stay well, Dennis
Wow! Isn't it amazing how quickly the time goes! For me, it is one year ago today that I went to my family doctor and said, "There is something wrong with my leg." Turned out I had stage IIIB cervical cancer! My diagnosis was May 28th. To be honest, I didn't think that I would still be here today, but I am. And happy to be finding others out there who understand the rollercoaster ride of cancer!
Stay well!
I haven't seen a post in a while. Hope everything is okay. Keep it up, Cowgirl. I added you to my Cancer Blogs Lonks Page. Take care, Dennis beingcancer.net
All not so is simple, as it seems
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