JohnSFO is a colostomate
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AceSFO
Member Posts: 229
Hey Gang,
The surgery went really well, although it took a long time (nearly 5 hours). We were really happy with the surgeon who did it as well as the rest of the team. They were going to see if it might have been possible to remove some of the tumor (which we had been told was inoperable), but once they got in there they found that the tumor was rock hard, and indeed inoperable. However it is still the only place where he has the cancer (no other mets) so that's good. The stoma started working within hours of the surgery which is also good news. The pain has been especially bad and last night was off the chart, but we seem to be getting it under control now and he's much more comfortable.
The support and love from this board has been amazing and we especially want to thank Trapbear and his partner (who works at this hospital). Trapbear's partner arranged for us to get a private room (so I can stay overnight, rather than drive the 40 miles back and forth), as well as all sorts of other little perks that made us feel like royalty. It was absolutely overwhelming and it makes us feel so good - there just aren't words to express what it feels like. If there were a way to ask for applause on the internet, that's what I'm doing here. It was also cool to finally meet another semi-colon in person.
So, thanks again to all of you and to both those guys! You Rock!!
lots of love,
Adrian
The surgery went really well, although it took a long time (nearly 5 hours). We were really happy with the surgeon who did it as well as the rest of the team. They were going to see if it might have been possible to remove some of the tumor (which we had been told was inoperable), but once they got in there they found that the tumor was rock hard, and indeed inoperable. However it is still the only place where he has the cancer (no other mets) so that's good. The stoma started working within hours of the surgery which is also good news. The pain has been especially bad and last night was off the chart, but we seem to be getting it under control now and he's much more comfortable.
The support and love from this board has been amazing and we especially want to thank Trapbear and his partner (who works at this hospital). Trapbear's partner arranged for us to get a private room (so I can stay overnight, rather than drive the 40 miles back and forth), as well as all sorts of other little perks that made us feel like royalty. It was absolutely overwhelming and it makes us feel so good - there just aren't words to express what it feels like. If there were a way to ask for applause on the internet, that's what I'm doing here. It was also cool to finally meet another semi-colon in person.
So, thanks again to all of you and to both those guys! You Rock!!
lots of love,
Adrian
0
Comments
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Adrian,
I am glad this went
Adrian,
I am glad this went so well. Please tell John I am thinking about him, as I know many are. I hope they get the pain under control so he can rest & recover. I am really glad that Trapbear's partner could help you out; I sometimes have paid a little extra for a private room & it makes a big difference - they are not so restrictive when a spouse/partner wants to stay a little longer (or even overnight). It's also nice to know someone is "watching your back" as you go through these procedures.0 -
Surgery
So glad that the surgery went well. Wow his stoma started working hours after his surgery. It took mine about 3 days to wake up. Sorry to hear he is in so much pain, I'm hoping that they are keeping him comfortable with some heavy pain meds as he will need it for the next couple days. When he is able, help him get up and walk, this will make his recovery time so much shorter and it will make him feel better too - well not while walking, but he will appreciate it after. I wish him a very speedy recovery. And you, Adrian, take it easy too. It's a hard job you have being caregiver too. Wishing the best for the both of you.
Kim0 -
John and Adrian!
Congrats on all the good news! Let's just keep praying for that rotten tumor to die off!
Trapbear and Partner, This just touched my heart today. Wow! Thank you so much for the kindness shown our dear friends. Blessings upon you both!
Diane0 -
Adrian
I am so pleased for you and John that the surgery was a success and now he can finally have some relief. Hopefully, they can control the pain and he can get on with the healing process. Please tell him we are all thinking about him and wishing him a speedy recovery - Take Care - Tina0 -
Hi
Hi Adrian,
I'm a caregiver too. I don't post often, but check in regularly to see how everyone is doing, in addition to my questions. I'm so happy that the surgery went well for John, and that you were able to stay with him. That's huge - I stayed with my husband during his stay at the hospital. It is so much easier, and helped alleviate the stress of going back and forth. I just felt better being with him. It was wonderful that Trapbear's partner could arrange it - applause!!!
I hope John won't have any more pain, and will recover quickly. I continue to keep you and John, as well as everyone on this board, in my prayers. You are so right, the love and support here is amazing and at times, very humbling. As a caregiver, I can't express how comforting this board has been.
Be well,
Donna0 -
Adrian and John
The pain and discomfort are going to be intense at first, as you know and you will need heavy dutty painkillers to start. I had my colostomy exactly three months ago today,spent eight days in the hospital(that varies by person)and another one 1/2 to two months or so til things became better painwise. But that was my case,hopefully your recovery from the serious pain will be quicker. There are advantages to being a colostomate too(as you'll discover). Best of health .....Steve0 -
Adrian and John,
Christopher
Adrian and John,
Christopher and I are so glad that we could help make your time at Stanford a little more bearable, it is no fun having someone you love in the hospital. I am so glad that John's surgery went well. Take care, and hope to meet you in person real soon!
Love you,
Bill0 -
YAY!!Trapbear said:Adrian and John,
Christopher
Adrian and John,
Christopher and I are so glad that we could help make your time at Stanford a little more bearable, it is no fun having someone you love in the hospital. I am so glad that John's surgery went well. Take care, and hope to meet you in person real soon!
Love you,
Bill
It's so awesome to come here from chemo just to read that John's surgery went well, I am very happy! Let him know We're all loving on him, and giving him huge cyber hugsss to you both!!
I spent 9 days in the hospital with my colostomy, wow..I can't get over how his bowels moved so quick, it took mine like 5 days, I was afraid it was never going to happen, but I remember the pain of trying to get up and walk to "Wake the bowels up" like the nurses and doctors said, I even walked with a pillow on top of my tummy to make it feel better. It hurt even when I laughed!
What is he taking for the pain? the Dilaudin worked really good for me, it was on a pain pump, with a button you push, I hope they do get his pain controlled, the poor guy, I know it's bad at first, but it does get better!
And thanks to Bill and Chris for having a part of our family treated so well, you are both awesome, and is really nice to hear!! I had my oldest daughter stay with me when I was going through all those tests at first dx, when I had to stay in the hospital for those 5 days. It was scary, but the nurses were really good, and it's always nice to have really good care, sometimes you get those nurses where you know they're just there for the paycheck, and not caring how we are or feel. Kisses and Hugsss to you both!!
Hugsssss!
~Donna0 -
what a relief that the
what a relief that the surgery went well! I would say to keep pushing for great pain management, and John it is just not ok to grin and bear it. The less pain you are in, the better your days are and that is what this is all about. Thanks to trapbear and Christopher for their string pulling. I totally agree that this stuff does help !
Keep us posted Adrian!0 -
Hi my Friend!
I am sooo happy to hear the good news! I am glad they are getting his pain under control. It made me laugh when you said you have a private room. Everytime I go to the hosp. I ask for the same room #400 I found out later they use it for hospice patients, but if no one is using it, they will let me use it. I love it, it has a big screen tv, kitchenette, refrig. pull out couch etc. and the room is HUGE. I never did tell my husband until much later what the room is actually used for! Hey any little perk will do! Once again, I will keep you and John in my prayers!
HUGS!
Karyn0 -
YEAH!!!
Dear Adrian and John, I'm happy to hear that things went so well. I will continue to pray for you both. It's so nice that Trapbear and his partner were able to arrange for you private room and special treatment. We all need to feel a little pampered once in a while. It's great that our little family is always on the lookout for ways to bless each other. Big hugs to all of you.
God Bless You,
Debbie (gramma)0 -
He's on everything for the painShayenne said:YAY!!
It's so awesome to come here from chemo just to read that John's surgery went well, I am very happy! Let him know We're all loving on him, and giving him huge cyber hugsss to you both!!
I spent 9 days in the hospital with my colostomy, wow..I can't get over how his bowels moved so quick, it took mine like 5 days, I was afraid it was never going to happen, but I remember the pain of trying to get up and walk to "Wake the bowels up" like the nurses and doctors said, I even walked with a pillow on top of my tummy to make it feel better. It hurt even when I laughed!
What is he taking for the pain? the Dilaudin worked really good for me, it was on a pain pump, with a button you push, I hope they do get his pain controlled, the poor guy, I know it's bad at first, but it does get better!
And thanks to Bill and Chris for having a part of our family treated so well, you are both awesome, and is really nice to hear!! I had my oldest daughter stay with me when I was going through all those tests at first dx, when I had to stay in the hospital for those 5 days. It was scary, but the nurses were really good, and it's always nice to have really good care, sometimes you get those nurses where you know they're just there for the paycheck, and not caring how we are or feel. Kisses and Hugsss to you both!!
Hugsssss!
~Donna
Epidural (Bupivacaine), Hydromorphone (Dilaudid), Fentanyl (self-administered pump, + 100mcg injection prn) Liquid Valium, and maybe one more.
The staff at the hospital are all really great! The anesthesiologist stopped by this morning just to check in, which was cool, followed by the surgical team, and all the nurses are wonderful.
As for his bowels working so quickly, on the one hand, yeah, that was fast, but on the other hand, he's been taking Mira-Lax daily for 2 months and then topped it off with a gallon of Go-Litely on Saturday, so it's really no mystery. That stuff works!
Thanks again to all of you - whether you reply to the posts or not, the support and caring is overwhelming and humbling.
lots of love,
Adrian0 -
It's Over!
Phew! What a relief this must be for you both. The worry about blockages and perforation, the constant diet of laxatives, all over. The decision made! The deed done!
I hope the adjustment goes well and tha a good quality of life is restored.
I am relieved tho hear that things went well. Like Donna, I'm just home from chemo.
Give a hug to John.
Rob; in Vancouver0 -
oohhhrobinvan said:It's Over!
Phew! What a relief this must be for you both. The worry about blockages and perforation, the constant diet of laxatives, all over. The decision made! The deed done!
I hope the adjustment goes well and tha a good quality of life is restored.
I am relieved tho hear that things went well. Like Donna, I'm just home from chemo.
Give a hug to John.
Rob; in Vancouver
ohhh Adrian: that is such a moving story ( oops honestly I didn't mean it)
a private room is such a gift...what a treat that you can stay.
and pain control is such a gamble....sometimes takes some time to get it all worked out.
I am so happy that things are going to look up for the both of you.
all the best
mags0 -
Ha Ha! Good One!!maglets said:oohhh
ohhh Adrian: that is such a moving story ( oops honestly I didn't mean it)
a private room is such a gift...what a treat that you can stay.
and pain control is such a gamble....sometimes takes some time to get it all worked out.
I am so happy that things are going to look up for the both of you.
all the best
mags
Hey Mags,
That cracked me up! Thanks - laughter is always good -
Hope you're doing well,
love,
Adrian0 -
Good to hear from youAceSFO said:Ha Ha! Good One!!
Hey Mags,
That cracked me up! Thanks - laughter is always good -
Hope you're doing well,
love,
Adrian
Adrian,
It is sooo good to hear from you. I almost posted yesterday, wondering how it went, so I am glad you let us know.
I am also glad you get a few perks while in the hospital. They should treat you like royalty because that is the way we think of you both!
I sure hope the pain thing settles down and John gets rest. Make sure he keeps taking deep breaths and moves those feet, we don't want pneumonia!
Take care
Jan0 -
Great story Adrian!!!
This site really is a magical kind of place and has been for the 6 years I have been a member. I am not near as active as I was years ago while deep in the fight but am very proud that so many of you have picked up the torch and are "playing it forward".
Give my best to John...........
PS. My boxer Scout and the 2 I am pet sitting all send you both lots of sweet boxer kisses.0 -
great story
I am happy to hear everything went well for John. And I'm applauding Chris and Trapbear! How nice of them to do what they could to make this easier on both of you.
I hope John continues to recover with less pain each day. Adrian - John is lucky to have you by his side every step of the way.0
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