John's Post-OP Update

Ericalynn
Ericalynn Member Posts: 200
in Esophageal Cancer #1
9-10-11
Day One for John has been pretty good. He has a great nurse today (not so much last night). She spoke to physician and requested additional pain meds. He has the pump but that was not managing pain. She requested Toradol and he received a dose at 11 AM and was like a new person. He was up in a chair for 4 hours and has taken two walks around the ICU. Pain management is so important. I did not advocate enough for him yesterday. I learned a lesson (hope I won't need to use) that you must speak up. He was having pain along the right scapula last night big knot in muscle. It started again this afternoon he says pain is worse then the surgery pain. It is all most time for the toradol so he should feel better soon. The surgery was MIE with Robotic assist, he went in to surgery at 7:15 and the Dr came out to speak to me around 3-3:30. So far so good, next step path report and swallow study for leak. I'll keep everyone posted. I just would like to also say that the people on this board are some of the wonderful people I have ever known. I am so touch by all the post and encouraging words of support. Thank you, I love you all in a very special way.
Erica

Comments

  • BMGky
    BMGky Member Posts: 621
    #2
    Glad he is doing well. Pain
    Glad he is doing well. Pain management can be a challenge.

    You're correct on being the voice for your husband. Hope the swallow study goes well. While my husband is doing well post Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in April 2010, he had quite a time post op, being in ICU 10 days and on the surgery monitor floor for an additional 30 days. He experienced severe atrial fibrillation and a couple of other issues. [He had had a quadruple bypass some 10 years ago.]

    He had a hard time regaining his appetite and shortness of breath and dealing with pain even after he left the hospital.

    He continues to have great scans, is practicing fulltime and enjoying life. It took him nearly 7 months to get back to "normal." I mention this on the perchance your husband has some ups and downs (Hopefully not) while recovering. It does get better.

    Prayers for you and for all surgery recipients and for each and every esophageal cancer patient.

    Mary
  • jss2011
    jss2011 Member Posts: 132
    #3
    BMGky said:

    Glad he is doing well. Pain
    Glad he is doing well. Pain management can be a challenge.

    You're correct on being the voice for your husband. Hope the swallow study goes well. While my husband is doing well post Ivor Lewis esophagectomy in April 2010, he had quite a time post op, being in ICU 10 days and on the surgery monitor floor for an additional 30 days. He experienced severe atrial fibrillation and a couple of other issues. [He had had a quadruple bypass some 10 years ago.]

    He had a hard time regaining his appetite and shortness of breath and dealing with pain even after he left the hospital.

    He continues to have great scans, is practicing fulltime and enjoying life. It took him nearly 7 months to get back to "normal." I mention this on the perchance your husband has some ups and downs (Hopefully not) while recovering. It does get better.

    Prayers for you and for all surgery recipients and for each and every esophageal cancer patient.

    Mary

    Hi Erica
    Sending prayers for
    Hi Erica
    Sending prayers for John to have a speedy recovery.
    Hope the pain is under control.

    Hugs,
    Julie
  • chemosmoker
    chemosmoker Member Posts: 501
    #4
    GRATEFUL TO HEAR!!
    Erica,
    We are so grateful to hear John is doing so well so far. We are all praying and waiting for new updates when you have time.
    Know that we are ALL with you in spirit and prayer and would physically be there of we could, to egg him on!!
    And, YES pain management is 95% of the battle whether it's surgery OR just living with this cancer. I wish the doctors put as much in to that as they did chemo and other areas of concern!
    Keep us posted and hang in there, YOU TWO MADE IT THIS FAR!!!
    YAY!

    -Eric
  • TerryV
    TerryV Member Posts: 887
    #5
    Thanks for the update, Erica
    Wonderful news that John is moving right along!

    Pain management is huge! I saw that in Nick's eyes on his 2nd day. Increased activity with pain management still at an "at rest" level meant increased pain. Once that was sorted out, he's doing really well and back to a smiling guy.

    Glad you and John are staying on top of things. Anxious for continued positive updates. Prayers for a clean path report and a successful swallow test!

    Terry
  • jojoshort
    jojoshort Member Posts: 230 Member
    #6
    Hi Erica
    Glad to hear John's surgery all in the past. Hoping your leak test sails through.
    Jo-Ann
  • NikiMo
    NikiMo Member Posts: 342
    #7
    Good news
    HI Erica,

    Good to hear they are getting John's pain under control. Jeff had the Toradol too to help manage pain on his first night, hasn't had it since they removed the epidural and began giving him the fentanyl through the IV. I am getting a little concerned about his pain management once we leave, and how he is going to come down off the fentanyl. I guess we will cross that bridge when we get to it. Hope John's recovery continues to improve and that he is pain free.

    Niki

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