Things are continuing to move along nicely with Dave's recovery. We finally got the pathology report back from the surgery and it was good news. Let's see if I can get this right: there was minimal cancer left in the tumor they removed from his esophagus - mainly it was just the evidence of where the cancer had been killed off by the chemo and radiation. They removed a total of 54 lymph nodes and found only one cancerous node other than the ones they already knew about from the PET scans. They'll start him on another round of chemo in about four weeks to mop up any microscopic cancerous cells that might have eluded detection.
He's been bidding farewell to a couple more tubes every day. The one he's most eager to get out is the tube that goes up his nose and through his sinuses into his stomach. That one should come out tomorrow morning and then he'll have the swallow test to make sure nothing is leaking where they reconnected his downsized stomach to the remaining couple inches of his esophagus.
I think his spirits are improving as well and he's been happy to have some more visitors now that he's out of the ICU. His sister Michele came back to town for the weekend, so she and Dave's mom have been spending lots of time with him. His cousin Bev (Happy Birthday, Bev!) got to see him this evening, and his sister Bessie is getting into town from Rhode Island later tonight.
Our friends Kevin and Lisa and Michael all visited Dave today as well. If he gets the nose tube out tomorrow, I'll snap a picture and post it here so you can all see he's actually looking pretty good (oh, except for his shave - he tried to shave a week's worth of stubble but gave up on the crummy hospital razor after shaving half of his face).
Thanks again for the encouraging words many of you have posted and emailed. I really never had any interest in writing a blog of any kind, so it's nice to know people are actually reading it! Also, for you locals who have asked about visiting, he's now in Room 701 (take the SW elevators) at Swedish.
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7 comments:
I have a smile on my face right now (partly due to imagining David's half-shaved mug).
Shannon, I'll say it again, thanks for keeping us updated through this blog. For those of us who aren't nearby, it's a way we can know what's going on without bugging you with phone calls.
Now that David can have visitors, I'm sure he's going to heal even that much faster. Will laughing be tough on the stitches? Does he have stitches? Of course there are stitches... what am I thinking?
Be well.
Great progress!!
No more ICU, that's great news. Dave when can you have you're first beer? Your due for a couple, one post surgery, another post ICU, I'd better bring a half rack.
Keep up the great progress, especially the flirting...Good for the soul.
Dear Shannon and Dave,
Greetings from Tim and Debbie in California. It is so wonderful to hear about your progress and to know that you are on the road to recovery. We have been praying everyday for you and your family and all of the medical professionals involved in your care. I know that things will continue to get better everyday. You are a beautiful family and we send our love to you all.
Good news on the path - I'm glad to see it!
Here's hoping next time I see Dave he's sans the NGT and face fully shaved! (But it's so great just to see him upright!)
Keep up the deep breathing...
-jc
Hey there old friend...my big bro (Scott) told me about his visit with you before your surgery....apparently you're pretty amazing! I'm glad to see you haven't changed in these 20 years :-)
Just seeing the outpouring of love from all your friends and family warms my heart to know how well loved you are. I'm praying for you each and everyday...and for your family too. Your wife is my new hero!
...and Shannon, please take extra care of yourself. Allow others to help you as much as possible...let them nurture you as you nurture your family. And I hope you know how grateful we are for the updates. They mean so much.
love and blessings to all,
Sue
Hi Shannon,
I can't thank you enough for posting the updates on the blog. I check this blog 4-5 times a day waiting to hear from you. Eventhough you don't know me, you have become the person I am most anxious to hear from these days!!
I am so relieved to hear the results on the pathology report especially. Thank you, thank you, thank you... for sharing this!! What awesome news. Now breathe.....
Please give Dave my love, and know that you and your whole family are always on my mind, and in my prayers.
Remember to take care of yourself too. I hope the healing continues to be smooth and that Dave gets a decent shave soon!
Pam
Have been thinking of you all so much and it is great to read all the good news. Thanks so much for all the updates Shannon!
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