I just got home from the hospital and I'm so ready to flop into bed, but I promised Dave I would post an update. We got to Swedish at 6:00 this morning for what we were told would be a 9 hour surgery. After getting Dave's IVs and epidural going (oh, and I fainted and needed medical attention, but that's really too embarassing to tell any more about), he was taken in to surgery at about 8 am. Several members of our family stayed in the waiting room with me all day and more family stayed at the house to take care of the kids.
We got periodic updates from the nurses in the operating room, but the surgery ended up taking more than 12 hours.
We were told things went very well, but that the procedure just ended up going more slowly (in large part due to the tissue damage caused by the radiation) than they had anticipated. Both surgeons were very happy with the results. We'll know more about what and how much they took out when the pathology report comes back.
The surgeon did say that as Dave came out from the anesthesia, he gave him a smile and a thumbs up. We got in to see him briefly at about 10:00 pm. The first thing he said when his brother walked in the room was, "I'm hungry" and he asked if we might be able to sneak him a bagel (the surgeon pretty much guaranteed he won't remember any of this tomorrow - nor will he be eating or drinking anytime soon).
Anyway, the news was good and now we're moving into recovery mode. The next couple of days will be spent practicing breathing (they deflated a lung during the surgery, so he needs to work on slow deep breathing to get it fully reinflated), and then learning how to swallow again. He'll most likely be in the ICU until Thursday and then moved into a regular room for another 10 days or so.
Thanks to everyone who posted responses to the blog. I'll print them all and bring them to Dave in the morning. And, thanks so much to everyone who has called, written, and emailed over the last couple of months. The outpouring of love and friendship has been truly amazing and has really kept us going.
Shannon
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9 comments:
WAHOOOOO!!!!! I'll send a dozen bagels! That brings tears to my eyes! :-)
Cindy
Yes! The first part now is over! I'm so happy it went well (not that it took so long, or that you Shannon, fainted).
I bet you could sleep for 24 hours at this point.
Bagels with any kind of shmear on me.
This is such good news
What WONDERFUL news!!! I am so happy for both of you. Keep up the good work Dave. I am looking forward to seeing you up and about in no time!
Amy Fredericks
We're so glad to hear the good news that surgery is over and went well. We're sending positive energy and thoughts to you for a speedy recovery.
Millie & Kip
Thanks for the updates. I am happy surgery went well. It is funny how some people give others strength even when they are not feeling strong. As long as I can remember, Dave has been like this.
Great news!!
Saeed
Now the deep breaths have 2 purposes: one to heal the body and one to heal the soul. Take the time to heal and get back to Good 'Ol Dave so we can throw down a couple of coldies (if you'll still be able to do that...). Shannon, Jeff is glad that he isn't the only one who fainted when dealing with the dirty details of this stuff! At least 911 wasn't involved with you! Take it easy, guys and we'll keep in touch.
Cryss., Jeff & Jake
Just fabulous news! We are elated!!Absolutely the best news we've heard in a long long time.
Great post Shannon, thanks for taking time out of an exhausting day to share with us.
I got up early this morning and checked the blog, and thanked God for his grace. We're all pulling for you Dave! We'll come visit you when the docs let us.
Very good news! Glad to hear things went well and that you've kept your sense of humor. Jeff and Kirstin.
PS: Get well soon so we can go shoot some squirrels with Kip ;-)
Dave & Shannon,
Glad to hear the good news out of surgery! Keep up the good fight! God bless,
Ed & Jill davis
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