Journal entry by Amber Miller —
I wanted to get everyone an update on my recovery. I have my first surgical follow up appointment next Thursday, so I probably won't have another update before then.
I was recovering well but then the fluid build up really started to be uncomfortable in my lower pelvis. I had to spend most of two days in bed, propping up my butt on pillows to try to move the fluid collection. I was able to get lasix, a drug that helps direct all the fluid to your bladder so you pee it out. I have been on that since Friday and it seems to be helping a lot. I plan to get off of it tomorrow to see if the swelling stays down.
Outside of the swelling, I am just incredibly tired, so I am working minimally from bed and napping a lot. I have been able to get off the narcotics except a small dose at night to sleep. The pain has really cut down and by Monday, I was able to walk the girls to school.
My parents had to leave Sunday morning to get home and fly to Pittsburg for a funeral, and I definitely miss all their help. My mom reorganized our whole house and yard. It feels so good to have it clean everywhere. My dad was great walking the kids to and from school and drove them to all their activities.
Friday, the girls had an ice skating competition. I was really hoping to attend but the fluid had all collected between my legs and I was incredibly uncomfortable, so I stayed home and slept. The girls both placed first in their division and now have the challenge of moving up a division, layering in tougher skills and competing against kids with more experience. I am so excited for them to take on the challenge.
Overall, the recovery is going really well. It is definitely tougher than the last round, even though they didn't have to touch my colon this time. Getting over half your liver removed definitely takes a toll on the body. Apparently most of the regeneration of the liver takes place in the first 6 weeks, so most of the bodies energy is going to just that task.
My hope is to get back in the office next week, as I love my job and truly miss working with my team.
I was recovering well but then the fluid build up really started to be uncomfortable in my lower pelvis. I had to spend most of two days in bed, propping up my butt on pillows to try to move the fluid collection. I was able to get lasix, a drug that helps direct all the fluid to your bladder so you pee it out. I have been on that since Friday and it seems to be helping a lot. I plan to get off of it tomorrow to see if the swelling stays down.
Outside of the swelling, I am just incredibly tired, so I am working minimally from bed and napping a lot. I have been able to get off the narcotics except a small dose at night to sleep. The pain has really cut down and by Monday, I was able to walk the girls to school.
My parents had to leave Sunday morning to get home and fly to Pittsburg for a funeral, and I definitely miss all their help. My mom reorganized our whole house and yard. It feels so good to have it clean everywhere. My dad was great walking the kids to and from school and drove them to all their activities.
Friday, the girls had an ice skating competition. I was really hoping to attend but the fluid had all collected between my legs and I was incredibly uncomfortable, so I stayed home and slept. The girls both placed first in their division and now have the challenge of moving up a division, layering in tougher skills and competing against kids with more experience. I am so excited for them to take on the challenge.
Overall, the recovery is going really well. It is definitely tougher than the last round, even though they didn't have to touch my colon this time. Getting over half your liver removed definitely takes a toll on the body. Apparently most of the regeneration of the liver takes place in the first 6 weeks, so most of the bodies energy is going to just that task.
My hope is to get back in the office next week, as I love my job and truly miss working with my team.