After 18 days, 5 CTs, multiple X-rays, endoscopies, external and intraoperative ultrasounds, 5 IVs, dual picc lines, 3 NG tubes and more blood draws and injections than anyone should be able to count — most of which without any food or drink other than IV total parenteral nutrition — the most resilient and remarkable person you know is home at last from her "easier" surgery. 

Last week was a scary mess, as her complications worsened and needed additional intervention. This weekend we turned a corner, however, and since then Jennifer has rapidly gained strength and started eating and drinking on her own again. 

As I type this she is resting in her beloved recliner, with some slightly confused cats nearby (though not on her lap for quite some time, alas) and the "soothing" sounds of a gaming teen in the background. 

Jenn may have a more nuanced opinion (lol) but I will never be able to adequately thank the post-surgical nurses and care techs at NCH, or the physicians and physician assistants at both of its Centers for Pancreatic and Hepatobiliary Diseases and for Advanced Therapeutic Endoscopy (CATE). I think we met just about all of them over the course of these weeks and they provided Jennifer with top-notch care, even when (especially when?) things were going sideways in multiple and sometimes contradictory ways. 

For the moment, we are exhaling and beginning the healing and home recovery process we thought would start two weeks ago. Jennifer will likely share her thoughts soon, and we'll let you know how else to help as she regains her strength.