Michele’s Story

Site created on December 8, 2020

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Newest Update

Journal entry by Michele Byers

Hello everyone!  February is right around the corner and it just doesn't seem possible.  We've had a couple days of 70+ degree weather here in Arizona and I've actually been able to step out and enjoy it on the patio!

My surgery was 2 weeks ago this past Wednesday and that doesn't seem possible either.  The final answer on the weight of the tumor?  They didn't weigh her!   The surgeon's physician assistant (PA) was as shocked as I was.  The tumor ultimately measured in at 24cm X 20cm X 10.5 CM.   She started out at 16.5cm when she was first discovered.  Since the day I went into surgery until today, I am down 18 pounds, so you know Karen was not only big, she was chubby!

I was sent home Sunday the 10th, 4 days post op.  I had been on a handful of pain medications 24/7 in the hospital and was discharged with only 1 and the minimum dose you can get.  By 10:00 that night, my pain was at a solid 10.  I ended up calling triage who worked with the PA to get a stronger dose.  So by Monday night, it was back under control and hung out at about an 8 for a few days.  The lesson learned - if you are going to have a surgery, ensure you know what medications are decked up for you when you come home so you don't find yourself battling the pain and trying to get someone's attention, especially if it is a weekend.

The week after coming home, I developed an infection along my incision line which required a trip back to the surgeon.  They pulled a few staples, created a 'release point' and demonstrated how to clean/pack the wound.  This is a 7 day a week process that will last 3 - 4 weeks as it has to heal from the inside out.  Insurance pays for a nurse to come to the house only 3 days out of the week, so my son (Garrett), stepped up and volunteered to do the other 4.  Regardless of the discomfort it causes me, he presses on and is rocking this task out loud.  The nurse continues to give him an A+ on the days he takes care of the site.

Once the infection starting leaving my body and I went on an antibiotic, my pain took a wonderful dive downward!!  My last few days have been gloriously mobile!  My pain hasn't been above a 4 and I'm stretching out my meds to 12 hours versus every 5.  I hope to be completely off them by next week.  I've done some dishes, cooked a meal and am able to sit upright for more than an hour at a time.  I actually got over 1,400 steps yesterday just in the house.  I know this doesn't seem like a huge accomplishment, but it truly is!

Yesterday, the physician's assistant was able to pull out all the staples and I was given the all clear until July!  Originally we thought imaging would have to be every couple months, but they were able to get great margins around the tumor during surgery so their confidence level is high that we are good to go until July.  PRAISE GOD!!! 

There are a variety of accoutrements that I've come home with via my hospital stay and follow up visits.  Those wonderful 'non-skid' hospital socks, a hospital pillow, the bill (they brought that to me the day after my surgery and laid it on the table with my breakfast) and medical supplies, to name a few.   The latest is a compression girdle.  Its job is to help my insides stay a bit more stable.  Now that Karen is gone, everyone residing in my abdomen has quite a bit of room to swing around in there and their dance results in a bit of discomfort.  The girdle is a life saver (never EVER thought I would say that about something I wear that has 'girdle' in the name of it) when it comes to being comfortable.  

My mom has been here since the end of December doing what moms do best - providing amazing care, cooking meals for us, helping to care for the dog, taking out the trash, etc.  I have physically mended to the point where she is comfortable going home and will return to Des Moines on February 5th.  If all continues to go as good as it currently is, I will return to work on February 8th.  I miss working!!!

My sister, Dona, is right around the corner.  She remains my number one fan and goodness knows I depend on her for many things!  I am so thankful to live as close to her as I do. 

As of today, I don't think I will have much more to write about.  With the success of the surgery, the clean margins and the 'all clear' until July, I think it is appropriate for me to sign off!

Before I do - I can't say it enough.  I couldn't have done this without the support and prayers of family, friends, colleagues and even entire strangers.  The meals that have been delivered have nourished not only my body, but my soul. The many, many cards and flowers I've received have brought a smile when the days were somewhat dark and full of pain.  The phone calls and text messages warmed my heart.   I am blessed beyond measure. 

In His Love,

Michele




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