Just thought I would mention to those in close proximity that might not have anything to do tomorrow. There is a big event happening in McKinney called Roundup on the Range, benefiting Volunteer McKinney Center. See the link below for the website with details.
http://www.roundupontherange.com/
The reason I am going is that a childhood friend of mine, Rhonda and her boyfriend Scott, will be competing in the Chuckwagon cookoff! Another childhood friend, Julie, and I will be heading down there to watch and be the beneficiaries of the final product! What great friends we are!! I have never been to one before and look forward to being a spectator. Goodness knows nobody would want me to be a participator! Now Davin is a completely different story, but alas he has to work. Julie, an outstanding photographer in her spare time, will be out taking pictures of it all. So, I will post a few when possible. Not sure how long I will be able to hang, as visiting baby Jacob today was enough to wear me out! But, there is much more to see and do besides the cookoff. So, I hope to do a little of it all.
However, I also have a wedding tomorrow evening in Royse City. Anyone know where that is?! :) Thank goodness for Google Maps. Then, I have another wedding on Sunday. I was wanting to ease back into life, but apparently that is not the way it was meant to be for me. lol just kidding...i will take it easy
Well, just wanted to add something to your fun list for the weekend if you didn't already have something planned. btw...last weekend of the State Fair too!
Friday, October 19, 2007
Jacob Matthew McKay
Yes, he has arrived! Both baby and mother are fine. He was born this morning at 8:06am via c-section and I believe was 6lbs. 6oz. and 19 inches long. Looks just like his daddy. :)
You know, it has been hard for me to see Heather during her pregnancy and I knew it wouldn't be any easier once she delivered. But, when I got the call today from James I hurried right on over. Did I cry? Absolutely. Was I thrilled for my friends? Absolutely. It is just still hard for me to comprehend that it will never be me, at least in those specific terms. I don't mean to harp on the subject, but it just still amazes me at times.
I got to hold baby Jacob for awhile, as Heather was all hopped up on drugs. Anyone who knows Heather knows how funny that would be and how much fun it was to see her like that. I told James he could totally take advantage of that situation and that Davin could give him some pointers! Baby Jacob is just beautiful and if my brain had been attached, I would have at least taken a picture of him with my cell phone to post on here. I am sure I will be back there before she leaves the hospital, so will try and remember to do so.
Heather and I did talk about what a year it has been, as her and James 1 year Wedding Anniversary is this Sunday! So, to James and Heather, Happy 1 Year Wedding Anniversary and Congratulations on the birth of Jacob Matthew. I know the next year ahead will be just as exciting for the two of you. I look forward to many visits with Jacob and well okay the two of you as well. :)
You know, it has been hard for me to see Heather during her pregnancy and I knew it wouldn't be any easier once she delivered. But, when I got the call today from James I hurried right on over. Did I cry? Absolutely. Was I thrilled for my friends? Absolutely. It is just still hard for me to comprehend that it will never be me, at least in those specific terms. I don't mean to harp on the subject, but it just still amazes me at times.
I got to hold baby Jacob for awhile, as Heather was all hopped up on drugs. Anyone who knows Heather knows how funny that would be and how much fun it was to see her like that. I told James he could totally take advantage of that situation and that Davin could give him some pointers! Baby Jacob is just beautiful and if my brain had been attached, I would have at least taken a picture of him with my cell phone to post on here. I am sure I will be back there before she leaves the hospital, so will try and remember to do so.
Heather and I did talk about what a year it has been, as her and James 1 year Wedding Anniversary is this Sunday! So, to James and Heather, Happy 1 Year Wedding Anniversary and Congratulations on the birth of Jacob Matthew. I know the next year ahead will be just as exciting for the two of you. I look forward to many visits with Jacob and well okay the two of you as well. :)
Wednesday, October 17, 2007
Things to remember when leaving the house
Okay, so I admit I can be somewhat forgetful. (No comments from the peanut gallery!) But, it seems I have now learned things in which to remember when leaving the house.
To begin, my friend Misty from work was very nice to offer to come by and take me to lunch today. Seeing as I haven't been out of the house much, I was elated to accept. She warned me that it would be a little bit of a late lunch, but lunch nonetheless.
For reasons, unknown to me, I had a rather difficult night last night in sleeping. I called it a night rather early around 9pm and toss and turned until Davin came to bed around 11:30pm. It wasn't long until the TV was back on and I was trying to watch myself to sleep. Sometimes it works...but not on this particular night. It was around 2am that I finally got up and went into the living room. Since arriving home from the hospital, we have had one of our guest beds in the living room so that I had somewhere to lay other than our bedroom. I was glad it was still there as I ended up laying down there and tossing and turning more and getting a little sleep before it was time to wake up. I had a regular doctor's appointment today in which I had to fast. So, I was hungry and sleepy...not a good combo for me! :) Doctor's appointment went well and got my yearly flu shot. Needless to say, I was glad to be home again. I did take a small nap before Misty came to get me. Maybe that is why I forgot about the things to remember when leaving the house!
So, Misty gets here and I go through the front door and only lock the bottom lock. We go to lunch and while enroute I remember I left my cell phone on the charger. Knowing she had hers and we won't be long, I don't go back for it. We come back from lunch and I am trying to open the front door. Key fits, but key won't turn. Thankfully, I had enough wits about me to stop Misty before she left me stuck outside my house. She got out of her car and tried the key herself. Will not open. So, we go around back to my back door and again key fits, but will not turn. I begin to think about me not having a cell phone, no way into the house and how close I was to Misty leaving me without knowing I was stuck on the outside. She kindly offered to take me to her house but that would have meant having me until around 9pm once Davin gets home from work. I would never do that to anyone! lol She then offered to take me to Davin's work, which stated in previous post is not close. But, still better option of the two. So, we drove to Davin's work and got the garage door opener. I swear I have used the house key before with no problem, but today I have learned different. Not only do I need to remember to bring my cell phone, in case of emergencies literally, but also a sure fire way to get into my house.
Once I was safely inside, it wasn't long before I was out again. Thanks Misty for such an exciting day! :)
To begin, my friend Misty from work was very nice to offer to come by and take me to lunch today. Seeing as I haven't been out of the house much, I was elated to accept. She warned me that it would be a little bit of a late lunch, but lunch nonetheless.
For reasons, unknown to me, I had a rather difficult night last night in sleeping. I called it a night rather early around 9pm and toss and turned until Davin came to bed around 11:30pm. It wasn't long until the TV was back on and I was trying to watch myself to sleep. Sometimes it works...but not on this particular night. It was around 2am that I finally got up and went into the living room. Since arriving home from the hospital, we have had one of our guest beds in the living room so that I had somewhere to lay other than our bedroom. I was glad it was still there as I ended up laying down there and tossing and turning more and getting a little sleep before it was time to wake up. I had a regular doctor's appointment today in which I had to fast. So, I was hungry and sleepy...not a good combo for me! :) Doctor's appointment went well and got my yearly flu shot. Needless to say, I was glad to be home again. I did take a small nap before Misty came to get me. Maybe that is why I forgot about the things to remember when leaving the house!
So, Misty gets here and I go through the front door and only lock the bottom lock. We go to lunch and while enroute I remember I left my cell phone on the charger. Knowing she had hers and we won't be long, I don't go back for it. We come back from lunch and I am trying to open the front door. Key fits, but key won't turn. Thankfully, I had enough wits about me to stop Misty before she left me stuck outside my house. She got out of her car and tried the key herself. Will not open. So, we go around back to my back door and again key fits, but will not turn. I begin to think about me not having a cell phone, no way into the house and how close I was to Misty leaving me without knowing I was stuck on the outside. She kindly offered to take me to her house but that would have meant having me until around 9pm once Davin gets home from work. I would never do that to anyone! lol She then offered to take me to Davin's work, which stated in previous post is not close. But, still better option of the two. So, we drove to Davin's work and got the garage door opener. I swear I have used the house key before with no problem, but today I have learned different. Not only do I need to remember to bring my cell phone, in case of emergencies literally, but also a sure fire way to get into my house.
Once I was safely inside, it wasn't long before I was out again. Thanks Misty for such an exciting day! :)
Tuesday, October 16, 2007
Things learned from Post-Op
Greetings all,
Well I had my post-op appointment today and while I want to update you on it, I must begin by going back a few days. If anything it will give you a laugh, an awful visual, or a sympathetic plight for me in my condition.
I will begin with Friday, as it was my first day out and about all by my lonesome. There was a meeting at work that I wanted to attend and thought would be a good start to slowly returning to my routine. I had no idea how exhausting it would be for me and how little activity would affect me. The meeting was good for me and I am glad i went, plus good to see some of my fellow co-workers. Once I returned home, I was out like a light and did not resume from my sleep state for about 4 hours. Just in enough time to go back to sleep, since Davin had to be up early for work. Poor guy has seen me quite a bit lately but more in a sleeping mode than anything else. :)
We both woke up early Saturday morning and Davin made me breakfast before he got ready for work. So sweet! Before he left however, I started not feeling well. I am sure he thought it was my way of getting him to stay home. But, something was not right. I was already in the bathroom when he left for work. The next half hour to hour was brutal. Intense pain, feeling nauseated, etc. Davin arrived at work and had been there about 10 minutes, when he got a call from me saying "COME HOME"! He knew it had to be bad, as I would never ask him to come home especially when he just got to work. For those of you that might not be aware, we don't exactly live close to Davin's work. Poor guy got back in his truck and came home to find the following: (if you have queasy stomach or rather not know this about me, you may want to skip to the next paragraph!) me in bathroom on toilet, covered in my own vomit and unable to move due to my state. Yes, it is extremely funny now but Saturday morning I just wanted to cry! As hard as it is to believe, I didn't. Davin cleaned me up, got me in shower, cleaned rest of my mess in bathroom and got me back in bed. Where I literally slept the rest of the weekend away. Talk about excitement in the Rutherford Household! Yes, I am better and all is good for now. :)
My post-op appointment went well today. We discussed a few things we had previously discussed in the hospital, as I had to admit I did not remember it all. My doctor stated that the mass, including fibroids weighed about a liter. I could embellish that weight as to make it sound like it has contributed to my weight issue, but alas no can do. DANG IT! :) Anyway, the doc examined my incisions and was a little worried about the biggest one. It seems the glue used had come off already on part of the incision and had been exposed. She seemed not as worried as it looked like the skin was already healing over itself, which basically means my scar will be a little more than I bargained for. She asked that I keep an eye on it, so we can keep it from becoming infected. The only thing I am particularly concerned about at this point is the fact that they are starting to itch!! Holy cow...reminds me of the episode of Friends where Phoebe and Martin Sheen have chicken pox and they try and find ways to scratch. lol
I am now "officially" able to drive short distances, I can begin doing small tasks, I am still not able to lift anything over 5lbs...which ironically would include my own purse. :) I am gonna start working from home as much as I can to one make money and two feel productive! But, we will see what happens. First, I must get back into a normal sleeping pattern. I am up at odd hours and still find myself dozing anywhere, anytime. Man...all the sudden I feel old!
Well I had my post-op appointment today and while I want to update you on it, I must begin by going back a few days. If anything it will give you a laugh, an awful visual, or a sympathetic plight for me in my condition.
I will begin with Friday, as it was my first day out and about all by my lonesome. There was a meeting at work that I wanted to attend and thought would be a good start to slowly returning to my routine. I had no idea how exhausting it would be for me and how little activity would affect me. The meeting was good for me and I am glad i went, plus good to see some of my fellow co-workers. Once I returned home, I was out like a light and did not resume from my sleep state for about 4 hours. Just in enough time to go back to sleep, since Davin had to be up early for work. Poor guy has seen me quite a bit lately but more in a sleeping mode than anything else. :)
We both woke up early Saturday morning and Davin made me breakfast before he got ready for work. So sweet! Before he left however, I started not feeling well. I am sure he thought it was my way of getting him to stay home. But, something was not right. I was already in the bathroom when he left for work. The next half hour to hour was brutal. Intense pain, feeling nauseated, etc. Davin arrived at work and had been there about 10 minutes, when he got a call from me saying "COME HOME"! He knew it had to be bad, as I would never ask him to come home especially when he just got to work. For those of you that might not be aware, we don't exactly live close to Davin's work. Poor guy got back in his truck and came home to find the following: (if you have queasy stomach or rather not know this about me, you may want to skip to the next paragraph!) me in bathroom on toilet, covered in my own vomit and unable to move due to my state. Yes, it is extremely funny now but Saturday morning I just wanted to cry! As hard as it is to believe, I didn't. Davin cleaned me up, got me in shower, cleaned rest of my mess in bathroom and got me back in bed. Where I literally slept the rest of the weekend away. Talk about excitement in the Rutherford Household! Yes, I am better and all is good for now. :)
My post-op appointment went well today. We discussed a few things we had previously discussed in the hospital, as I had to admit I did not remember it all. My doctor stated that the mass, including fibroids weighed about a liter. I could embellish that weight as to make it sound like it has contributed to my weight issue, but alas no can do. DANG IT! :) Anyway, the doc examined my incisions and was a little worried about the biggest one. It seems the glue used had come off already on part of the incision and had been exposed. She seemed not as worried as it looked like the skin was already healing over itself, which basically means my scar will be a little more than I bargained for. She asked that I keep an eye on it, so we can keep it from becoming infected. The only thing I am particularly concerned about at this point is the fact that they are starting to itch!! Holy cow...reminds me of the episode of Friends where Phoebe and Martin Sheen have chicken pox and they try and find ways to scratch. lol
I am now "officially" able to drive short distances, I can begin doing small tasks, I am still not able to lift anything over 5lbs...which ironically would include my own purse. :) I am gonna start working from home as much as I can to one make money and two feel productive! But, we will see what happens. First, I must get back into a normal sleeping pattern. I am up at odd hours and still find myself dozing anywhere, anytime. Man...all the sudden I feel old!
Wednesday, October 10, 2007
Post-Op comments and news
It has been a full week since my surgery and coming home from hospital. Even though it has been quite the blur, due to my medications, I am feeling pretty good. I am still sore and tired, but not a big surprise after only a week. I cannot imagine what the pain and recovery would have been with a total abdominal hysterectomy. I know I am lucky to have had the LSH procedure and so far no complications. I go for my two week post-op on Monday and look forward to what the doc has to say.
I did hear from the doctor yesterday. I didn't realize that there was anything to be concerned about with the fibroids, although now it does make sense. They called to tell me that the results on my fibroids, that were removed during surgery, came back benign! YEA ME!!! I am happy that I didn't realize that because I would have been worried the whole time waiting on those results. I have already started a list of questions for the doctor.
If you know of anyone that is contemplating the procedure or has had the procedure and looking for support, please have them visit www.hystersisters.com. It is a great website for information and support. I have learned a lot by reading others posts and knowing what to expect. If you want to know more, please let me know.
I did hear from the doctor yesterday. I didn't realize that there was anything to be concerned about with the fibroids, although now it does make sense. They called to tell me that the results on my fibroids, that were removed during surgery, came back benign! YEA ME!!! I am happy that I didn't realize that because I would have been worried the whole time waiting on those results. I have already started a list of questions for the doctor.
If you know of anyone that is contemplating the procedure or has had the procedure and looking for support, please have them visit www.hystersisters.com. It is a great website for information and support. I have learned a lot by reading others posts and knowing what to expect. If you want to know more, please let me know.
Okay, Okay....I've Done it!
After much thought and urging by others, I have started a blog on the life and times of ME!
For those of you that remember my weight loss blog, this one will encompass every area of my life. If you so choose to follow my daily digressions, as i am calling it, then you can visit anytime you like to get updates on me. No more lengthy, wordy emails from me! They will now be in blog form. I know, I can hear the shouts of joy from all over the country. :)
I am going to go back and re-post my pre-surgery emails, as well as, my post-op. I also have some new stuff since my last email that I will post as well. As with everything in life, it will be a work in progress.
Love to all!
For those of you that remember my weight loss blog, this one will encompass every area of my life. If you so choose to follow my daily digressions, as i am calling it, then you can visit anytime you like to get updates on me. No more lengthy, wordy emails from me! They will now be in blog form. I know, I can hear the shouts of joy from all over the country. :)
I am going to go back and re-post my pre-surgery emails, as well as, my post-op. I also have some new stuff since my last email that I will post as well. As with everything in life, it will be a work in progress.
Love to all!
RE-POST: October 4th 2007
Well, it seems my previous emails were received by some and not by others. I plead the 5th, or old age, or something related. Who knows who will get this one since I am really amped up on meds. Feel free to pass along if you so wish or if someone says, I did not get it. I am attaching a word document of the past emails that were sent so can be shared. They are in order, or should be, and each on its own page. I apologize to those of you that did not receive.
SHORT VERSION:
The short end of this email is…I am home, as of late Tuesday night, been in and out of sleep a lot and trying to gain strength since Davin goes back to work tomorrow. I am sure he is ready! Petey is near me at all times and although may not completely understand why he can't be right next to me, he is and is so sweet. I am exhausted and taking it easy and only got sick once while in hospital. So far so good at home.
LONG VERSION:
A lot of you have asked if I am at home…yes I am. It all seems like a big blur to me, so might be better to hear from Davin's point of view than mine. You will get to momentarily and I am sure he will add some antics in there anyway. This is what I remember:
We got to the hospital Monday morning about 7am. From there they took me straight back to a pre-op room to start IV, take blood, put on these white hose on my legs (these were to keep my legs from getting blood clots and later to keep my legs separate from the leg massagers they put on after surgery). I was ultra stylish!!
My surgery was scheduled for 9:30am, but it wasn't until about 10-10:15 that they came to get me and start the flow of my happy juice (the anesthesia). The nurses told me that most of the time patients don't remember going any further than the swinging doors to the operation room. I know this might be hard to believe for those that know me, but I didn't get past the pre-op room before I was OUT! Davin says I responded while in the hall to him, but once we got to the swinging doors there was no response…just me looking around. Sounds a lot like how I came into this world if you were to read my baby book.
So, the doctor told me that the surgery would be around 2 hrs. Around the two hour limit, Davin and my Dad start questioning what was going on. It had already been two hours and still hadn’t heard anything. Little did they know it would end up being over 4 hours!!! I had stated from my previous doctor visits and ultrasounds that I had 5 cystic fibroids that were nice size, with one being the size of a grapefruit. Well, it ends up I had over 20-30 fibroids!!! My uterus went all the way up to my belly button apparently. They started with laparoscopic and continued, although they could have easily gone abdominal to make it easier and a lot less time consuming! They went through four blades trying to get it all, as they kept dulling out during operation. The first thing I remember is hearing the nurses in the recovery room talking on the phone in regards to me. They were making sure my room was ready. The first chance I had to say something, I asked what procedure was done. Then, I asked what time it was. I was floored when they told me. I am thinking I was gonna be in my room by 1:30pm at the latest. The nurse told me it was a quarter to 4pm. They finally took me to my room and all I remember is going through a ton of doors. I am pretty sure I cracked a joke about it, but no telling what I actually said. I remember seeing (kind of) and hearing Davin and my Dad when we got into the room. I felt pretty good, other than having no control of my body or whether or not I was awake or asleep. Now for Davin's version, as that is the last I remember in whole.
Hi there all...
Just to kind of add on to Andrea's note...
Andrea's Dad and I waited in that surgery room...we thought the surgery would be about 2 to 2 1/2 hours...And she went in around 10:15. At 11:45, we went to the cafeteria and got some lunch, thinking it would be over in about 1/2 hour or so. At 12:15, I asked the waiting room nurse for an update...she called and said that Andrea was still in surgery. 12:30, 12:45, 1:00...I asked if she was out yet...she put me on the phone with one of the nurses that had been in and out of the surgery room. The nurse said Andrea was still in surgery but that everything was going well, and said her vitals were great, nothing to worry about. While we weren't really worried, it was a little nervous just waiting, not really getting an answer as to why surgery was now past the 3 hour mark...1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30...The waiting room nurse's shift was over, so I just went back to the surgery nurses station and asked...She said Andrea had JUST gotten finished and they were closing her up now, and that Dr. Banks would come out shortly to give us an update.
3:15...Dr Banks comes out with a smile on her face. She looked tired, but richer, I mean happy. J She said Andrea was out of surgery and that the reason it took so long was because they had not realized how big the uterus was and how many fibroids there were to "chew through", as she put it. She showed us a picture of the "before" and “after”. She said herself that she was tired, that her biceps/triceps were sore/tired from the 4+ hours of working the wands...The 3 incisions that were made were all needed. One for the camera, one for the blade, and one for the suction. They had to chew through 20-30 fibroids...The largest one was about the size of a large grapefruit or a small cantaloupe. She said that the surgery room nurse would be taking Andrea up to her room shortly, and that everything went fantastic.
We waited about 10 minutes and found out that Andrea was going to room 207...So we went up and waited. About 5:15, 7 hours after surgery started, and 10 hours since we had gotten there, Andrea was wheeled into her room. She was still really out of it and once she was brought in, the floor nurses hopped into action...Blood pressure, temperature, Oxygen levels, they were all measured. They told us that she would be on a liquid diet for that evening to get fluids into her, and if all went well, the IV and catheter would be removed later on that night.
At about 6pm, they brought in liquids...Soup, Italian Ice, a popsicle, ice chips, and the dreaded Red Jello. She had a little of the soup, a bite of the italian ice, and the jello.
A short while later we had some guests come...Andrea remembers some of you showing up, but doesn’t remember you leaving, as she was in and out of consciousness a lot.
While Zach (a friend of Andrea’s from work) was there, the Jello decided to take advantage of visiting hours and showed back up, so there went some of the pain pills and the liquids she was supposed to be taking in. The nurse offered Andrea a nice pain medication. She accepted and it wasn’t long after that that Andrea was OUT.
After visitors came and left, we both got a little sleep...about 2 hours sleep, 45 minutes awake. When she woke up at 11pm, the nurse came in and Andrea said she was hungry and had to use the restroom...YEA! That was a good sign! They removed the catheter and we slowly went to and from the bathroom. The nurse brought some saltine crackers and some "cola". Ahhh, SHASTA! She had no trouble keeping it down, so back to sleep we went.
At 3am, we woke up and had to use the restroom again.
4am, she was hungry, so they brought a bowl of Special K cereal...She was ready for that!
At 7am, Dr Banks showed up and went over the same pics and a little bit of the procedure with Andrea and myself. She said that around 2pm, Dr Chin would be around to see if everything was ok, and could release Andrea to go home!
Andrea went back to sleep and Natalie, a friend from work, showed up around 9am...Andrea was up for a small portion of her visit, but was out for majority of her visit. Didn’t help that they had just given Andrea two tylenol’s with codeine. Sorry Natalie!
The nurses came around throughout the day, but would not allow Andrea to be released until she completed a small task. It was finally around 7pm that the task was completed and we were allowed to be released and go home. I packed up all of our items and we finally made it home around 8pm.
This is Andrea again…
It has been a long couple of days and I have been in and out of it a lot. Although I may not have been alert or awake, I do know those of you that came by to visit, those that called repeatedly, etc. Although I am still in some pain and discomfort, I know how lucky I am to have had the procedure done with no complications and so many people take good care of me. That care has been carried over at home with Davin taking care of my every need. I truly don’t know what I would have done without him. A friend of mine called tonight and asked how I was feeling now that the procedure was done. I truly haven’t had a chance to think about it, but I do know that with all of that “CRAP” inside of me it couldn’t have been good for me all this time. It does explain a lot for me as far as the pain and discomfort I have felt in recent years. However, it blows my mind to just think about it.
For those of you that are thinking we should have blogged all of this…you are right! I guess I forget how wordy I can get. J
SHORT VERSION:
The short end of this email is…I am home, as of late Tuesday night, been in and out of sleep a lot and trying to gain strength since Davin goes back to work tomorrow. I am sure he is ready! Petey is near me at all times and although may not completely understand why he can't be right next to me, he is and is so sweet. I am exhausted and taking it easy and only got sick once while in hospital. So far so good at home.
LONG VERSION:
A lot of you have asked if I am at home…yes I am. It all seems like a big blur to me, so might be better to hear from Davin's point of view than mine. You will get to momentarily and I am sure he will add some antics in there anyway. This is what I remember:
We got to the hospital Monday morning about 7am. From there they took me straight back to a pre-op room to start IV, take blood, put on these white hose on my legs (these were to keep my legs from getting blood clots and later to keep my legs separate from the leg massagers they put on after surgery). I was ultra stylish!!
My surgery was scheduled for 9:30am, but it wasn't until about 10-10:15 that they came to get me and start the flow of my happy juice (the anesthesia). The nurses told me that most of the time patients don't remember going any further than the swinging doors to the operation room. I know this might be hard to believe for those that know me, but I didn't get past the pre-op room before I was OUT! Davin says I responded while in the hall to him, but once we got to the swinging doors there was no response…just me looking around. Sounds a lot like how I came into this world if you were to read my baby book.
So, the doctor told me that the surgery would be around 2 hrs. Around the two hour limit, Davin and my Dad start questioning what was going on. It had already been two hours and still hadn’t heard anything. Little did they know it would end up being over 4 hours!!! I had stated from my previous doctor visits and ultrasounds that I had 5 cystic fibroids that were nice size, with one being the size of a grapefruit. Well, it ends up I had over 20-30 fibroids!!! My uterus went all the way up to my belly button apparently. They started with laparoscopic and continued, although they could have easily gone abdominal to make it easier and a lot less time consuming! They went through four blades trying to get it all, as they kept dulling out during operation. The first thing I remember is hearing the nurses in the recovery room talking on the phone in regards to me. They were making sure my room was ready. The first chance I had to say something, I asked what procedure was done. Then, I asked what time it was. I was floored when they told me. I am thinking I was gonna be in my room by 1:30pm at the latest. The nurse told me it was a quarter to 4pm. They finally took me to my room and all I remember is going through a ton of doors. I am pretty sure I cracked a joke about it, but no telling what I actually said. I remember seeing (kind of) and hearing Davin and my Dad when we got into the room. I felt pretty good, other than having no control of my body or whether or not I was awake or asleep. Now for Davin's version, as that is the last I remember in whole.
Hi there all...
Just to kind of add on to Andrea's note...
Andrea's Dad and I waited in that surgery room...we thought the surgery would be about 2 to 2 1/2 hours...And she went in around 10:15. At 11:45, we went to the cafeteria and got some lunch, thinking it would be over in about 1/2 hour or so. At 12:15, I asked the waiting room nurse for an update...she called and said that Andrea was still in surgery. 12:30, 12:45, 1:00...I asked if she was out yet...she put me on the phone with one of the nurses that had been in and out of the surgery room. The nurse said Andrea was still in surgery but that everything was going well, and said her vitals were great, nothing to worry about. While we weren't really worried, it was a little nervous just waiting, not really getting an answer as to why surgery was now past the 3 hour mark...1:45, 2:00, 2:15, 2:30...The waiting room nurse's shift was over, so I just went back to the surgery nurses station and asked...She said Andrea had JUST gotten finished and they were closing her up now, and that Dr. Banks would come out shortly to give us an update.
3:15...Dr Banks comes out with a smile on her face. She looked tired, but richer, I mean happy. J She said Andrea was out of surgery and that the reason it took so long was because they had not realized how big the uterus was and how many fibroids there were to "chew through", as she put it. She showed us a picture of the "before" and “after”. She said herself that she was tired, that her biceps/triceps were sore/tired from the 4+ hours of working the wands...The 3 incisions that were made were all needed. One for the camera, one for the blade, and one for the suction. They had to chew through 20-30 fibroids...The largest one was about the size of a large grapefruit or a small cantaloupe. She said that the surgery room nurse would be taking Andrea up to her room shortly, and that everything went fantastic.
We waited about 10 minutes and found out that Andrea was going to room 207...So we went up and waited. About 5:15, 7 hours after surgery started, and 10 hours since we had gotten there, Andrea was wheeled into her room. She was still really out of it and once she was brought in, the floor nurses hopped into action...Blood pressure, temperature, Oxygen levels, they were all measured. They told us that she would be on a liquid diet for that evening to get fluids into her, and if all went well, the IV and catheter would be removed later on that night.
At about 6pm, they brought in liquids...Soup, Italian Ice, a popsicle, ice chips, and the dreaded Red Jello. She had a little of the soup, a bite of the italian ice, and the jello.
A short while later we had some guests come...Andrea remembers some of you showing up, but doesn’t remember you leaving, as she was in and out of consciousness a lot.
While Zach (a friend of Andrea’s from work) was there, the Jello decided to take advantage of visiting hours and showed back up, so there went some of the pain pills and the liquids she was supposed to be taking in. The nurse offered Andrea a nice pain medication. She accepted and it wasn’t long after that that Andrea was OUT.
After visitors came and left, we both got a little sleep...about 2 hours sleep, 45 minutes awake. When she woke up at 11pm, the nurse came in and Andrea said she was hungry and had to use the restroom...YEA! That was a good sign! They removed the catheter and we slowly went to and from the bathroom. The nurse brought some saltine crackers and some "cola". Ahhh, SHASTA! She had no trouble keeping it down, so back to sleep we went.
At 3am, we woke up and had to use the restroom again.
4am, she was hungry, so they brought a bowl of Special K cereal...She was ready for that!
At 7am, Dr Banks showed up and went over the same pics and a little bit of the procedure with Andrea and myself. She said that around 2pm, Dr Chin would be around to see if everything was ok, and could release Andrea to go home!
Andrea went back to sleep and Natalie, a friend from work, showed up around 9am...Andrea was up for a small portion of her visit, but was out for majority of her visit. Didn’t help that they had just given Andrea two tylenol’s with codeine. Sorry Natalie!
The nurses came around throughout the day, but would not allow Andrea to be released until she completed a small task. It was finally around 7pm that the task was completed and we were allowed to be released and go home. I packed up all of our items and we finally made it home around 8pm.
This is Andrea again…
It has been a long couple of days and I have been in and out of it a lot. Although I may not have been alert or awake, I do know those of you that came by to visit, those that called repeatedly, etc. Although I am still in some pain and discomfort, I know how lucky I am to have had the procedure done with no complications and so many people take good care of me. That care has been carried over at home with Davin taking care of my every need. I truly don’t know what I would have done without him. A friend of mine called tonight and asked how I was feeling now that the procedure was done. I truly haven’t had a chance to think about it, but I do know that with all of that “CRAP” inside of me it couldn’t have been good for me all this time. It does explain a lot for me as far as the pain and discomfort I have felt in recent years. However, it blows my mind to just think about it.
For those of you that are thinking we should have blogged all of this…you are right! I guess I forget how wordy I can get. J
RE-POST: Sunday, September 30th 2007
There have been alot of requests on how to be updated on me tomorrow. So, if interested, please call Davin’s cell phone at 972-740-9165. He will be changing his voicemail message when updates are available. He will also try to answer when he can as well. No worries if you haven’t met him before, just tell him you are calling about Andrea, Nicole or Nikki…however you know me. My dad will be there as well, so if you would like to speak with him please do.
Since my surgery is to last about 2 hours, I would say Davin and my Dad should know something by 11:30-Noon tomorrow. I am thinking I should be in my room by 1:30pm tomorrow if all goes well in recovery. Again, feel free to call for updates.
If you would rather wait, then I will still be sending out an email once released and at home.
Thanks to all for your words of encouragement via email, voicemail, cards, etc. It means so much!
Andrea Nicole (Nikki)
p.s. got any movies you have seen recently that are out on DVD that you would recommend? If so, send those recommendations my way!
Since my surgery is to last about 2 hours, I would say Davin and my Dad should know something by 11:30-Noon tomorrow. I am thinking I should be in my room by 1:30pm tomorrow if all goes well in recovery. Again, feel free to call for updates.
If you would rather wait, then I will still be sending out an email once released and at home.
Thanks to all for your words of encouragement via email, voicemail, cards, etc. It means so much!
Andrea Nicole (Nikki)
p.s. got any movies you have seen recently that are out on DVD that you would recommend? If so, send those recommendations my way!
RE-POST: Wednesday, September 26th 2007
For those of that you that wanted details from me, here ya go. If you didn’t, then feel free to delete and continue on.
Here are details I have thus far for my surgery on Monday. I will be at the Medical Center in McKinney, if you are local that is at 75 and Hwy 5 (SH121). Surgery is scheduled for 9:30am and the procedure will last about 2 hours. I will be in recovery for about an hour and then will be moved to a room. If all goes well and is done laparoscopically, should be going home Tuesday afternoon. Otherwise, might be there a few days longer. Again, I won’t know until I awake as to which procedure has been done.
I feel like I am leaving something out, but if you want to know anything more feel free to email me. Otherwise, I will try and email once I am up, alert and at home.
Hugs to all…
Here are details I have thus far for my surgery on Monday. I will be at the Medical Center in McKinney, if you are local that is at 75 and Hwy 5 (SH121). Surgery is scheduled for 9:30am and the procedure will last about 2 hours. I will be in recovery for about an hour and then will be moved to a room. If all goes well and is done laparoscopically, should be going home Tuesday afternoon. Otherwise, might be there a few days longer. Again, I won’t know until I awake as to which procedure has been done.
I feel like I am leaving something out, but if you want to know anything more feel free to email me. Otherwise, I will try and email once I am up, alert and at home.
Hugs to all…
RE-POST: Sunday, September 2nd 2007
Hello All!
After I wrote the last email, I was able to get an appointment with the specialist the very next week. Amazing what they can do when you are persistent! However, once I was there I have to admit I felt like I was back in anatomy class and had never learned a darn thing! Dr. Barnett, the specialist, was extremely thorough and gave every possibility and option there was to have. It was quite overwhelming and emotional as well. I came home and thought about everything the doctor had said. Every option, every possibility and realized that in the end there would still never be a guarantee for me.
The next week, I went back to my OBGYN and had a very long discussion about what the specialist said and what I was feeling. Although this may be difficult for some of you to understand, I have decided to go through with the hysterectomy. It became more about my health and what is best for me. What good could I possibly be to a child, if I put myself at risk? The good news is that I will still have my own eggs; they will only be taking my uterus. So, technically, having children is still an option I would just need to use someone else’s oven. Plus, adoption is a wonderful option and there are many children out there who need good homes.
So now it was time to discuss the procedure. Of course there is abdominal, which most women have experienced. However, my doctor has just begun to practice a procedure that is done laparoscopically. She went down to assist with a doctor in Houston who is quite well versed in the procedure. The only reason my surgery is not sooner is because this same doctor from Houston is scheduled to be here October 1st to assist my OBGYN in doing the same procedure on one of her patients…which would be ME! I will not know until the day of the surgery as to which procedure will be done. But, hoping for the laparoscopic as it means I will only be down for about a week. She is fairly confident that they will be able to do the laparoscopic procedure. Her only concern is the size of my uterus. Apparently it is the size of a 4 month old fetus? In addition, my largest fibroid is about the size of a grapefruit. With at least five of those suckers, I am ready for them to be gone! As stated previously, my big day will be October 1st. Not necessarily a day I would have chosen, for those of you that remember, but didn’t want to put off any longer either. So, would appreciate your thoughts and prayers on that day.
Love to all and to being a lighter and happier woman soon!
Andrea Nicole (Nikki)
After I wrote the last email, I was able to get an appointment with the specialist the very next week. Amazing what they can do when you are persistent! However, once I was there I have to admit I felt like I was back in anatomy class and had never learned a darn thing! Dr. Barnett, the specialist, was extremely thorough and gave every possibility and option there was to have. It was quite overwhelming and emotional as well. I came home and thought about everything the doctor had said. Every option, every possibility and realized that in the end there would still never be a guarantee for me.
The next week, I went back to my OBGYN and had a very long discussion about what the specialist said and what I was feeling. Although this may be difficult for some of you to understand, I have decided to go through with the hysterectomy. It became more about my health and what is best for me. What good could I possibly be to a child, if I put myself at risk? The good news is that I will still have my own eggs; they will only be taking my uterus. So, technically, having children is still an option I would just need to use someone else’s oven. Plus, adoption is a wonderful option and there are many children out there who need good homes.
So now it was time to discuss the procedure. Of course there is abdominal, which most women have experienced. However, my doctor has just begun to practice a procedure that is done laparoscopically. She went down to assist with a doctor in Houston who is quite well versed in the procedure. The only reason my surgery is not sooner is because this same doctor from Houston is scheduled to be here October 1st to assist my OBGYN in doing the same procedure on one of her patients…which would be ME! I will not know until the day of the surgery as to which procedure will be done. But, hoping for the laparoscopic as it means I will only be down for about a week. She is fairly confident that they will be able to do the laparoscopic procedure. Her only concern is the size of my uterus. Apparently it is the size of a 4 month old fetus? In addition, my largest fibroid is about the size of a grapefruit. With at least five of those suckers, I am ready for them to be gone! As stated previously, my big day will be October 1st. Not necessarily a day I would have chosen, for those of you that remember, but didn’t want to put off any longer either. So, would appreciate your thoughts and prayers on that day.
Love to all and to being a lighter and happier woman soon!
Andrea Nicole (Nikki)
RE-POST: Sunday, August 12th 2007
All:
I am sorry for the delay on an update, but I want you all to know that I appreciate the emails, cards, phone calls, etc. Sometimes in the midst of pain, you can feel very alone when reality is quite the opposite. Please know how much I appreciate everything, I just have not wanted to talk about it or discuss it with anyone at this time. So, thank you to you all for your comfort and support. I truly have great friends and family to be thankful for in my life! Even if I don’t always appreciate it like I should.
Although I cannot say I am completely at peace with it all, I have somewhat come to grips with the news. I am trying not to give up on hope, but my somewhat cynical nature seems to have taken over. Maybe it is a defense mechanism for me to think the worst, but doesn’t mean all is lost. I do know that, even if I don’t want to admit it at times.
Not much has happened since I last wrote only because I was out of town and my sister just left today from visiting for a few days. Always nice to have Pam here and we were able to celebrate Mom’s birthday at the nursing home. Another big emotional event, but that is another story in itself.
I have heard from the doctor that my appointment with the specialist is set for September 18th! I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Although they are trying to get me something sooner than that, it could be that long before I know anymore. I was a little distraught over the length of time only because I am experiencing some pain and discomfort. But, nothing I can’t handle. The doctor did give me something for pain, but cannot take unless I am going to be at home. These days, that is not that often. At least it will help on days I can until I can see him in September. In reality, it isn’t all that far away but seems like an eternity to me now. Hope to hear more this week in regards to maybe getting an earlier date with the specialist. Will let you know more when the time comes.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!
I am sorry for the delay on an update, but I want you all to know that I appreciate the emails, cards, phone calls, etc. Sometimes in the midst of pain, you can feel very alone when reality is quite the opposite. Please know how much I appreciate everything, I just have not wanted to talk about it or discuss it with anyone at this time. So, thank you to you all for your comfort and support. I truly have great friends and family to be thankful for in my life! Even if I don’t always appreciate it like I should.
Although I cannot say I am completely at peace with it all, I have somewhat come to grips with the news. I am trying not to give up on hope, but my somewhat cynical nature seems to have taken over. Maybe it is a defense mechanism for me to think the worst, but doesn’t mean all is lost. I do know that, even if I don’t want to admit it at times.
Not much has happened since I last wrote only because I was out of town and my sister just left today from visiting for a few days. Always nice to have Pam here and we were able to celebrate Mom’s birthday at the nursing home. Another big emotional event, but that is another story in itself.
I have heard from the doctor that my appointment with the specialist is set for September 18th! I know, I couldn’t believe it either. Although they are trying to get me something sooner than that, it could be that long before I know anymore. I was a little distraught over the length of time only because I am experiencing some pain and discomfort. But, nothing I can’t handle. The doctor did give me something for pain, but cannot take unless I am going to be at home. These days, that is not that often. At least it will help on days I can until I can see him in September. In reality, it isn’t all that far away but seems like an eternity to me now. Hope to hear more this week in regards to maybe getting an earlier date with the specialist. Will let you know more when the time comes.
Thanks again from the bottom of my heart!
RE-POST: Saturday, July 28th 2007
Gonna make this short and sweet and for those of you that know me well enough, know that is no easy feat for me.
In recent years, I have wanted to start a family but to no success. I went through all the testing, charting, temperature taking that all women do when having infertility issues. About two years ago, I stopped all of the insane craziness that goes with trying to get pregnant. One, because it was becoming too much and more of an obsession than the joy of starting a family. Two, because that is when everything went down with my parents and me taking on all that went with it. Talk about a mood killer…
I recently wanted to return to my obgyn to discuss my infertility options and address some female issues I have had recently. Well, it ends up I got a lot more than I bargained for. I knew from my past visits that I had cystic fibroids. But, I wasn’t wanting to take the risk of having surgery to remove them as it could prevent me from having children all together. This past week I learned that those fibroids, I decided not to remove, have more than doubled in size and have overtaken my uterus. I had an ultrasound both topically and vaginally and they could not see my uterus at all when going in vaginally. Not good! I met with my obgyn on Thursday and she is referring me to an infertility specialist to see if they can salvage my uterus. However, the prognosis is not good. So, I am preparing myself for a hysterectomy at the ripe old age of 32! I was and am completely devastated and heartbroken. I never knew much about what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I wanted a family. To experience what other Mom’s talk about, the bond between mother and child. To experience the chance to tell everyone I am pregnant, to feel a miracle grow inside of me, to experience childbirth, etc. To know that I will never have that chance just crushes me.
I know a lot of you are probably saying, but there is adoption and other options for having a family. I will be honest that is not what I want to hear right now. I am sure at some point I will be able to talk about those options, but for now (as my sister tells me) I am in the grieving process. Have to admit that although I am quite versed in that process, it is never the same as what you previously experienced. Right now, I am mad, sad, angry, devastated. So, talking about it is not something I am ready to do just yet. Thankfully, I have a business trip this week that is taking me to Georgia. So, will allow me some time to myself and a chance to process all that has happened.
I just wanted to let you all know and although I don’t know when surgery will be just yet, it will be in the coming months.
In recent years, I have wanted to start a family but to no success. I went through all the testing, charting, temperature taking that all women do when having infertility issues. About two years ago, I stopped all of the insane craziness that goes with trying to get pregnant. One, because it was becoming too much and more of an obsession than the joy of starting a family. Two, because that is when everything went down with my parents and me taking on all that went with it. Talk about a mood killer…
I recently wanted to return to my obgyn to discuss my infertility options and address some female issues I have had recently. Well, it ends up I got a lot more than I bargained for. I knew from my past visits that I had cystic fibroids. But, I wasn’t wanting to take the risk of having surgery to remove them as it could prevent me from having children all together. This past week I learned that those fibroids, I decided not to remove, have more than doubled in size and have overtaken my uterus. I had an ultrasound both topically and vaginally and they could not see my uterus at all when going in vaginally. Not good! I met with my obgyn on Thursday and she is referring me to an infertility specialist to see if they can salvage my uterus. However, the prognosis is not good. So, I am preparing myself for a hysterectomy at the ripe old age of 32! I was and am completely devastated and heartbroken. I never knew much about what I wanted to be when I grew up, but I knew I wanted a family. To experience what other Mom’s talk about, the bond between mother and child. To experience the chance to tell everyone I am pregnant, to feel a miracle grow inside of me, to experience childbirth, etc. To know that I will never have that chance just crushes me.
I know a lot of you are probably saying, but there is adoption and other options for having a family. I will be honest that is not what I want to hear right now. I am sure at some point I will be able to talk about those options, but for now (as my sister tells me) I am in the grieving process. Have to admit that although I am quite versed in that process, it is never the same as what you previously experienced. Right now, I am mad, sad, angry, devastated. So, talking about it is not something I am ready to do just yet. Thankfully, I have a business trip this week that is taking me to Georgia. So, will allow me some time to myself and a chance to process all that has happened.
I just wanted to let you all know and although I don’t know when surgery will be just yet, it will be in the coming months.
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