This morning the doctor told Peter that it is good when he is bored because that means he's on the mend. I suspect that means that these reports will get bor-ing...because there isn't much new to tell you.
We're hoping some tubes will come out by Monday. Peter walked 6 laps this morning because we determined that 6 x 3 is better than 9 x 2. He's starting to get hungry, which could mean that his gut is starting to wake up, that sleepyhead. When that happens he can get tube fed (oh joy).
There is a disconnect between how well Peter is doing medically and how he feels. The word "cumulative" was used a lot with chemo and radiation. I think it is applicable with recovery, too. It all takes a toll, and the words "You're doing great!" don't match the reality of his life in this little room attached to all these tubes.
But I've learned in life that just when things start to seem bleak, there is usually a turnaround ahead.
That's about all the news from here.
Over all it seems that things are good, but it is really hard to get to the point of relaxing and letting go of fear...just because of all you have gone through since the diagnosis. The fear of plan "A" not working (and it did!), the battle of Peter's eating (and now he is hungry!), and with those big concerns (worries), come a level of anxiety that is difficult to break. I think women, in particular, like to get all of their ducks in a row, simply because we bear and raise children. When things get way beyond our control, I think we flounder a bit...we like to fix things, and some things we can't and have to turn over to the experts! I think when Peter is out of the hospital, and you get over the worries of those first days home, you will be back to the old optimistic Susan...you probably already are! It is a difficult time, and often we just have to bear with it. Go easy on yourself! Please give Peter a huge hug for me...from all of us!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Sharon
I am so happy to hear how well Peter is doing. I agree with the doc, boring is good! :) All that walking is quite impressive. I'm glad to hear the gut is trying to wake up. As far as time killing goes, I find that spider solitaire and sudoko manage to steal a lot of my time unintentionally. I also know of a couple crafts one can do with medical supplies including, but not limited to: baskets made of medical tape and gauze snowflakes. And if games are your thing, there is always the "saline flush launch" where you see how far you can shoot saline from a syringe down the hallway. We might have done those during clinicals in college to make time go by faster... :) Anyway, take care!!
ReplyDeleteLiz Baker
Hi Peter and Susan, we have been thinking and praying for you all. Elena says, "we love you and get better" of course she is our spokesman. We are happy to hear that the surgery went well. When I read Susan's note about the song "stand" by Sly and the Family Stone I just had to smile. Peter has wanted the band to sing that song and it was one of the first Red's Rhythm songs I put on a cd. I will have to dig it out and tale another listen. The boys in the band are like a guitar without a string, a drum without a beat, a song without good lyrics, without you Peter. We decided to take a bit of a break but hope to get together next week to go over some of the newer songs. I keep the "boys" up to date and they are wishing you well. Keep doing your laps to build stamina for your awesome harmonica riffs. Love Stacey, the family and the band.
ReplyDeleteSo I just spent 20 minutes wriing a nice note to you and then I accidentally deleted it! It was really good too. So here is the Cliff note, we are happy the surgery went well, Elena loves you, the "boys" in the band are like a one string guitar without you and I smiled when Susan wrote about Tue song "stand". I'll have to take another listen to it! Keep building your laps so your harmonica lungs come back stronger than ever. Love and prayers to you all. Stacey
ReplyDeleteNever thought it was good to be bored and hungry, but for Peter those are good things indeed! Still praying.
ReplyDeleteHello Peter & Susan, thank you for continuing to post updates. So, so, so glad to hear the surgery went well - I've been sending love & prayers your way. My Mom got the Carmelite nuns in Lafayette praying for you, and, trust me, they can work a Rosary like nobody's business. Keep up that golden secret to healing: boring rest. Love, love, love, Vanessa
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