Tuesday, October 5, 2010

Back home...my new home decor

I am behind in updating, but it has been hard to make time/energy for the computer.  I got released from the hospital on Friday evening after another 8 day stay.  I had to immediately start home IV antibiotic treatments, so the home nurses trained me to do those that night. 

That leads me to tell you about my new addition...I am the proud owner of a new IV pole.  Yeehaw! :)   I have to give myself IV infusions at 9 am, 11 am, and 9 pm for a total of 4 hours.  It doesn't sound like much but prepping for the infusions, doing them, etc...seems to take up a bit part of my day.  I also have to go to the hospital every other day to get the dressings for the wound vac changed.  It is a pretty uncomfortable process and I dread it... I am getting tired of abdominal pain.   They are guessing it will take at least a month of wearing the wound vac 24 hours a day for the wound to heal.  I pray that it heals well.  It is in the center of my stomach where my belly button should be.  That is in an area where your core is constantly worked...it needs to heal well. 

I found out yesterday that the surgery they did to fix the bowel perforation "mistake" by the doctor didn't hold because of my weakened condition and is now leaking into my abdomen.  There is a drain there that the doctor had left from the surgery, luckily, so it is catching some of it.  My body is too compromised for another surgery so we are going to try to watch it, and hope it heals on its own, but if the output in the drain increases too much, I will end up in trouble and back in the hospital.  I am praying so hard that it will heal on its own and that there will be no more complications.  I am a nervous wreck...just getting though each day.  I can do this...

20 comments:

Andrea J said...

I believe the wound will heal on it's own, I know God is watching over you and that He loves you and is so proud of the way you are handling such a difficult trial. You are a champ!

Jennifer said...

You are such a strong person. I don't think I could handle even half of what you have gone through. You are amazing. You are still in my prayers.

MetroParks said...

Our prayers are still with you. You can do this!!!

reverseoreo said...

Yea your home. I bet you can get more rest at home than in the hospital. We are praying for you and we hope that the wounds will all heal on their own. Let me know if there is anything we can do for you. Love ya NIk Annette and Martin

Lexie said...

Shanda it all sounds so crazy, I just can't believe it, but I know you can do this and we will keep praying that it will heal quickly and well!

Melissa Conway said...

Home is the place to heal ~ I'm so glad to hear you are out of the hospital. I know it's not particularly helpful to say it, but sometimes I just want to smack your doctors! Okay, I just erased the rest of what I was going to say in case it made you laugh; something you probably need right now, but can't physically DO! Here's hoping your core is back in action soon ~ and your laughter.

jodi said...

Holy cow, Shanda!! Just when you think this can't get any crazieror more complicated, it DOES! I can't imagine...your strength is unbelievable! Someday, when this is all behind you, you'll have to write a book. Wait, make that a series of like 5 books! We're praying for that wound to heal on it's own!!!!

Tracey said...

Too say it's just not fair is a total understatement. After going through so much it doesn't seem right you are dealing with this now! We will pray that things heal up quickly and correctly. I will also pray that you are able to find ways to pass the time quickly!!

Auna Leigh said...

my goodness girl.... for real?!!!! Can we get you better or what??? YOU ARE CANCER FREE and you haven't had a moment to relish in the idea! you poor thing! excited about the iv pole, could come in handy post healing! wink, wink!!! LOL!

Aly G said...

Shanda, you are going through so much right now! I can't believe it!!! Your poor little body has been through the ringer. Its time to just focus on getting strong and let time heal! Take it easy (I am sure you are...or are trying!) Seriously you said it right just one day at a time!! I am just so glad the cancer is gone, one hurdle down the LAST one to go! You are almost there! I am praying for you and that wound to heal fast!!! Know so many are thinking of you. I bet you never thought you would have your own "pole" and an IV pole at that!!!lol!! Luvs!

Unknown said...

Shanda, I never leave commments on these things -- but you are on my mind so often these days. I stopped by your room after my shift, but the first night you were sleeping and the next I had had a compromised person and didn't want to spred anything. I hope your mom told you I will be happy to come over and change your dressing or whatever you need. Even if you just need another set of eyes. Your mom has my number sweetie. It's been such a long time but I will never forget that day you turned me on to Windows 3.1! I was still using DOS and you schooled me into the computer addict I am today!!! haha Seriously!! Please let me help you,-- with Kadlec, or with anything. My daughter-in-law does home health with one of the big places here. We got people, we know things!! lol It would really be an honor to help you in anyway, please know that and call me. Loves. K

Marilyn Harness said...

Shanda. Don't hesitate to accept this gift that your friend Karen has offered. Let these people help you. Your radiance will help them too.

I hear that "Home Goods" has better home decor than your decorating your room with. Maybe when you get through with that vacuum cleaner on your stomach, you can convert it to a robovac for your floors. A hanging plant for the IV pole. There is so many things that you can use these things for.

I am like your Mom. Don't throw anything away. One man's trash is someone elses treasures.

Personally, treasures are just dust collectors.

Seriously, Shanda, I have much empathy for your situation. You are learning patience. Someone, told me never ask God for patience. You might have to learn the hard way. So I don't anymore. I think your learning "love and gratitude."

Love you.
Great Aunt Marilyn

Laurene said...

How naive I was to think things would almost magically get better for you with the news of no more cancer. I cannot begin to fathom why you are getting yet more lessons in extreme patience, endurance, unyielding faith, etc. but I am certainly thankful you are up to the challenge and VERY THANKFUL you are not dealing with cancer!!!

Gloria said...

There are so many great comments already for you to read so I'll just say ditto, ditto - for each one!! I know you saw a glimse of a light at the end of the tunnel but it was a freight train! Don't lose faith and keep looking for the light again, it's there!! I've mentioned "Shanda" so many times in my prayers that when I kneel down He just says, "Yes, I know her! Are there any others you'd like Me to bless?" Happy Healing!!!

Shellie said...

I pray that you will heal quickly and be able to enjoy your family very soon. Love you, Shanda!

gregandlaura said...

Oh my goodness - couldn't imagine! Hang in there!

Tracey said...

We're just thinking about you and hope that all is going well! Be strong!

Gigi Geitgey said...

Shanda, we hope the wound is healing and you are getting much needed rest for healing. While we were in NYC we went to the Temple and put your name on the prayer roll there. It was a beautiful experience in that Temple. It is different from the free standing temples and such a refuge from the city. We're looking for updates and have in our prayers.
Love, Ruth & Warren Geitgey/
Martinez, GA

Laurene said...

A ladies' trio sang in Sacrament Meeting Sunday and all the way through it I fought back tears with prayer and hope in my heart that you are improving and having some better days and nights.

Unknown said...

Shanda,

I just wanted to let you know that all of us here at CBRC are thinking of you. Please keep your head up. You are the strongest person that I have ever met and you sure have inspired me not to dwell on little things. I can't wait for the day that you get to come in and enjoy yourself at the club as if it were just the other day when we played tennis in the beginner class.

Thinking of you,
Chrystal