Saturday, July 31, 2010

Day 11 Post Op- crossed wires

I gave Cheryl a call this morning around 9 AM and she told me that she did NOT have the pleurocentesis yesterday afternoon. I guess her pain meds and my NyQuil were on different wave lengths. While we were talking, they came in to let her know that she should be going down to the imaging center later this morning for the procedure.

Evening update.... Well, actually, Cheryl did have a pleurocentesis of her left lung cavity as previously reported. The procedure planned for today was to drain her right pleural cavity again. This is the same area that was initially drained June 24th and then was drained again during surgery on July 20th. Hopefully, third time will be the charm.

About mid-afternoon, the nurse came in and said that they would be unable to do the procedure today because they were too full. Since Cheryl is not in distress at present, she is a lower priority and will be taken care of tomorrow (Sunday). She has had nothing to eat since yesterday afternoon in anticipation of being taken care of today, so she was famished. When the cancellation for today was official, she was allowed to order her meal. She enjoyed about a third of a portion of grilled chicken, half of her macaroni and cheese and most of the little container of strawberry ice cream.

It appears that the swelling in her legs has gone down a good bit. She is still somewhat bloated in the abdomen. She is managing her pain with Roxocet liquid and she is almost to the redose point before she starts asking for it.

Cheryl had several visitors and all brought their share of cheer to her room. Claire and Woody have spent another day bringing encouragement. Her surprise visitors for today were Brown and Ginger Gaulden from SC. They ran the Christian Servicemen's Center where we met in Panama and Brown performed our wedding at the Fort Clayton Post Chapel. It was great to catch up on old times and swap grandchildren stories. They had a really huge impact on our early days of marriage and demonstrated how Christian love for one another can be a significant part of your ministry to others.

As it stands now, it still looks like Cheryl will coming home on Monday. Pray that she will be up to the transition off full-time nursing care to doing-the-best-I-know-how husband care.

Cheryl does want everyone to know that she has a definite sense that prayers are being raised on her behalf. Thanks from both of us.

4 comments:

  1. The possibility of Cheryl going home Monday sounds good; I hope and pray she continues to improve. We will be out of town this next week, but our thoughts and prayers will still be with Cheryl especially, but with all of you as well.
    Give her my love,
    Peggy

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  2. It sounds like the nurses and doctors are taking excellent care of Cheryl. I have no doubt doing-the best I know how husband will do a great job too and would be Cheryl's preference. Continued prayers from all. The Friday mass intention at the Gerstner home was for Cheryl, the family and those taking care of her.

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  3. It's exciting that Cheryl will be going home. Is your church planning meals for you? Can I bring you something for supper one night? Our Sunday School class prayed for you this morning, we prayed again in the church service, and you know we pray individually for you all too.

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  4. Just returned from a week away from computers and read the updates! What a treat to have a visit from Brown and Ginger! I wish we had been there as well for the reunion! Cheryl, you remain in my prayers. Blessings, dear sister,
    Cathi

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