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Post-surgery update

EVERYTHING WENT GREAT!

The surgery was a huge success and they were able to remove even more of the tumor than they initially hoped. It was a huge relief to hear that when I first came out of the anesthesia last Monday evening.

Most of the rest of the last week has been something of a blur, especially the first few days. And that’s definitely a good thing, because I don’t think it would have been particularly comfortable if I’d been more conscious.

I was in relatively good spirits on surgery morning. The staff at UCLA does a fantastic job making patient and family feel comfortable. I went into a prep area where they put me in a gown and cap and then paraded a bunch of doctors, nurses and other staff through to introduce themselves and check me in. People were allowed to rotate in 2 at a time to come visit with me, which both kept my nerves under control and helped with the boring waiting.

The surgery started sometime around noon on Monday and lasted over 5 hours. The first 60-or-so hours after the surgery (until Thursday morning), I was on bedrest and stuck lying on my side. Every 3-4 hours, the nursing staff would help me switch from one side to the other. The position was fine on my back, but my hips and shoulders were killing me. I spent most of those 3 days pretty hopped up on dilaudid  (which I could self-administer every 8 minutes via this button connected to my IV) and some oxy.

Getting out of bed on Thursday was really nice. I was able to walk fairly comfortably around the hospital hallways.

I was also allowed to start lying on my back, which felt wonderful. The strange (or not) thing was that my hips and knees were more sore than my back at that point. I’m guessing probably from a combination of the position I was in during surgery and then stuck in for those three days and then probably some nerve irritation from the surgery.

This was my home at UCLA:

I had a few friends come and visit which was really nice. I’m surprised anyone would choose to see my in that state, but I really appreciated it.

I was released on Friday and have spent the time since recovering at home. And I’ve been feeling better and better every day. I get out for a few short walks each day with the dogs and spend the rest of my time reading, relaxing or sleeping. I’m still on a bit of oxy but have been tapering off that too. My back generally feels pretty good and the incision rarely bothers me. My legs still ache from time to time, especially when I change position, but today I noticed that even that has gotten better. I’ve got a ways to go, but am super thankful that the surgery went well and that I’m well on my road to recovery!

Thanks to everyone for their kind thoughts last week. It was really encouraging!

Also, huge thanks to the staff at UCLA Santa Monica. Everyone, from the moment I walked in to the wheelchair ride out, was unbelievably kind and supportive. It made my and my family’s there time really easy.

Finally thanks to Elizabeth, my parents, the Shaffers and our siblings and their families who spent way too much time at the hospital last week, waiting, watching and entertaining me.