Tony’s surgery was scheduled at 7:30 a.m yesterday morning., so I told him I would be there at 6:30. I was running a couple minutes late, trying to get the dog outside since we would be gone for several hours. He never did go outside, damn dog.
Hannah and I are half way to the hospital when he called and said that they were taking him to surgery . . . now! My worst fear was realized when I thought I wouldn’t be able to see him before surgery. But luckily, the porter who was taking him down said that we would be able to see him before surgery – whew!
He was so nervous, like he normally is before any surgery. But I knew he was in good hands. All the doctors and nurses were really nice, his anesthesiologist walked in and shook Tony’s hand as a fellow White Sox fan. They ended up giving him transfusions to make sure his blood levels stayed well during surgery.
Then before we knew it, it was time to say good-bye. I gave Tony my positive face, told him he was strong and he could get through the surgery. It wasn’t until he was wheeled away that I let my emotions get to me for a couple minutes. While its a relief to know he is getting taken care of, the waiting gets to you after a while.
I went and got an oatmeal in the cafeteria, with raisins, sliced banana and sugar free syrup – not bad for $1.50!
And I drank a lot of this during the day:
We were initially told that the surgery would last between 2 and 3 hours. So in my head, I am thinking 10:30 a.m. at the latest. At 11:00 a nurse hands me a phone. It’s the ER nurse. She tells me that the tumor is lower in his colon than they thought, and it will be another one to two hours.
Okay, at least I know that by 1:00 p.m. everything will be done. At 12:30 the surgeon comes out, and he says that they found more cancer, and have to take out more colon than they thought, but Tony was stable, and it will be another couple hours. The thought that they might find more cancer never crossed my mind at all. 🙁
So we decided to go get lunch. We first had Hannah bring up some soup for me and my Mom, but neither one of us was feeling it, so we went and got something else – it was okay – chipotle turkey, zucchini and I threw on the french fries for stress relief! 😀
So now I am thinking around 3:00 the doctor will come out and tell me everything is okay. Although since we were sitting in the surgical waiting room all day we noticed that some doctors would just come right out, say “everything went as planned, your loved one is doing well” while other doctors would escort people into a private room.
We kind of joked and said “I hope we don’t have to go to the private room!” Finally, at 3:30, the doctor came to us, looked at me and said “do you want to see him?” I jumped up, we started to walk to recovery, when he starts describing the extra surgery he needed to do and then says “why don’t we talk in this room” and leads me to the private room
As I was walking I was like “no, don’t take me to the private room – only bad news is given in the private room!” Turns out he just drew me a picture of what he did in the surgery so I could understand it – whew! But can I tell you that the rest of the family in the waiting room had white faces when I got back!
But since the surgery was so long, it took him a couple hours to wake up. And he was supposed to go to a floor after surgery that was somewhere between a regular room and ICU, but no bed was available. So finally, at around 6:00 p.m., a nurse comes over and tells us that we can wait in the ICU waiting room – that of course made us concerned, but once we got there, I was calm.
My maiden name is Hills. This is the name on the ICU waiting room.
I took this as a sign that all would be well! And um, this place was amazing – private rooms with flat screen t.v.’s, reclining chairs – I would have liked to have spent all day in this waiting room!
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We finally got to see Tony at 6:45 – 15 minutes before the nursing shift change. They don’t allow visitors between the hours of 7-8 a.m. and p.m. during shift change. I was just glad Tony was awake, I could kiss his lips and he saw my face so he knew everything was okay.
Hannah and I drove together in her car, so we picked up a pizza on the way home, and I was back at the hospital at 8:00 p.m. after the shift change. When I walked into his room I saw this:
And while this may look scary to you, he was calm and sleeping, which is exactly what he needs. He ended up waking up around 9:00 and then I left around 11:00 p.m. His nurse only has him as a patient last night, so hopefully he was in good hands last night.
A huge thank you to my SIL Jody, my nephew Chris, my Mom and Hannah for being my moral support all day at the hospital, and for my parents in law and step-son Joe’s texts throughout the day. And thank you for all your comments and emails throughout the day – it was like getting a virtual hug from all of you!
Today the plan is to get Tony walking so he doesn’t form blood clots, and to get him back into a regular room. They previously said his hospital stay could be anywhere from 3 – 5 days, but I guess we’ll get a better handle on that today.
Go give your spouse, child, or significant other an extra kiss and hug today. Sometimes our every day lives get lost in the shuffle and you forget to slow down, and appreciate what you have!
Hugs!
I’m glad to hear the surgery, although longer than expected, ended well.
I’m glad to hear the surgery went well. I don’t check in too often, but I wanted to stop in and say hi. Thinking happy thoughts for you 😉
Oh, thank goodness the surgery went well! Sounds like he had a good doctor, and it sounds like you had a great support crew. Best wishes for Tony’s speedy recovery!
Oh, Biz, I am SO glad he’s recovering and you are able to be with him! I’m so thankful you have a lot of support there, too. Take care of yourself, and I pray you’ll be able to take your man home ASAP! 🙂
What a long day. I’m glad you had a good support system. Thinking of you guys and praying for smooth recovery!!!
So glad the surgery is over and he’s in recovery now! You guys were definitely on my mind and in my prayers all yesterday!
I am so glad things went well! you guys will be in my prayers!
Your post just made me cry! I’m so glad you got to see him before surgery and that he made it out ok. Still always thinking about you guys!
ICU is a scary place. Good thing that you were able to not panic and know he’s being taken care of. Sorry about the more cancer, but on the bright side you had a good thorough surgeon, right? Hoping and praying for a rapid and uncomplicated recovery.
I couldn’t be happier – He may be asleep, but the man looks good. 🙂 [nice color]
All our best to you Biz. Love and hugs to you all.
I’m so sorry I haven’t commented before… I haven’t been reading blogs while feeling self obsessed and now I see that you’ve had a lot to deal with, so I want to send you hugs and good wishes very late. Now I’ve caught up I’m really impressed at your strength and positive attitude, and I know that it will be rewarded with the news you’re waiting for 😉
All the best to Tony, the two of you are such a great couple and family, there’s nothing you can’t overcome together!!!
Hugs to all of you. The hard part is over now and healing can begin.
Phew! I’m so happy that he’s out and alright. What a nervewracking experience and it wasn’t even my husband! Love and prayers coming your way!
Wow, what a day you had. Tony is a lucky guy to have you at his side. Many hugs to all of you!!!
I’m so glad you got to see him and that the surgery went well. Hugs to you and your family!
You and Tony and your family are all in my prayers today! So glad that Tony is awake and through the surgery!
I’m glad to hear surgery went okay. It’s good they got it all out!
Sending lots of thoughs and prayers your way!
You and Tony are in my prayers. Take care <3
:’) *BIG HUGS* Tony will back up making you his super stir-fry’s soon!!! 😀