After our two doctors' visits this week I can report that the pain from the peg tube (for my stomach emptying) has finally stopped. The surgeon removed the last two stitches which allows me to put gauze between the peg and the skin allowing the skin to be cushioned and heal.
I will not get into any more gory details, but will tell you that real estate on my stomach is getting to be very expensive. I have a railroad track down the middle through my belly button due to the incision. The colostomy pouch is on my right side, the peg tube is on the left side, the feeding IV port is on the upper ride side - near the collar bone and we found out today I will have another port inserted via out-patient surgery for the upper left side. So if my stomach were Manhattan, about the only thing left would be Harlem and the financial district!!!
Food is not really a problem since I am never hungry. . have lost about 10 pounds. I carry around the TPN book bag on my walker along with my stomach drainage pouch. Favorite foods are: Hot and Sour Soup --well-sieved --from our Chinese Restaurant, Crystal Lite Decaf Iced Tea with Lemon (only 1/4 lemon), Luigi's frozen Italian Ices,Fruit Punch Mio, and plain old ice water with lots of ice! You would be amazed how these tastes can satisfy you. Not much fat though (except a tiny amount in the hot and sour). Also like bouillon and jello but had a lot of that in the hospital. I suspect I will be on TPN for a few more weeks at least. While I am on TPN I am at danger for diabetes but no bad readings so far! I am also home bound while on TPN and got one of the DMV hangars so we can park in a handicapped space. I have to wear dresses now all the time. The tube does allow for slacks. At times I feel like I am 90. !!!
Anyway, the pain is diminishing and I am sure it is due to the dozens of cards and flowers and greeting (and a watercolor painting, my oh my Aunt Jean!) you guys sent to me. Thanks again for all your well wishes and know I am doing pretty well. The oncologist said I am a "strong" woman and can fight the disease with Flo-Fury so we'll see where that takes us.
Love to all of you!
Peggy
You are truly an amazing woman. In the face of all of this adversity your humor continues. I do truly admire you. Keep up the laughs, know that we love you and we'll see you in August.
ReplyDeleteHi Peggy, It was so much fun to see you and Patrick (plus Reese and Allie!) the other day! And I'll say again and again . . . you look wonderful and I was so glad to catch up with you! I love your dress and it was great to see you up and walking (rolling!) around. I'm impressed with your creativity with your "meals" (aka colorful drinks) and Chef Patrick does a superb job of preparing everything. He's amazing! And it was wonderful to see Reese looking just like himself--frisky, happy, and with a big 'ole wagging tail! Hooray! Good news here, Yoda is feeling much better and is almost back to normal. I'm cleaning the house and he has been following me around all day and playing with toys. They rechecked his esophagus on xrays on Fri and it is normal so we were relieved. Here's a funny video that someone sent me online of a dog eagerly sitting in her high chair. Thought it would make you laugh! :) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qUcCZTnImCI
ReplyDeleteNatalie will check her schedule and be in touch about stopping by . . .hope to see you again soon! And hope you are feeling good today. Keep laughing 'cause it's true that laughter is the best medicine!! :) michelle
Wow! I loved the video of Bella! Such a great invention.
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