[from Rocky]
After a long first day, I got to be mom's second overnight buddy (dad was first). We watched a couple TV shows, and an old movie, talked into the late night and eventually fell asleep. Sleeping in her room wasn't easy for either of us. There are all kinds of machines clicking and whirrrrrring and pumping, a lot of little noises I had to tune out to finally drift off – only to be jolted awake by the buzzing and beeping of one of the many i.v. dispenser/regulators that needed refilled by the nurses. The nurse was in and out all night anyway, it didn't take long to get used to her tip-toeing passed my cot all night. She was really making an effort to be as quiet and considerate as possible. Mom told me that she was still getting used to all this late night commotion and couldn't wait to get a solid night's sleep some day!
This morning, Dr. Lim and his assistant Emily stopped by to check in on mom. He wants Mom to get out of bed and walk around a llittle bit. We can even wheel her out to the courtyard garden for some fresh air! Right now, she's actually out of bed and in the recliner in her room visiting with Shawn, me and dad - making some plans for the day.
Mom wants you all to know that she's feeling very well today. She's had a very busy morning, having stood up for the first time in 2 days, sat in a chair, got a bath, had a great conversation with her nurse Lucy and is expecting a day of visiting, exploring the outside world a little bit and getting more rest. All she wants is roast turkey and stuffing, but all she's getting is a sponge and some water to moisten her mouth – at least she has something to look forward too! :-) Oh, Dr. Lim did say that she's allowed to suck on a couple ice chips today - WOW, now that's progress!
More updates later today, seems like it's going to be a busy one!
Hiya--Well, your mom is tough! Last year when I had my liver resection, they did get me up and out walking down the hall on the second day, but it was only about a 20 foot walk, and I had to stop and rest a lot of times! Almost passed out, had a lot of people propping me up... So, we get the post-surgical drill.
ReplyDeleteI was allowed to eat -- broth and jello. For days on end, broth and jello. To this day, the thought of someone giving me jello turns my stomach. But for those first few days.
And that dry mouth. One day, about the sixth day I was in the hospital I was dying for a popsicle. My mom (god bless mothers) volunteered to walk down to the supermarket and buy me a popsicle. I was only allowed the standard kind -- fruit flavored ice. They didn't have any of these being sold individually. My mom didn't know what to do, and was about to figure -- what the hell -- my daughter wants a popsicle, I'll buy the whole bag and throw the rest away since there is nowhere to store them in the hospital.
About then, a woman came along and asked my mom why she looked so puzzled. My mom explained the situation. The woman said, oh, I'll buy the popsicles, my children will eat them and love them. You take just the one to your daughter.
So, a stranger bought me a popsicle. The point of the story: Help will come to you from places you least expect, in ways that you most need.
Love to you all. Sam, for both of us.