Tuesday, July 24, 2007

Operation Complete!

Eric here -
Well, just 11 hours after getting to the hospital, we are back home. Meghan is doing very well, and the operation appears to have been really successful. As much as you can define "successful" as coming home short one breast and a lymph node. But the surgeon said it went well, and looks promising for reconstruction in the future. They will biopsy the full lymph node to check it for cancer, but preliminary biopsy was negative. Which is very positive.
Meantime, Meghan has to wear a device called a JP drain, which basically sucks the juices out of the wound in her armpit. It'll stay in for probably 4 or 5 days, and then it's back to the hospital to have it removed.
She's on Vicodin for the pain, and the nurses were adamant about making sure to take it every 3 hours so the pain doesn't ever get ahead of it. They said that with pain like this, if you wait until it hurts to take the pill, you can't catch up to the pain, and then you're screwed. So we're looking forward to nights of waking every 3 hours until further notice.
In any case, things are looking good at this point, and Jim and Judy are here with us and are taking great care of Meghan, Kitty and me.

18 comments:

Ulrike von Helms said...

HOORAY FOR MEG. It's out of your boob! you are a champion. (and hooray for meg's entire support team. ) I wish you a speedy recovery and NO PAIN. keep up on the vitamin V. All my love.

sandy said...

Such great news!!!!! We are SO relieved, Meg! I hope you will totally follow the doctor's orders and keep up with your vicodin every three hours. If you feel nauseated, it may be the vicodin. it can have that effect. On the other hand, what you have just been put through could make you nauseated, too. There may be alternatives to vicodin if it doesn't agree with you.
Thank you, Eric, for making time to keep us all posted. Take super good care of Meg for all of us who love her and can't be there. Jim and Judy, we are thankful you are there.
Love,
sandy/your mom :-)

Bruce Marble said...

Thank you for your support of our Meg. She is very special to us.

Now, learn how to make hermits and you will be perfect!

Love you both

Nowhere in New Mexico said...

hi meghan and eric. congratulations on being done with surgery! you are such a superstar, love. take care, rest, lie on comfy pillows and watch movies. and just snap your fingers if you need anything.

P Eastman said...

Morning, Meg & Eric,
Kudoes to you both. And thanks for the gory (& I do mean gory!) detail, Eric. We're still sending lots of good Left Coast vibrations your way. XOXO in the usual grand profusion, Ron, Pat, Ashley, Alix & Catherine
P.S. Hugs & kisses to J & J as well. I suspect you're worn out, you old things, and could use some fortification as well.

karitarr said...

Hi Meg,

Congratualations on the continued advancement on your journey. Diana is a friend of the family and shared your blog with me. I respect your honesty and openess during this time of vulnerbility. I am a survivor (almost 3 years now) of inflammatory invasive duct carcinoms stage 3b cure rate hmmmm ..maybe like 4%. But here I am....still here.... 31 years old....

Up and down, up and down, up and down down down....no need to fear... there is only one place to go....

I am here for you if you need to talk about anything at all. karitarr111@yahoo.com

I hold you in my heart and my prayers with every breath.

Kari

Jessica said...

Yay!
Thanks for the update Eric...
Take good care of our Meg.
lots of love,
jess

Uncommon Consulting said...

Smooch smooch smooch smooch smooch!

Go Meg! Thank you Eric! Weepy hug for Judy and Jim.

Love you all.
- Julie

susang said...

I still can't speak...Thank you Eric for taking care. How we WISH we could be there to help too. You've had such good comments from all of the folks who love you...we thought you belonged to us and now we see you've spread yourself around everywhere! How lucky are you and all of them who know you too! Get well, honey pie.
Love, Susan G

Unknown said...

We have had such an amazing outpouring of love and concern and appreciate all of you everywhere for your thoughts, gifts, calls, emails....you name it. Many of you have requested Meg's address....here 'tis
1612 So. Logan St.
Denver, CO 80210

To Phil and Matt for the cookies....you really know how to make our girl smile. One of the cookies read "Breast wishes" and another read "Bump the Lump."

Many want to "DO something"....I, as her mother just want to "kiss it and make it better or make it go away." It always worked before.

A suggestion for now might just be: a card or note....mail is always appreciated. She says she really doesn't want anything. It is a bit overwhelming right now.....just keep sending your love and support and the lovely comments. Thank you seems inadequate right now, but we truly thank each and every one of you. Judy (the Mom)

linda said...

Dear Meghan,
I'm thinking of you every day and sending lots of healing wishes. I'm so glad you're surrounded by such love and caring. Hello to Judy from cousin Linda

Keith Ackley said...

Meghan,

Glad to hear the news is positive! We have all been thinking about you and praying for the best. Looks like it is paying off!! We'll keep it up until you get the all clear.

Lotsa love

Keith, Mary, Liz and James

ericadriscoll said...

Sending you all our love and best wishes. Glad to hear you are doing well. Now REST!

toby said...

Hooray, Meg. Chessie called from China the minute she got your Mom's email and we've been following things since on this wonderful blog. What a wonderful family and group of friends you have! We're devastated that you have to go through this but so inspired by how you're handling it and proud of you. We send you lots of love. Toby and Frances Thacher.

Hardy said...

Eric, Judy and Jim,

Hi to you all! And MANY thanks for the updates-- and send my love to the patient. I sent her an email-- but realized she might not checking it just yet.
I am so glad the surgery went well.

Much love,
Hardy

Lauren Fawell said...

Dear Megs,

I am so proud of you! You are so brave! You made it through surgery with flying colors now good luck with the recovery. Keep up the amazing work!! Love ya! Love ya! Love ya!

XOXOXOXOOXO

Marime said...

Dear Meg and Eric and Judy and Jim,

WHEW!

How relived you all must be that this part is over and went so well.

I hope you feel comfort in the overwhelming love and support from your family and friends. Thanks for including us.

Marime

bob a said...

now get uncle BRUCE to make some hermits!!

hope you are feeling better today!!

xox...