Dr. Hoffman just dropped by to discuss the surgery. He said he was tired, and he looked it. He said I made him work pretty hard yesterday. He talked about how the cancer was too involved with the nerve to save, in fact, the nerve was not working anyway. Since the nerve was not functioning correctly before the surgery, my voice may be about the same as it was before. A little hoarse, but functional. Then he described how he had to scrape cancer millimeter-by-millimeter from around the tracheal. That was the real chore yesterday, taking a couple hours.
He reminded me how blessed we were. He remembered our first appointment when he ordered a CT scan, but last minute added the ultrasound test. The CT scan I had showed nothing, it was the ultrasound the discovered the nodules. I was also lucky that I got hoarse, or I never would have gone to the doctor in the first place.
Dr Hoffman removed the dressing and I have a incision that runs from behind my left ear around the right side of my throat. Luckily, I have that second chin to hide it!
Sorry I have not posted more today, but I had to dose-up on morphine this morning. My shoulders hurt so bad I can barely raise my arms. Dr Hoffman said they had to do a lot of pulling, bending and twisting for access yesterday. I should feel sore. But as my baseball buddies know, I have rotator cuff problems from throwing all that batting practice. It's crazy, the 12-inch scar on my neck doesn't hurt a bit.
Dana has been reading me the comments from the last blog entry. I really liked all the hospital gown suggestions. I have also received a couple vases of nice flowers (thanks PMD and Uli/Ingrid) and I understand a couple things have arrived at the house today. I have to tell you that I am humbled by all the attention. I have always been blessed by wonderful friends and I know they know I would do anything in the world for them. What a great comfort to know that a whole regiment of family and friends are praying for you - and are on stand-by to do whatever is needed to help out.
Once again, thanks to everyone for everything - for the prayers, help, support and kind words. Our family really appreciates it.
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7 comments:
Well its me again.... See I really am hitting that refresh button!!!!
I know you were glad to get to talk to the Dr. yourself. I would like to meet him someday and thank him for the good care he has been giving you, but that probably won't happen so just tell him for me!! HA.
Well as I was typing this Dana called and updated me also. I sure am glad you picked her for your wife!!!!
After seeing all the comments I can see you and Dana really have some great friends. Sounds like you guys have lots of fun too.
Hope you get to the ballgame and you win BIG as Granmother would say! Talk to you soon. Aunt B
Jeff,
Prayers have been answered. We will continue to pray for you, Dana and the boys.
I'm with Mike about the gown. The gap goes in the front. That way you know who's looking at it and what they see.
Keep the faith and good spirits. Call or email if you need help.
Kevin
Not to beat a dead horse or anything, but I have one more comment on the hospital gown. I think the word "gown" sort of has a feminine connotation to it, so when I wear one backwards, I prefer to think of it as a hospital cape. It also helps to think of yourself as Zorro as you march down the hospital hallways.
Mike
Hey Jeff !
Wow what a surgery !!
Enough pulling, etc. to make your shoulders sore.
Gotta love Mike's comment about the use of the "gown" for a cape...great idea....you might want to have lots of drugs, though, because of the potential exposure.
The important thing is to get rid of all of that cancer. They may even do a little radiation later.
Keep up that good sense of humor and don't eat too much jell-o.
Take care and thanks for the updates....you do have a lot of people who care.....at least this updating is better than posting them on doors......
Jeff,
Sandra, Bobby and I cannot express the relief we have that your surgery is over and you came though it so well. Our whole family has been following your blog throughout the day and asked that I send you their best wishes and prayers. I sure hope they will cut you loose from there soon so you can get back to your own bed for some real rest. Then dump the gown, and put on real pajamas, boxers and a old t-shirt. And don't forget to keep the tv remote close by. Get well soon my buddy.
Bob, Sandra and Bobby
Hey Jeff, Dana and the boys! This is Amy "Lillo" Johnson. (yeah, I know the name is funny!) Pam told me about Jeff today. I am praying for all of you. It is good to hear that ya'll are still involved in baseball. I know the boys are all-stars, given that it runs in the family. Landon and Lynsey send their love and well wishes as well. Stay in touch! I know you are in good hands!
Amy Johnson, Lynsey and Landon Tolar
Jeff,
It's great to hear that the prognosis is good, and you're up out of bed already. Your friends at work have been thinking about you constantly in the past couple of days, and everyone is wishing the best for your recovery.
We miss your humor, and look forward to seeing you again soon. Throughout all of this, your courage has been an example to all of us.
Best wishes -- Andy
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