Unexpected Turn

On Monday morning bright and early, I checked in for surgery #2. We thought we were on track, and the nurses and doctor working with me were optimistic about a successful procedure.

Once I was asleep and on the table, the doctor discovered an abscess deep in the lymph node incision from surgery #1. It was extensive, and problematic. While I was still under anesthesia, the doctor was able to clean out the infection and start a protocol for healing. I woke up to find out that things hadn’t gone according to plan.

While the set back is a small disappointment, my greater emotion was relief. I had been in great pain for about a week—I had been in three times to have it looked at, but the problem went undiagnosed. Wound management has proven to be painful and exhausting, but is considerably more tolerable that last week’s unexplained and debilitating pain.

We have a plan for treatment for the next couple weeks, and then I will go back to meet with the second surgeon and hopefully receive a go ahead for the surgery to be rescheduled.

I’m deeply grateful for family and friends who have stayed with me, provided much needed nursing care (wound care I am unable to do for myself), and cared for Hana’s needs while I’m unable to drive and manage basic household tasks. We feel incredibly loved and supported.

Hope With Me:

• For total healing of this infection
• For a rescheduled surgery #2 that won’t be in conflict with other ongoing oncology treatment plans
• For pain to continue to subside
• For laughter with friends and family as I seek to heal in body, mind, and spirit