Saturday Followup

We had a good follow-up visit with the surgeon on Thur. The staples are now removed and Mike can resume limited intake of ground beef, fiber, carbonated drinks and alcohol. He can also begin driving mid-next week with lifting limitations to 20 lbs for the next ~5 weeks.

One mildly humorous exchange occurred when they were discussing Mike's early hospital departure and having no pain meds since the day after surgery. The doctor called Mike "really motivated". He has no idea. I think Mike would consider it "winning!"

Anyway, Mike's return to work is now set for Mon, 3/21, and I think we're both looking forward to that step of normalcy.

We spent a couple of hours running errands yesterday and it was surprising how tired he became afterward and by bedtime. I think it just shows how this part of the process will take time--building up stamina and endurance.

The reality is that all is going so well and God is still good! Join us in thanking Him for the ridiculous amounts of blessings He gives each of us everyday!

Praise the Lord! Oh give thanks to the Lord, for he is good, for his steadfast love endures forever!  Psalm 106:1

You can respond to mike at: mharrisosu@yahoo.com

Update on Mike... Wednesday post op

Sorry for the lack of recent updates but life's been pretty good with steady progress.
Mike's been enjoying his recovery at home since being dismissed from the hospital last Thur.
Simple activities that everyone takes for granted like standing, sitting, turning your upper body and eating food are getting a little easier every day. One of the more difficult activities has been turning in bed--which he does several times each night--but even that is getting easier.
We're anxious to see the surgeon tomorrow (Thur) morning for his first follow-up. Hopefully, the staples will be removed along with the okay to resume more of Mike's pre-surgery diet as he's lost about 10 pounds.
We will also talk about his return to work. Currently, Mike can't wear normal pants nor sit upright in a chair for very long. So, unless wearing robes/sweat pants and a recliner are an option in the office, working remotely may be the only near-term option.
Thanks again for all the good thoughts and prayers. They've carried us to amazing results in an unbelievable short time.
God is good!

Home, sweet home!

Well, home is good. He was packed and waiting for me at the hospital, so I Valeted the car, and went up to get him. The Dr. said normally he'd like to keep him one more day, but he knew that he REALLY wanted out of there, and agreed that he'd take it easy. He was ready for lunch, so I made him some pasta and chicken.

He's enjoyed kicking back in his recliner, catching up on FB and email, and listening to his favorite radio station... the Ticket. Only problem... they make him laugh. That hurt.  I did run to the store for food and supplies, and while I was gone, he got HICCUPS. THAT was the worst pain so far. He had to go lie down flat to let them pass. He said it still hurts to cough or laugh now after that.

He's gone to lay down for a while, as bending isn't all that good. Looking forward to dinner soon! He will take it easy for a couple of weeks though.  I give him another week, and work might be lookin' not-so-bad.  ;)

Going HOME!

WOW! Mike just called. Surgeon came by and said he can go home today!!! They are working on discharge papers, and I can go get him! YEAH! He can't wait to get HOME!

Giving thanks always for all things to God the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.  Ephesians 5:20

Wednesday...2 updates

•  Oh, the difference an hour makes...

  8am -Mike is up and about. Frustrated, and ready to go home, but still healing. (student nurses don't help that frustration) Ready for some food, but afraid of too much. Not up for much visitors yet, but after his first coffee and a real shower since Saturday... he might feel different. Thanks all, he loves hearing your comments.

  9am -Well, coffee seems to be the miracle drug. He's up, happy, "progressing", and spoke with the surgeon. Things are looking up... all because of coffee! ;) buy stock in coffee.

Tuesday afternoon...

Not much changes for Mike today. Burps, walks, naps, more naps. Headache is really bugging him. Is it Friday yet...?

Tuesday morning update

Mike is still in pain. The gas bubbles are hurting the most. Surgeon says to limit liquids, and no more drinking with a straw. He took one lap around the hall a while ago and is now resting. They removed the catheter this morning, so all he wants to do is pee. Such a little thing to ask for. Still waiting on things to wake up and start working. Thanks for the prayers and concerns, but stay tuned to this or the blog for complete updates. Sorry I just cannot answer every phone call or response.

I've read a few prayers and comments to him before he went to sleep, but he's just too tired to listen long. Maybe tomorrow he will want to see visitors.

Thank you each for your comments, concerns and prayers.
Melanie and Mike

“For with God nothing will be impossible.” (Luke 1:37)

6:45 update

6:45 update... his surgeon came by. He was impressed that Mike had been up walking. He said most people walk 2nd day post op... We knew he was "special" ;) He is now on his mid-evening nap.

Oh, ps... I asked and the surgeon said that he removed about 18" from his ascending and transverse colon, including his apendix. Oh my!

We shall see how much rest he (we) get tonight.

6pm update

Well, it's been a busy day.  Mike's surgery was over at 10am, and up to his room at about 11:30.  After giving the nurses fits and taking his late morning nap, and morphine, he got up to sit about 2 o'clock.

Brooke came by for a visit and take care of him while I ran for lunch. (Cafeteria is closed in the hospital) :( 

After his mid and late afternoon naps and more pain meds, he had a breathing test. OH THE FUN!!! That was the worst pain yet he said.  Another nap, and more meds, a fire drill, and then he got up for a lap around the 3rd floor.  Now, he's back napping for his early evening nap.

More clear liquids for dinner when he wakes, and another breathing test. Oh boy...

He has a great outlook, and is SO wanting to get out of here, but the Dr. says FIVE days in here. Lord, please make it 3 or 4!

THANKS for all of the prayers, flowers, texts, facebook and well wishes!

HE thanks everyone for them all!!!!  <3

Mel

Update 10:04am

Surgery started late this morning at just after 8 am. 

10:04am
Surgeon just came out and said mike is out of anesthesia. The surgery went well. They will send colon for biopsy, but did not see anything just yet. He said the surgery went well, and Mike will be on pain meds and a "cinch" around his middle to help with the pressure. I will be able to see him in about 45 minutes.

Stay tuned to my facebook or the blog for updates:  http://mikescolon.blogspot.com/

Late Start

Just heard from the OR nurse. They just got started, so it was a late start. Going well so far. 8:07 am

Background... and prep.

I'll share a little background to those who had not heard already... Two years ago, Mike had a routine colonoscopy. Due to family history, his Dr. felt it a good idea to check it out early before the age of 50.  Several polyps (11) were found, removed and tested to be non-cancerous.  Skip forward to Dec 2010. Round 2 colonoscopy. They found about a dozen more this time, removed most and again all were non-cancerous.  We were then referred to a specialist in Dallas. After studying Mike's extensive medical genealogy, the Dr. determined that he is indeed special, and grows polyps like farmers grow crops.  When presented with all the facts, Mike was strongly urged him to remove half of his colon, thus reducing the real estate for the polyps to grow, and facilitate all future colonoscopies. 

We had no sooner returned from a business trip to Germany when an hour later, this Dr. called to confirm that Mike was in fact moving forward with surgery, and also revealing that the genetic studies showed him to be clear of two known gene defects causing the growths. This is good news for our daughters, but continued research will need to be done to discover which gene is responsible for Mike's "special colon".

Tomorrow morning is the day for the Right Hemicolectomy, where the surgeon will remove the ascending and about half of the transverse colon.  He is less than thrilled to be doing the same bowel prep just 2 months after his last one, but very anxious to get past the surgery and start the healing.

We appreciate your concerns, thoughts and prayers. We hope that you tune in to facebook or this blog in order to stay updated on his progress.

You can leave your comments and I will share them with Mike daily. Thank you.

Last Supper

Saturday night... last meal. Mike chose La Playa Maya... our favorite Mexican place!  By luck we ran into 4 friends already there that had just ordered, so they joined us, and we had a blast!  If we'd tried to get 7 people together last minute, it never would have happened...

Mexican Food, margaritas, good old friends... GREAT evening!

Tomorrow... the liquid diet begins. Monday... surgery day.