On the Road to Recovery

On Wed after surgery rather than keeping me sedated, they let me wake up late in the afternoon and I was able to talk w/Mom and sister M. Min showed up later as well but I was still pretty out of it. That night I was in a fair amount of pain and they worked with me to get it under control. Thursday morning Dr B dropped by and told me that the surgery went well, that he didn't find any further evidence of cancer, and that the analysis of the original cancerous areas will come back in 5 to 7 business days but that everything looked good - all of which was reassuring. Later I was moved from icu/recovery to my room. I got lucky because all they had was a private room so I that's what I got. I had actually considered getting a private room but it was an extra $500 a day and I couldn't justify that much extra to myself. After they got me settled in the new room they got me seated and, eventually, off for a bit of a walk. They kept me in a seated position most of the day as it's better for my lungs at this point and I went on a couple more walks throughout the day. By the end of the day, I was pretty tired and my visitors (Mom, M and Min) left around 8:30. Last nite I slept pretty well tho they got me up at 6:00 - again being upright is better but it doesn't mean I like it a whole lot. Today, I've gone walking a couple of times and will go a few more times. While walking, I have to stop every so ofter and cough to help clear my lungs - not a lot of fun but it's a lot easier today then it was yesterday. All in all, everyone says I'm recovering very well.


At this point, it's basically a waiting game again. I can't eat or drink at the moment - not particularly hungry but I sure could use a nice glass of water. On Monday they'll do a barium swallow test on me and, at that point, they'll hopefully let me start eating/drinking again. I'm up for visitors at this point so drop on by or give me a call.

--Dr. D

Out of Surgery

It's DR. D's sister GOC. I will be updating the blog over the next few days. DR. D is out of surgery and all went as expected. A bit over 5 hours. He is now in the ICU. Biopsy results will not come back for 5-7 days, but he made it through the surgery with no issues so things continue to look good.

Tomorrow - The Big Day

Surgery is tomorrow. I'm supposed to arrive at the hospital at 5:30 am. *Yech* My mother and sister, M, arrived this afternoon and they will meet me at the hospital in the morning where they will spend a lovely day waiting to get progress reports which they will get updates every two hours until the operation is over. Afterwards, my surgeon, Dr B, will meet with them to discuss how the operation went. M will then contact my other sister, GOC, who will subsequently update this blog w/the info on my status. For myself, I get to spend the day doing what I like best, i.e. sleeping. They will keep me sedated and in recovery/icu overnight and then wake me the next day once they've moved me to my room. Shortly after they'll make me walk. Ugh - luckily I'll be hooked up to an epidural so I can float away as necessary.

Well, I gotta get some sleep. For people wanting to visit, anytime after Friday should be good. I'll be at the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center, the address is:

1275 York Avenue

which is 67th and York. My room will be on the 14th floor, I'll update the blog when I get specific room information. I'll also have my cell phone w/me so you can call if you want/need to.

See ya on the other side,

--Dr. D