Maggie is recovering from surgery without any setbacks or complications. She is probably past danger of internal bleeding and is still being monitored with a drain for bile leaks with none being detected. For pain management she was given an epidural immediately after surgery yesterday. Her pain was under control at the expense of all feeling in and ability to move her right leg. This discomfort kept her from resting much yesterday, so she was switched to a morphine pump this morning. Today has been much more comfortable and restful for her. She will start getting up and moving around in the morning.
Maggie has spent numerous nights in the hospital – we’ve lost count to be honest. She knows what she likes when she’s here. She has strong opinions when it comes to hospital bed brands. The luck of the draw yesterday gave her a Stryker. Her preference is the Hill-Rom VersaCare. Today she got her Hill-Rom after a major effort brought about by our Forrest County nurse Nicole. Maggie is still bed-bound due to the presence of a Foley catheter and, well, the pain of moving. Her room is one of those smallish corner types that would not accommodate two beds in order to make the switch. Nicole and two nurse friends wheeled Maggie and Stryker into the hall, gently push/pulled her to VersaCare, then rolled her back into the room with a huge smile of her face. The favored bed allows her more control of her position – she’s already sitting up more. Nurses are amazing!
Speaking of nurses – I could do that for hours – Maggie has had the same OR nurse for every surgical procedure except for one when she was off-duty (and she left instructions for Maggie’s care in her absence). Kristen has been amazingly supportive of her since procedure #1 in April 2014. We suspect she engineered (because she reads Maggie’s updates) the playing of “Mr. Blue Sky” (by ELO) during her port removal procedure. It was played it once again yesterday morning! I’m posting a picture of Kristen and Maggie taken yesterday morning (which I hope is ok!).
I’ve been overwhelmed with the influence of godly people doing the jobs they do – large and small – in taking care of us in our journey. You know some – Nicole, Kristen and many other nurses. Janie (3C night nurse during chemo stays) came down last night to flawlessly access Maggie’s port. Yesterday morning prior to surgery, Dr. Berch came by our pre-op cubicle to pray with us. Our pastor, Daryl Craft, stayed with us throughout surgery yesterday. This morning at the Cabot Lodge, I noticed the security guard sitting under the front drive-through reading his Bible. And I just love the parking attendant who always wishes me a “blessed day” as I drive out. Make no mistake, though our world appears dark, God is firmly in control. And love wins. Thank you for your part in that.
We are praying for improvement each day and release date toward the end of the week. We are also praying for Maggie’s team as they evaluate the pathology report from surgery. It is due to be completed in time for tumor conference tomorrow to allow discussion. These results will have implications for upcoming chemo treatments. I’ll post an update once we know.
Of course it’s ok! I was honored to take a pic with Maggie! Praying for her always!
Thank you! You will never know how much it means to us when you take care of her. We are blessed to have you there!
With you and your family
Praying for sweet Maggie! Thank you for the updates!
So glad recovery is going well so far. We are praying for you all❤️
LOVE hearing about all the people God has put in your path. Very heart-warming and uplifting to see how God uses others. Praising God for his faithfulness to your family and for a good recovery thus far. We continue to lift all of you up!
Praying continually! Much Love.
So thankful Maggie’s pain is under control and she got her favorite nurse.
After many trips to the hospital and hospice care for both of my parents, I can attest to the fact that nurses are one of God’s greatest gifts!! So thankful for those who have helped MaggiE and made her stays more cimfortable!
Praying God’s richest blessings fill your day and for Maggie’s quick healing so she can be in her own bed!
Love hearing that Maggie is doing well and how faithful God’s people are serving you! Love and prayers to you and Maggie.
So glad to hear that Maggie is recovering well and that God continues to place caring people in your path. Praying for a good pathology report, wisdom for Maggie’s medical team, peace and healing.
So thankful all went well and for wonderful medical staff! May God continue to bless and keep you all in His loving arms. We love y’all.
God is so faithful to supply all our needs!!!! Love you all and still praying!!! ?
Praying
I have never met Maggie but God is certainly doing a work with her. She looks radiant and so healthy. Attitude! Attitude! Attitude! Praying for a good report!
Continuing to pray for all of you.
God’s people are everywhere!! Praise God!!! So glad Maggie was able to get her comfy bed. Where there’s a will…. Continuing in prayer for all.
So thankful she is doing so well… Praying for a fast recovery and good reports.
Remembering Maggie and all of you in prayer. Thanks for such a positive uplifting report!