Well, looks like you’re stuck with me for a while yet.
A 1.5 hour procedure turned into a 3 hour procedure due to three things: there was more cancer in there than they thought, so the ‘margins’ needed to be cut larger. Secondly, there’s not much skin to work with on that part of your neck, so they had to cut more than they were planning. I have a ‘T’ scar that’s going to be just lovely once it’s healed. And lastly, the young woman (I’m not old - the Doctors are so YOUNG these days) operating on me was previously a Plastic Surgeon, fixing up people injured/disfigured in battle, so I had one HELL of a great lady working on me. She. Was. Meticulous.
And, as always, they’re training another nurse/intern who has never done this procedure before so it goes a little more slowly. I don’t mind being a Guinea Pig.
The REAL Doctor, their Big Boss, checked in on things every 15 minutes or so. When we were hitting the three hour mark I asked him to tell Beau I was OK and why things were taking longer than anticipated. He was grateful for that - he’s the kind of person that might go all, ‘Shirley MacLaine’ on the doctors, as in the movie ‘Terms of Endearment’ when the daughter doesn’t get her pain meds on time, LOL!
While I was still numbed-up we were able to have a nice lunch at Buck & Honey’s on the way home, then when I got home I slept for a solid two hours - the whole day was pretty exhausting.
The wound is NOT bleeding, so that’s a very good thing. It’s starting to hurt now, so I just took some OTC meds that they recommended. I have to stay bandaged up for 24 hours, then need to keep Vaseline on the wound at all times, no heavy lifting, no bending over, and I’m to pretty much take it easy for 10-14 days. I CAN DO THAT! Follow up appointment in 6 months unless something else crops up.
Thanks for your well wishes and prayers. I’m a pretty quick healer, and from the pictures I’ve seen, things look stitched up nicely back there, though my sister is calling me ‘Zipper Neck’ today in honor of Halloween.
Thank for the good update. Good luck on taking it easy, the las 3 weeks have been terrible not being able to do much of anything. Finally getting around better. You can always leave the heavy chores to Beau and you can cook and bake up a storm.
Good to hear
Thanks for the update. I’m glad it went well, even if longer than you thought. I love some when some people are meticulous at their jobs. It shows they take pride in their work and their skills.
Trick or treaters are gone for the night. Lots of great costumes and the kids were very well behaved. I have taken to asking them about their costumes because I’m not up on the latest fads by any stretch. Lots of kids dressed as characters from video games and movies I’ve never heard of.
We also had friends pop in unexpectedly and that was TERRIFIC!! They had eaten dinner out and our house is about half way to their house. So they sat with us handing out candy until it started raining and then we came inside and had adult beverages. Fun chatting to catch up with them. I love when we can be spontaneous like that!
Happy Halloween, everyone!
Glad you stopped in Mt. Horeb for lunch! (Did wave at the mustard museum as you passed by??)
Glad you came through ok & had a good surgeon.
At least it’s not 10 - 14 days during the height of garden season with a passle of puppies to boot!
I’m sure you will find something productive to do despite the restrictions :-)
At the old place tonight, staying next door (across the pasture) at the bros house. Tomorrow I will probably hop on Clyde & cut the side yard - no rain so the grass hasn’t grown much. I have a PU full of trash to take to the dump (just signed up for trash service at the new house - hasn’t started yet). After the dump, I need to pick up various items (pole saw, pressure washer, more lumber, etc ) & pack my clothes. I live in T-shirts & capris so my ‘better’ clothes also need to move. Lots to do while mom runs around town & changes her address with doctor, banks, & puts in a forwarding order with the PO.
We want to head back tomorrow, but it could be Saturday if we get too bogged down - I can drive in the dark, but don’t like to, especially with the trailer in tow.
Got an invite to Thanksgiving dinner - I am having a hard time wrapping my head around the fact that we’re in November already & turkey day is just around the corner!