12:50 Nap time.
No, I am not going to turn into one of those Tweeters or bloggers who chronicles ever little thing, but am giving a brief update nonetheless. Sleeping soundly right now after a lap around the floor with assistance of her very friendly CNA, Ify. An extra shot of pain med and she is off in La la land for a well-deserved nap.
Saw Emily, the PA who works with Dr. M. today. She was very optimistic but ended her words on an ominous note: "today, she will love me, but not tomorrow. Tomorrow is when we pull the plug on the IV pain meds." Thrills. One of the oncologists also came by and had a very nice, long talk with us about how things are going. He was also upbeat and positive. I'm happy to take any upbeat, positive vibes that he sends our way. Maybe it is augmented by all those prayers, kind thoughts, lit candles, food baskets, kind comments via e-mail, text, blog comments. No matter, we'll take them all.
So now, I am in the corner tapping away while the sound of the IV whirs along. It is a very comforting sound. Renee has stepped out to bring us lunch. I opened my wallet and showed her some bills. For some strange reason, her nimble fingers instinctively bypassed a bunch of ones and went for the lone $20 note, even before the number was visible. How do kids do that? Must be an inborn skill or something. And for good measure, she also snagged the Visa card before I could bat an eye. Like I said, smart kid.
And that, my friends is pretty much it. Emily, the PA said today would be a boring day. Totally fine by me. I'll take boring after the past few days we've had. Am delighted to report no new surgeries, procedures, test reports. Just healing, resting and trying her best to drink two ounces of apple juice. I wish I could join her, but have that pork burrito to contend with, then I'll have to chase down my wayward Visa card.
Saturday, January 12, 2013
1/12/13 Saturday morning
9:10 AM
Steve here.
Renee and I are at home, while Danny the Champion of the World took care of ministering to Gabrielle. So far, he reports she is in good spirits this morning, but doesn't think she will be up for visitors today. So all you kind people viewing from places far and wide (some as far as Europe) don't need to hop on the Concorde just yet.
No medical updates, but a couple of quick stories.
The first has to do with that little uterus pin I alluded to yesterday. I guess you find it at http://iheartguts.com/ No, this isn't a commercial and I don't get royalties. The kids pointed out that I caught Dr. M. by surprise when I told her that (embarrasingly this is an exact quote from me, not one of my finer interactions with a doctor), "I love your assistant's uterus." Kids were quick to point out that I meant her uterus pin, her uterus pin! Good thing she wasn't a breast surgeon.
On another note, I don't know if this is a true story or even if I have the person right, but if it isn't, it ought to be:
The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor once walked in to a classroom of future missionaries with a glass of water in his hand. He put it down on the desk and then slammed his fist hard on the table, causing the contents to spill all over the place. He then said to the students, "Your life is like this glass of water. When it is shaken, what is inside comes out." I know I am not saying it exactly right, but you get the point.
All that to say that Gabrielle's life has been shaken this week like never before. Through it all, what has been shaken has come out: kindness, joy, patience, strength. I have never been more proud of her than I have this week. Not once has an angry word crossed her lips. She doesn't complain (other than about the sandpaper that passes for Kleenex at the hospital) and has been what I consider to be a model patient. Yesterday's anesthesiologist came out and told me that it was "an honor to be working with such a patient". You don't hear doctors say that every day. Gabrielle is cheerful and upbeat to the nurses, wanting to make sure she pronounces their names correctly, asks them where they went to school, if they are married (OK, so she is trolling for mates for my kids, I know) and is a delight to be around. I suspect that the asking about schooling part is because she is hoping to find an SPU grad so she can put her fundraising skills to good use.
We'll leave soon for the hospital. Today is a rest day, as are many yet to come. Thanks to all who are taking an interest in this kind person. She is amazed at all the "hits" far and wide on this blog.
Steve here.
Renee and I are at home, while Danny the Champion of the World took care of ministering to Gabrielle. So far, he reports she is in good spirits this morning, but doesn't think she will be up for visitors today. So all you kind people viewing from places far and wide (some as far as Europe) don't need to hop on the Concorde just yet.
No medical updates, but a couple of quick stories.
The first has to do with that little uterus pin I alluded to yesterday. I guess you find it at http://iheartguts.com/ No, this isn't a commercial and I don't get royalties. The kids pointed out that I caught Dr. M. by surprise when I told her that (embarrasingly this is an exact quote from me, not one of my finer interactions with a doctor), "I love your assistant's uterus." Kids were quick to point out that I meant her uterus pin, her uterus pin! Good thing she wasn't a breast surgeon.
On another note, I don't know if this is a true story or even if I have the person right, but if it isn't, it ought to be:
The great missionary to China, Hudson Taylor once walked in to a classroom of future missionaries with a glass of water in his hand. He put it down on the desk and then slammed his fist hard on the table, causing the contents to spill all over the place. He then said to the students, "Your life is like this glass of water. When it is shaken, what is inside comes out." I know I am not saying it exactly right, but you get the point.
All that to say that Gabrielle's life has been shaken this week like never before. Through it all, what has been shaken has come out: kindness, joy, patience, strength. I have never been more proud of her than I have this week. Not once has an angry word crossed her lips. She doesn't complain (other than about the sandpaper that passes for Kleenex at the hospital) and has been what I consider to be a model patient. Yesterday's anesthesiologist came out and told me that it was "an honor to be working with such a patient". You don't hear doctors say that every day. Gabrielle is cheerful and upbeat to the nurses, wanting to make sure she pronounces their names correctly, asks them where they went to school, if they are married (OK, so she is trolling for mates for my kids, I know) and is a delight to be around. I suspect that the asking about schooling part is because she is hoping to find an SPU grad so she can put her fundraising skills to good use.
We'll leave soon for the hospital. Today is a rest day, as are many yet to come. Thanks to all who are taking an interest in this kind person. She is amazed at all the "hits" far and wide on this blog.
Friday, January 11, 2013
1/11/13 Just talked to Dr. McGonigle
6:05 PM
Just got done talking with Dr. M. Cancer was present in both ovaries and had spread throughout the abdominal cavity to many small sites, as far away as the underside of the diaphragm (the separation between the thoracic (lung) and abdominal cavities. She said that it didn't penetrate the diaphragm, that it was just on the surface of it. Took out numerous small pieces of cancer in the omentum (abdominal fat area), diaphragm. Total surgery time: 5 hours, 29 minutes.
Dr. M. said that the results were "optimal" as far as surgery for ovarian cancer goes, which sounds pretty good to me. Often, the longer the surgery, the better because that means the doctor feels that there are sites to work on whereas if things are really grim, they sometimes take a look and close up. So we like the long surgery time!
I had previously thought that she would be getting chemo during the operation, but I was mistaken. The plan is to get that soon, but not right away. She has been given an access port in the right lower abdomen. Anticipate that she will be able to get the treatments in Dr. M's office which is nearby.
So, that's it in a nutshell. Gabrielle is in recovery right now (not the AA kind, the post surgery kind). Anticipate she will be there for about an hour then move upstairs. Very nice, Harvard trained anesthesiologist worked with her and has given her an epidural for pain control along with an IV for additional pain control (PCA--"patient controlled analgesia" which isn't patient controlled at this point but a regular drip). He also set her up with some great anti-nausea measures including a nifty gizmo on her wrist that is a small electrical unit to diminish the nausea. Dr. M. indicated that many of her patients are on marijuana tea or cookies (or other forms). I doubt that we'll see Gabrielle frequenting the "Green Medical" clinics on Aurora any time soon, but who knows?
When asked about hospital time, Dr. M. said that since the bowel surgery was not necessary, she may be able to leave sooner than anticipated one week from now. Said she may be able to leave Monday, but I will be surprised if it is that soon, given the extent of her surgery and all.
Haven't talked to Wonder Woman yet, but am very eager to do so. Daniel is planning on spending the night with her tonight (go, Daniel, you rock!!!).
As an aside, Dr. M. was working with a fellow, Dr. Sato. In this context, fellow means someone getting additional training, not the "hale, fellow well met sort of fellow". On her lapel, she was sporting the niftiest lapel pin: a smiling uterus and ovaries, all nice and pink. We liked it so much that we got online and ordered 20 (and probably many more too!). If you are interested, the little uterus can be seen on the "I love guts" website. I don't know exactly as the kids did it. I like the little fella because it looks like a cheerful little cyclone wearing boxing gloves (which is a better view of ovaries than the Dodge Ram logo which also looks like a uterus and ovaries).
Oh, quick update: the anesthesiologist just came out and said that he gave her a new epidural higher up. This is supposed to control the higher pain. The first epidural wasn't getting the most "rostral" end of the incision as far as pain control. Rostral: toward the rostrum (nose, I think, not the platform that speakers talk from). Caudal is the other end (a little diversion there).
Well, that's it for right now. All in all, very relieved. We are all spent emotionally. Physically, that's a different story. We have been sitting on our caudal ends most of the day.
Here's to a smooth evening.
Steve
Just got done talking with Dr. M. Cancer was present in both ovaries and had spread throughout the abdominal cavity to many small sites, as far away as the underside of the diaphragm (the separation between the thoracic (lung) and abdominal cavities. She said that it didn't penetrate the diaphragm, that it was just on the surface of it. Took out numerous small pieces of cancer in the omentum (abdominal fat area), diaphragm. Total surgery time: 5 hours, 29 minutes.
Dr. M. said that the results were "optimal" as far as surgery for ovarian cancer goes, which sounds pretty good to me. Often, the longer the surgery, the better because that means the doctor feels that there are sites to work on whereas if things are really grim, they sometimes take a look and close up. So we like the long surgery time!
I had previously thought that she would be getting chemo during the operation, but I was mistaken. The plan is to get that soon, but not right away. She has been given an access port in the right lower abdomen. Anticipate that she will be able to get the treatments in Dr. M's office which is nearby.
So, that's it in a nutshell. Gabrielle is in recovery right now (not the AA kind, the post surgery kind). Anticipate she will be there for about an hour then move upstairs. Very nice, Harvard trained anesthesiologist worked with her and has given her an epidural for pain control along with an IV for additional pain control (PCA--"patient controlled analgesia" which isn't patient controlled at this point but a regular drip). He also set her up with some great anti-nausea measures including a nifty gizmo on her wrist that is a small electrical unit to diminish the nausea. Dr. M. indicated that many of her patients are on marijuana tea or cookies (or other forms). I doubt that we'll see Gabrielle frequenting the "Green Medical" clinics on Aurora any time soon, but who knows?
When asked about hospital time, Dr. M. said that since the bowel surgery was not necessary, she may be able to leave sooner than anticipated one week from now. Said she may be able to leave Monday, but I will be surprised if it is that soon, given the extent of her surgery and all.
Haven't talked to Wonder Woman yet, but am very eager to do so. Daniel is planning on spending the night with her tonight (go, Daniel, you rock!!!).
As an aside, Dr. M. was working with a fellow, Dr. Sato. In this context, fellow means someone getting additional training, not the "hale, fellow well met sort of fellow". On her lapel, she was sporting the niftiest lapel pin: a smiling uterus and ovaries, all nice and pink. We liked it so much that we got online and ordered 20 (and probably many more too!). If you are interested, the little uterus can be seen on the "I love guts" website. I don't know exactly as the kids did it. I like the little fella because it looks like a cheerful little cyclone wearing boxing gloves (which is a better view of ovaries than the Dodge Ram logo which also looks like a uterus and ovaries).
Oh, quick update: the anesthesiologist just came out and said that he gave her a new epidural higher up. This is supposed to control the higher pain. The first epidural wasn't getting the most "rostral" end of the incision as far as pain control. Rostral: toward the rostrum (nose, I think, not the platform that speakers talk from). Caudal is the other end (a little diversion there).
Well, that's it for right now. All in all, very relieved. We are all spent emotionally. Physically, that's a different story. We have been sitting on our caudal ends most of the day.
Here's to a smooth evening.
Steve
1/11/13 Surgery just finished
5:07 PM
Just got a call from an OR nurse. Just finished surgery. Was in there for over 5 hours. Nurse said surgery went well and that Dr. M will be out in 20-30 minutes to debrief us.
Stay tuned!
Steve
Just got a call from an OR nurse. Just finished surgery. Was in there for over 5 hours. Nurse said surgery went well and that Dr. M will be out in 20-30 minutes to debrief us.
Stay tuned!
Steve
1/11/13 "Get soon better, Gaby!"
Thank you all for helping us stay hopeful and brave. Her surgery should be over in an hour or so, and we can't wait to see her!
~Renee
"Be at peace once more, O my soul, for the Lord has been good to you." Psalm 116:7
1/11/13 in surgery
Steve here. 1:54 PM
Has been in surgery since 11:38 AM. That's the time on the fancy electronic progress board. She is actually Patient 4131 or something like that on the display. It is confusing as there is a surgeon working in the OR with last name of Dudley, so first glance makes it look as Gabrielle is all over the place. But she is in just one OR.
Had phone call from one of the techs about 10 minutes ago. They have proceeded to the open surgery, so up till now, has been getting laparoscopic evaluation, surgery. In my mind, this is good news, getting the open surgery and all because it means they are going to be aggressive today and get all the concerning areas out and that she won't have to come back in a week or two for a second procedure. Have not heard any word on intraoperative findings. Am assuming the rapid pathology report showed cancer of the ovary, but pure conjecture.
Clarification of a prior entry. Someone called to ask about no cancer elsewhere. I meant to say that all the other studies were reassuring and that there was no evidence of metastasis: bones, brain, lungs, etc. However, that doesn't mean that she is free of ovarian cancer. That's what they are going after right now. Well, more later.
Has been in surgery since 11:38 AM. That's the time on the fancy electronic progress board. She is actually Patient 4131 or something like that on the display. It is confusing as there is a surgeon working in the OR with last name of Dudley, so first glance makes it look as Gabrielle is all over the place. But she is in just one OR.
Had phone call from one of the techs about 10 minutes ago. They have proceeded to the open surgery, so up till now, has been getting laparoscopic evaluation, surgery. In my mind, this is good news, getting the open surgery and all because it means they are going to be aggressive today and get all the concerning areas out and that she won't have to come back in a week or two for a second procedure. Have not heard any word on intraoperative findings. Am assuming the rapid pathology report showed cancer of the ovary, but pure conjecture.
Clarification of a prior entry. Someone called to ask about no cancer elsewhere. I meant to say that all the other studies were reassuring and that there was no evidence of metastasis: bones, brain, lungs, etc. However, that doesn't mean that she is free of ovarian cancer. That's what they are going after right now. Well, more later.
1/11/13 Pre surgery update
Steve here. 10:45 AM
Dr. McGonigle (hereafter referred to as Dr. M) just came in. She said that she has reviewed biopsy reports and various imaging studies with the radiologists, pathologists and says no evidence of cancer anywhere so far. There was some inflammation on the bowel and a small concern that the ileum has some inflammatory changes that would preclude surgery. However, she has also consulted with a colorectal surgeon (who is winding down a case in the OR right now). Has asked him to pop in and look at the bowel while Gabrielle is in surgery just to have his perspective, in case it is Crohn's.
So the plan for now is to proceed with surgery and get the colorectal surgeon to provide some assistance with the bowel part and then GO FOR IT!
Gabrielle is in very good spirits. Is cheerful and taking one last gander around her "hotel" room at the wonderful flowers, cards, balloon, etc before she is wheeled off to the OR. Has had a burst of steroids to help with the inflammation and may get an epidural for post op pain.
Gotta go! her chariot awaits!
STeve
Dr. McGonigle (hereafter referred to as Dr. M) just came in. She said that she has reviewed biopsy reports and various imaging studies with the radiologists, pathologists and says no evidence of cancer anywhere so far. There was some inflammation on the bowel and a small concern that the ileum has some inflammatory changes that would preclude surgery. However, she has also consulted with a colorectal surgeon (who is winding down a case in the OR right now). Has asked him to pop in and look at the bowel while Gabrielle is in surgery just to have his perspective, in case it is Crohn's.
So the plan for now is to proceed with surgery and get the colorectal surgeon to provide some assistance with the bowel part and then GO FOR IT!
Gabrielle is in very good spirits. Is cheerful and taking one last gander around her "hotel" room at the wonderful flowers, cards, balloon, etc before she is wheeled off to the OR. Has had a burst of steroids to help with the inflammation and may get an epidural for post op pain.
Gotta go! her chariot awaits!
STeve
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