Tuesday, September 27, 2011

Surgery Day One

Anna and I arrived at Huntsman around 5:45 am to start the surgery process.  We were taken back to a small room where they placed Anna's IV and she was dressed in her hospital gown.  The various doctors came in and talked about what was going to happen.  Anna's parents came up to sit with me as we waited.  They started around 7:30 and it seemed like we were in a time warp in the waiting room.  It seemed to go really fast while dragging on forever!  A family friend, Shirley dropped by and brought bagels for us in the waiting room.  Her and her daughter have both had breast cancer so they are kindred spirits to Anna now.  It was so nice and thoughtful of her to come and spend time with us.  We have truly been blessed by people's goodness through this experience.

The surgery went really well as both doctors came out and talked to us about each of their parts.  It was a two part surgery in which they removed all of her breast tissue and some lymph nodes and then tissue expanders were placed to prepare her for the reconstruction process.  Anna said she had a hard time waking up in the recovery room.  She was eventually brought into her room around 4:00 pm.  The night went well as Anna was able to rest...kind of.  It seemed like there was a steady stream of medical staff coming through Anna's room to check on her or observe how she was feeling, etc., etc.  Being so close to the U we had a lot of residents and medical students come and see Anna.  At one point there were 7 various medical staff in the room at one time.  It got to be a little too much at times.
Anna has had some knots in her shoulders and back from being on the surgery table for so long; it was a challenge to relax.
Resting peacefully

As a side note, Anna has said that many of you have e-mailed her that you have been unable to post comments on the blog.  I have gone in and changed some settings; if you have tried to comment in the past and it wouldn't let you please try again we love hearing from you all.

6 comments:

  1. I have been thinking about you a lot the last couple of days. I am so glad to hear everything went well. You have always been a hero in my eyes but I think you have officially moved to super hero status. You and your family are in my prayers.

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  2. We are thinking of you. We hope your recovery goes well.

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  3. That picture of you resting comfortably makes me want to sob! But I'm so glad that things are going so well! You are such a tremendous person!!! Hang in there! Love you bunches!!!

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  4. So glad the surgery went well!! We love you guys and are praying Anna's healing process will smoothly.

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  5. Had a wonderful day with your babies! Thanks for letting them come over:) Hope you're doing well and think of you often! Wish I could be there with you...to at least bring some comic relief right!!! Keep up the fight.

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