Greer on Kathryn’s behalf…
The surgery to clear the infection this afternoon, Sunday, went well. For better or worse, it did not require an epidural, meaning she didn’t have the same level of pain management and she was well aware of the incision following the procedure.
Since it was a surgery with an incision, the nurse said she’s sort of back to square one, on a clear liquid diet, then soups, then bland foods, then……a little too familiar for her at this point.
She was in good spirits, jokingly asking if they could add a zipper for the incision rather than using staples should they need to go back in. The surgeon, Dr. Fowler, joined the game by saying that since he was so busy I could do the surgery, but only if I had stayed at a Holiday Inn Express the night before. Good guy.
The nurses are really attentive and thoughtful. Can’t imagine the stress and frustration they constantly have to deal with. Imagine if all of your clients are going through one of the worst times of their lives and in need of constant care. As soon as things look up for a patient, they get to go home, but the nurses just get another patient.
Critical indicators of when Kathryn can come home are her heart rate and white blood cell count, the signs that pointed to the infection they needed to address Sunday.
Prayers and support continue to bless us. While waiting for her to return from surgery, I sat and listened to her blackberry hum with texts, e-mails, FB posts and even some calls. She doesn’t talk much on the phone because it zaps her energy. I was also overwhelmed with the outpouring of support at church this morning.
The boys are doing well but understandably miss their mom. While we’re not trying to keep anything from them, we’re trying to keep their life as normal as possible. (Dad doing laundry and making lunches is freaky enough for them.)
Kathryn’s parents continue to be superheroes. Grandma’s meals are gobbled up by the boys and Pap Pap is a master ball player. Their presence here is a real blessing from all of this.
We realize that many feel helpless standing by but we really do covet your prayers and we promise to welcome and invite help when Kathryn gets home. Grandma and Pap Pap will need to get rest and get back home soon. Stephanie Ennis, a dear friend of Kathryn’s, a member of our church small group, and the Assistant Principal at Huntersville Elementary, has agreed to coordinate a meal schedule soon.
Again, we know God did not stricken Kathryn with cancer but we know He can bring blessings from it. (A few people have told us they have scheduled colonoscopies as a result of Kathryn’s experience – no telling whose life may be saved.)
Our friends, family and even strangers have been impacted and have impacted us as a result of this.
Thank you all for your love and support.
kathrynstory 