Surgery and hospital experience

So I am finally at a point where I could only fantasize about being – past the surgery, past the initial surgery pain and into recovery at home. Just 2 weeks ago I wondered what it would be like to be at this stage…what would the surgery be like? The incision? The hospital? The nursing care? Will I need familiar faces at the hospital to support the professional help I will receive? How many days would it take me to get through any unbearable pain? Would there be unbearable pain? What would THAT feel like? What will the surgeon find, what will she remove and leave behind? How will David respond to me being gone? Will he miss me? Will he visit me in the hospital? Would the prognosis for a long life be different once they looked inside? 

Tim has been wonderful about keeping family and friends updated daily through text messaging. If you want to be added to that phone texting list, please let me know. I should have asked earlier…sorryL  E-mail me (daboggess@comcast.net) your phone number, call or text me. I want to make sure and stay in touch with people who are interested in staying in touch – whether by phone calls, texting, blog, e-mail or Facebook (which I am not a regular communicator).

Tim and I arrived at the hospital Tuesday morning at 6 a.m. – thankful that we had the first surgery appointment of the day. (Thank you Alyssa for coming at 5:20 a.m. to care for David all day!!) We prayed that the surgical team had had a good night's sleep and were fresh and ready for what was to come. Pastor Jim was already at the hospital waiting to send us off to surgery full of prayers and encouragement. I changed into hospital garb and Pastor John arrived. We had a few moments of God's Word and prayer before the nurses came into prep me. It really was all a blur. I remember talking to the anesthesiologist and surgeon about getting an epidural. As I now try to recall the epidural installation, I can't. I know I was awake for it but I cannot recall it. Thank God! Interesting how that remembering thing works.  The epidural was to be my source of pain relief/control until the catheter came out. Unfortunately it didn't turn out that way :-(

The surgery ended about 1:30 pm. The first thing I remember after surgery was P-A-I-N. I was in and out. Tim said "pain" was all I kept saying. Unfortunately I was alone in my room for about 1.5 hours after the recovery room because Tim was not informed that I had been moved to a roomL. How sad is that!? Where were the nurses? Why wasn't Tim informed? Were the nurses watching over me? Were they addressing my pain or needs? Did they only come into the room and see me sleeping? I am soooo glad I don't remembering being dropped off and left alone. God was watching over me:-)

The PAIN was terrible. Fortunately I kept falling back asleep. I had a bag of ice on my belly but didn't really know it, until a nurse asked about it the next day. I had no idea how the surgery went or how many stitches I had. I had been told a 5-6" incision would be made. All I kept saying was "PAIN". They could not figure out why I was having so much pain. From my understanding the nurses, the doctor, the PA – someone -- was trying to get hold of the anesthesiologist who had installed the epidural to get permission for more meds. No one could get hold of him and he was the only one who could prescribe more pain med through the epidural. L L L Tim said that I – from my blurred state of reality -- said, "Find that guy!" (I actually recall saying that and the pain of talking with an NG tube poking me in the throat!) As usual my demanding self was on guard!! It was about 5pm and finding someone after "business hours" had me concerned even in my stupor. I knew Tim had to leave to get David soon. Fortunately Tim had contacted our friend from small group Cheryl Ong and she came to stay with me for the remainder of the evening.

Finally permission was given for a different pain medication about 7 pm. I had the chest port catheter and the IV in my hand so there was plenty of access for medication—just had to get a doctor's permission. It was discovered that the epidural had fallen out or slipped out of position and that is why I was not getting any pain relief. L L L All I remember was asking Cheryl to pray for me. I am so grateful that Cheryl was with me – what a comfort having her watching over me, praying for me, feeding me ice chips, and working with the nurses! Thank you so much Cheryl!! Cheryl stayed until I felt comfortable enough to fall asleep and as late as she could manage – sleeping on the hospital pull out bed was worse than sleeping on the floor so she headed home about 3:30 a.m.

Even in my semi-conscious state I knew Tim wasn't coming back to the hospital until late Wednesday morning -- after Robyn had picked up David for playtime during Calvary's Women's Bible Study. (Thanks Robyn for taking David for the day!) Being at the hospital without a familiar face was not what I wanted but it was to be. Nurses came and went for the rest of the morning. I still had the NG tube, catheter and IVs.  The first few nurses I had made me cry. I wonder if they would have had more compassion if I had been their family member. Some nurses I actually had to tell them what to do. I remember asking 2 nurses who were standing at my bed waiting for me to get up, "Can you help me? Can you give me a little encouragement?" One replied robotically, "You're doing great," with her arms folded over her chest. Needless to say I needed prayer to be the one with compassion.

Yikes! This is not a 5" incision.

Pastor Jim (pictured) and Pastor John came to pray prior to surgery.

I remember Wednesday morning someone saying you have company! I couldn't quite turn my head enough to see but I said who is it? It was Mark Walker, from our small group. He was making his early morning work rounds at the hospital and stopped in as he had promised. I barely opened my eyes, but I remember asking Mark to pray for me. I asked him to call Tim for me to say hello and to see what time he was coming back to the hospital. I was so happy to see Mark! Thanks again for stopping by:-) 

I was allowed ice chips Wednesday and had visitors throughout the day. I remember seeing Pastor John and sharing my prayer request and concern of trying to be kind to those who seemed to have no compassion or concern of how to help me or help me to help myself.

I believe the catheter and NG tube came out Wednesday afternoon and I was allowed a liquid diet in the evening – like jello, broth, applesauce, juice. The catheter came out without any pain. The NG Tube felt like someone was ripping the inside of my nose out. Two weeks later my nose still bears a scab and occasionally my throat is sore when I swallow. Tim brought David to the hospital to visit me Wednesday – tubes and all. David did a great job and kept asking, what's this, what's that – all the time with a smile on his face. Cheryl came to stay with me a bit Wednesday evening as did Sandy. What a huge blessing my friends were!! After Cheryl left, Sandy played "Crazy Love" for me. I had read the first few chapters so it was familiar to me. We listened to one DVD. She prayed for me and I believe that was the night the nurses got me out of bed to walk a bit and go to the bathroom on my own. Waking up the bladder is sooooo much harder than I could imagine. THAT was painful.

Thursday was a day full of visitors. I remember having Karen West sit with me a couple hours, then seeing, Anne Marie, Diane, Alison, Rose, Alyssa, and my neighbors Stacy and Hannah. I was not a very good hostess – in and out of sleep but I was soooo glad to see familiar faces each time I woke up. What a great comfort to me. Thank you everyone for coming to visit. We had so many beautiful bouquets of flowers too!

Friday Tim picked up my cousin Jill from the airport. I can't remember who stayed with me, maybe Cheryl?  Jill, Tim and David came back to the hospital. I was so happy to see my cousin. What a relief! Jill and Tim had coordinated with my nurse(s) removal of IVs so that I could be released on Saturday. Tim had hoped for a Friday release.

We had "prayer" group instead of small group in the hospital room Friday night. That was so special. Kathy was there along with a couple others from small group. I don't remember much other than Bruce showing up later with my favorite dessert – coconut sorbet!!!). Then Mike W stopped by for a quick hello after a long week and long drive from work. We appreciate our small group so much!!  Thank you all for your love, prayers and support.

Jill stayed the night and helped manage my care. I remember walking the halls of the hospital during the night in order to get my bowels moving. We stopped by the newborn baby window and enjoyed the scenery of new babies. We prayed for the ability to pass gas and have a bowel movement. God quickly answered even the wackiest prayer!!


Someone came in bright and early, turned on the all the lights and announced he was going to draw blood. Luckily Jill interceded so that they wouldn't stick me in the arm again. I had the chest port from which nurses can draw blood so there was no need to get me in the arm again. (My veins aren't very cooperative because they wiggle, so blood draws can turn into 2, 3, sometimes 4 needle sticks.) 


I am so grateful to be home and have the surgery OVER!!! Praise the Lord I had some nurses and a CNA who were compassionate, mindful, encouraging and helpful. Thank you God for the friends and family you have given us. Thank you God for helping me through the hard parts of being in the hospital and for putting me on the road of quick recovery. Thank you for providing an army of prayer warriors to keep me protected in Your arms. Thank you that I only had to be in the hospital 5 days. It already seems like so long ago.


We have a long road ahead of us, but we are plugging along. We met with the surgeon's nurse a couple days after being released from the hospital. The drainage tube in my side was pulled out. Hah - she said this won't hurt but I begged to differ with her...it wasn't her body that she was pulling the tube from!!


We meet with the oncologist next week (the 28th) to see when chemo will resume. I continue to ask for and appreciate your prayers. Much love to you

Sister visit!!

 My sister, Michele, came for a visit and helped me get a few things done on my "To Do" list before surgery. She was able to stay a week and I am so grateful. Thank you Michele for overhauling the guest bathroom in the basement. It looks beautiful!! My Moroccan bathroom...aaah! - bright yellow with hand-made-framed photographs from Ingrid. The basement is now a beautiful retreat for out guests!

Thanks Aunt Michele for the
Veggie Tales  Garden Kit!

A nice evening out at The Cheesecake Factory!!

Just a few more days until surgery. I am doing great! I have 100% confidence in whatever God has planned for me. I also have 100% confidence in the surgeon. She has had my PET scan reviewed for the lymph node under my right arm. The radiologist cannot see that it has grown at all so there is no need for surgery there! That is a blessing. The surgeon said we just need to monitor it manually on a regular basis.

My youngest sister Michele was here for a week and THAT was truly a blessing!! I hadn't seen her in a year. She was a huge help.

I have quite a list of things I want to finish before surgery...it's like preparing to go on vacation---and coming home to a clean house. So she was able to get some big items checked off that "To Do" list. She painted the bathroom in the basement and rearranged the furniture so it looks like a little apartment downstairs!! She is so talented.

My cousin is coming Friday 8th. My mom booked her ticket for June 19th. She will come with my niece Holly, who can hardly wait to be David's caregiver!! My oldest and only brother, Mark, and his family (Alice, Taylor and Jenn) will be here mid July and stay a week. I am so excited!! Knowing we have visitors coming will hopefully cause me to deal with the healing pains better and recover quicker!!

Hard to imagine that next week this time, I will be finished with surgery and onto a new phase of cancer/cancer treatment. We are still praying the doctor can get all the tumors (large and microscopic). I can't imagine how this surgery is going to make me feel -- the day-to-day pain -- when I feel so good today. They are still saying 3-7 days in the hospital. I pray I can be a Light to others while in the hospital and I hope for opportunities to tell of the hope I have in Jesus my redeemer.

Monday I begin surgery prep by drinking clear liquids only, go to the hospital for blood work, and registration, and then begin drinking massive amounts of bowel cleansers! Tim is busy putting in lots of extra hours at work so he can be with me next week during surgery and the week after.

Thanks again for your prayers and we look forward to a successful surgery and recovery:-)

Surgery June 5th

We are praising God once again! No matter the outcome we will praise our Lord!

Last Monday's meeting with the oncologist went better than expected. The PET and CT scans showed further reduction of the tumors. The tumors have shrunk more than 50%!!

Deb's CA125 is 153 (normal range is 0-35), but it has gone down from 1,675.  

A meeting with the GYN oncologist surgeon today went very well too! She was very pleased with the progress of the chemotherapy. She says this is a good time for surgery ("debulking") and it seems that it will be less invasive than originally thought!! The surgery will be Tuesday June 5^th. It will be an open surgery with a vertical incision about 5-6". The uterus, the cervix, the ovaries and maybe the spleen will be removed. It looks like the bowel may be able to stay intact but she won't know until she goes in. Originally we were looking at removal of a large percentage if not all of the bowel, so this is great news to us!! The small lump under the right arm is still questionable so the surgeon is having the scans reviewed again to see if surgery in that area is necessary. If it is, then she will have a surgeon on hand who specializes in that area. The surgeon will also confer with the oncologist to see about installing a port directly into the peritonea so when chemo resumes it will go directly into the abdomen.

Deb will be at St. Mark's in Salt Lake City for 3-6 days. At home recovery looks like 2 to 6 weeks. We have been blessed with helpers the week of surgery, the week after surgery and the month of July!! Deb's cousin, Jill, will come out June 8-18th and then Deb's mom and niece, Holly, will come after to help care for Deb and David. We are celebrating David's birthday on May 31st -- he will be three!! We are so excited!!

After recovering from surgery (about 4-6 weeks) chemotherapy will resume. We don't know how many treatments so we will need helpers during that time too. Such a long ordeal!! Again we are praising God for such wonderful news.

We appreciate you all so very much for keeping us in your prayers. So many words of encouragement and prayers have helped us through dark times. We rest in joy and peace because we are confident that our Lord is in control … we pray that His will be done through our lives and this terrible disease!!

 Love and blessings,

 Tim, Deb and David

Waiting for the Doctor

I had a PET scan and CT scan yesterday (Tuesday). Everything went well but we won't have results until the doctor has time to view them. The oncologist is going to review the scans, talk with the GYN oncologist surgeon and then meet with me on Monday, May 21st. I AM a bit nervous to hear the news, but look forward to moving forward.

I feel like I am on vacation - no chemo this week!! Yippee!! Each day is different. Mother's Day started great and ended in nonstop crying. I feel like a different person today, it has been a glorious day. Thank you Lord!!

Mom left Wednesday before Mother's Day. We were very sad to see her go, but she had been here nearly 5 weeks so she had to return home to take care of business and live her life!! We are glad to know that she will be returning as the need arises. God has been so gracious to provide friends to stop by and help out with David, provide scrumptious meals, and check in on me. Thanks to so many wonderful people this week and last. We really appreciate each and every one of you!!

Blessings to you all!! Thanks for prayers for the Roundtree family. Steven is finishing his chemo this Friday and his protein count is within the low to normal range so he gets to ring the bell at the chemo center!! Thank you Lord!!!

Another young man at church - Biff is struggling with cancer. He recently had surgery and now the tumors are back growing in his liver and it is inoperable. Please keep his wife and kids in your prayers. It's a horrible road to travel. Thanks

CA125 results

Today is Monday. Thank you again for your prayers. They are greatly needed and much appreciated. I got to cut the grass a second time for the week. Boy it's growing fast and I am so grateful that I had the energy to cut it and then do the edging. I know these simple tasks don't really do anything for God's glory but they make me feel good. Is that a bad thing?

Tim has been out of town since Sunday morning and we miss him terribly. The good news is that God provided this trip to KY for Tim through his work. It's been a blessing because he has been able to stay an extra day and go visit family!! I wish we were with him to give mom, sisters, brothers, nieces and nephews hugs and kisses.

Knowing that I will most like be having surgery this summer and will need help for many weeks, I prayed with Uncle Gene Friday night for God to provide affordable airfares and flights for those people who may be coming. I forgot to tell Tim about our specific prayer and God answered my prayer through Tim's travel. I have been concerned about visitors finding flights because they will have short notice about my dates of need and the news constantly reports that the airlines are raising prices. Tim was offered a sum of money for a flight voucher when he gave up his seat Sunday morning on the over booked flight. This is great news to me, although I am not sure how Tim is going to spend that ticket voucher!!

Mom took me to my NADIR visit today -- my blood counts are normal, per the Doctor, and my CA15 has lowered again, thank God. It is now 178. It was 1,675, then 550, then 255 and now 178 (Target is 0-35). I have had 5 chemo treatments so far. We started treatment Friday, January 13, 2013.

I will have both the PT and CT scan Tuesday the 15th. Then the info goes to my oncologist who will be in touch with the surgeon. Then I hope to have an appointment with the surgeon. Perhaps she will recommend another chemo treatment, perhaps it will be surgery I don't know. It's difficult not knowing. Will the tumors spring back to life and continue to grow while I am waiting for someone to make a decision about having more chemo or surgery? I don't know.

I am ready to resume a normal life. Is that possible?? Or, at least live a life that is glorifying God and making a difference somewhere somehow!!

David climbed into my bed today while I was napping. He had his tool box and said, "I have my tools and I am a doctor and I am going to fix your tummy." He took out each tool, made particular sounds with each tool and pronounced, "there!"

He likes to run around the house with the kitchen tongs, stop you and say, "Let me get that asparagus off your pants." Then he will use the tongs and gently pinch your pants. It's quite funny the things he comes up with.

I hope you are having a blessed day. I am sorry for being so self-centered in this blog. I would love to hear about you, so please feel free to write to me at my e-address, especially if you are not able to leave comments on this blogspot. daboggess@comcast.net.

HUGE THANK YOUS go to Nana Jan Morrison and Barb Reott for continuing to send me lovely, funny, encouraging, prayer-filled cards each week!!! What a wonderful ministry ladies:-) Not a week goes by without 2-5 cards from these lovely ladies. I appreciate you and your thoughtfulness so much! May you reap what you sow.

Blessings Abound

Five treatments. Check! I slept all day long in the chair. We actually got to pick a semi-private room so I didn't socialize at all :-(. Went home and slept more until Small Group. I don't even recall if I had dinner, but who can recall what they ate for dinner 6 days prior?

Saturday was truly a God-blessed day. It was absolutely a gorgeous spring day so we headed down to Thanksgiving Point and strolled around the Gardens to enjoy the last day of the Tulip Festival. What a family treat to get out with Tim, Mom and David!! I felt wonderful despite having had chemo just 24 hours before.

After spending the afternoon at the Gardens we came home and I had plenty of energy left to cut the grass. It's just so wonderful to feel well!! Then good friends joined us for a last minute call for a game of Settlers of Catan! What a great day:-). Thanks Alyssa and Michael for topping off a great day!!

Sunday we headed to church and what a heart-hitting sermon we heard from Pastor Jim. Too bad I can't remember any details to share. I do remember that there was a call for prayer just before service for Steven - a friend going through cancer treatments too. Please keep that family in your prayers too. He was admitted to the hospital for shock. Thanks to God he was released the same day. Cancer treatments are truly grueling.

By Sunday evening my energy level dropped and my nausea started up. Fortunately Tim stays on top of my meds and keeps mom updated with what pills and the time(s) they were given. Then he sends her text messages to remind her what pills are due and when. He is amazing. Thanks for keeping him in your prayers too. God knew that I needed a strong, gentle, caring man when He gave me Tim. Funny thing, I warned Tim when we started dating that I was a high-maintenance girl -- emotionally (not financially)!! And he has been able to stay one step ahead of me and my needs!! I am so blessed to be his wife.

Monday and Tuesday I spent the days sleeping. Yuk! Those are the worst days -- sleeping my day(s) away! The nausea is such that I don't feel like drinking water or any liquid. This creates a chain reaction - no or slow bowel movement. No bowel movement, more stool softeners/laxatives, more nausea, more pills, more nausea. It's a horrible cycle. Mom reminded me that time will help me through these difficult days. I just need to do what my body is asking - sleep, sleep, rest and sleep.

Wednesday I was able to go to Bible study with Robyn - thank you Robyn for being so diligent to pick up David Wednesday mornings and take him to play with the kids at church. We are grateful for your time, your caring, and willingness to have David in your care!

Finally it's Thursday and I am starting to feel a little better. It helps when the neighbors have a little cookout and gather together. What a blessing God has given us there -- wonderful, genuinely caring neighbors. Can life get any better?? (The cancer could be gone!).

Thanks for your continued prayers. I have a PT/CT scan Tuesday May 15th. Then a meeting with the surgeon (not yet scheduled). Perhaps surgery will come the end of May/beginning of June. David will be 3 on May 31st so I am hoping to be out of the hospital to celebrate his birthday.