2008 Mar 13th - Progress Update

Tomorrow will be three weeks since Mr A chopped of my PTW and threw him away!

I've been home for ten days now and for 9 of those have progressed from liquid waste to solid waste, albeit I never pass anything larger than my thumb. I just have to pass about twenty of them to empty! That's on a good clear out visit to the loo - I'm getting better at having a couple of those a day and then the odd mini clear out when I go for a wee if I feel the urge.

I'd say I'm getting down to about 5 times a day now, but the most was really 7 or 8 once my colon remembered what it's bloody job was! My main problem is the pain. Every time some air tries to escape I'm rooted to the spot clinging to the nearest grabbable object or I lie on the bed or sofa. Initially when I go to the loo it hurts too. It's the same passing broke glass pain I had during those months of radiation and waiting for surgery last year. To be fair it's not as bad because. like I said I'm only passing things the size of my thumb. The radiation damage, I'm guessing, isn't going to get any better. I have read that some people are given anal dilators as well as vaginal dilators after low pelvic radiation because of the massive shrinking that occurs. The thought of my surgeon doing further digital examinations makes me cry so it's going take a bloody good case to convince me that dilating my burned, shrunk, chopped up arse is a good idea.

It might be just inflammation and maybe I can get something for it. I'm just putting off calling my colorectal nurse until next week in case it means a physical examination. The pain isn't constant, but it's pretty frequent. It keeps me awake at night until I give in, get up and try and pass more air and stools. I suppose I should stop eating earlier in the evening? There is a constant dull throb which has been present for about the last 13 months where the "action" was for radiation and surgery.

My little wound where PTW was is healing very well. I've got the oddest shaped abdomen ever! There are lumps and bumps and dents all over the place. I am quite pleased to report that I have in fact lost some weight again! Becky insisted I looked a lot thinner after about a week on drip only diet - to be expected I guess but my scales said otherwise, until today! Also after I checked what I did weigh before I went in (which in my head I'd reduced but had written down somewhere else as evidence of my poor diet) ............and I've lost 9 pounds! Ooer! I hope it's fat off my thighs and not any of the muscle I managed to build up at the gym.

As you can probably make out, there is still some yellow bruising to the centre of my belly and I do still feel some tightness when I turn over in bed. The majority of the scab has gone but I think it'll be another couple of weeks before there is delicate new skin and no scabs. I'm patting some Bio Oil in when I remember in the hope that it doesn't cause me any trouble when I get back into wearing my jeans on a regular basis - I'm still wearing low rise joggers and big t-shirts (for decorating also) to avoid putting any unnecessary pressure on the scar.

If those of you who still have a rectum, or managed to escape radiation have a reversal coming up then I can say I would recommend going for reversal. I had an awful time in hospital, I really did think I'd be heading back to theatre for a permanent colostomy or ileostomy if my colon refused to work, I was scared of food and the future yet again. I'm still holding in the back of my mind the thought that I've got another liver scan coming up in a month or two because they're being cautious over the "chemo damage" streaks and want to make sure that's exactly what it is.

Still, even with the pain, which I'm sure can be reduced by some treatment, if not eradicated completely, I think I'd rather have this and have the chance to wear what I want again. On a more positive note the pain in my butt does take my attention away from the stabbing shooting pains in my feet and the horrible, shudder inducing numbness and soreness that is peripheral neuropathy. I had thought I'd be handing my blue badge back sometime soon, but my feet are so sore and painful I'm keeping it.

2008 Jan 27th - Joining the Gym

I've had a busy few days lately and that includes joining the gym. I've got sixteen months for the price of 12 and no joining fees so I figure while I've got some money, why not! I need to get out of the house and get into some sort of routine and I desperately need to get strong again. My muscles have wasted away so badly that I could only manage four minutes on the bike for the fitness test and my legs were aching and wobbly most of the afternoon and evening and I was so tired after just that and a few sit ups! Mind you I did have a rotten head cold at the time.

My lung function and BMI are fine, needless to say my muscle strength and everything else is rotten including my body fat ratio. Still, not much point going if it's all good is there! At least I'll get to see how much I've improved in a few months.

I've got a few more appointments for February now:

6th Feb - scan to check there are no new tumours (small sentence, BIG DEAL)
11th Feb - pre op checks (assuming no new tumours discovered else the op is off)
19th Feb - appointment with surgeon for a "visual" check on the joins and j-pouch
22nd Feb - surgery and a very UNtearful farewell to PTW

In the meantime I'm filling my days with gym appointments. I had to do my program plan in two sessions because of my cold - I nearly passed out after 5 minutes on a sit down bike and 5 minutes on the rower. I was just stood on the cross trainer and oooer missus I got the shakes and hot and cold sweats and had to go for a sit down. I had drunk nearly half my litre bottle of water by this point too so it wasn't dehydration.

I finished the plan off today with the trainer and went through which weight machines I can use to start with and she showed me some floor exercises to do - some with a giant ball - which will also help to strengthen my abs and legs since these are the weakest areas after lying around for the last year. I felt much better today and did a few lengths in the pool and too Phoenix with me - he persuaded me to sit in the spa which was GREAT! Never been in one before but it was lovely and warm and my hands and feet were much less "fizzy".

Despite having been out on Saturday night with Team Ferrer et al. I felt pretty good and had a very healthy salad with smoked salmon and feta cheese.

Monday I've booked in for a relaxation/toning class (all classes are included in membership) and Thursday for aquarobics in the evening and I'll do the gym on Tuesday, Friday and Sunday. It's a good set up because you can book any of the classes up to five days in advance and don't have to go to the same ones at the same time or even day so less chance of getting bored or missing anything.

I've got four weeks before surgery and I want to do something constructive. This year is all going to be about getting BETTER. Last year was killing cancer, this year I'm recovering from it. Unfortunately that means returning to work but I'm hoping that will be easier if I'm fitter before I go back.

I talked to my boss on Friday to make sure that going back part time was an option (they have to try to accommodate me, it's the law) so that's all sorted. I managed to have a chat with most people I wanted to see, those who haven't left at least! I got a lovely pep talk from G***** and a hug (that was the best bit) who's had way too much cancer and death in his family already and told me back in the days before Tyson was discovered that "cancer is going to be scared sh*tless when it realises who it's up against, it'll give up". He also told me I'm the only woman he knows who has bigger balls than him...............ahem. I hope he meant metaphorically and that my bag wasn't just a bit too full!

I'm off to bed now at a reasonable hour for a change - must get up in plenty of time so I'm not late for class tomorrow.

2007 Jun 23rd - Nerve Damage

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Ouch my sodding right arm.......... Category: Life I've been out of hospital for just over a week now, chez maman. Still not sleeping more than 2 hours at a time, I'm desperately tired but I'm not sure if it's all post op tiredness or lack of sleep tiredness or lack of excercise - it must be a combination of all three but I'm sure I'd feel better if I could just SLEEP. Usually I wake at 1am, 3am, 5am, 7am and then drag myself out of bed around 9 - 10am. It's not that the bag needs emptying, I just do that once at the 3/4am wake up. Sleeping tablets in hospital didn't work, they never have done anyway. So far I've braved the shower twice to wash my hair and for some reason best known to myself, despite the fact that this wears me out I change the bag afterwards so everything is clean - which kills my back with the effort of bending over to look at it and make sure I'm doing it right. It takes me 20-30 minutes still because of the sore skin and just because I tire so easily. Afterwards I had to have a lie down for an hour before drying off my hair. Luckily little sis came over and straightened my hair for me so I look presentable again - well as presentable as you can wearing a £3 Matalan nightie, slippers, a stoop and a grimace................ My right arm seems to have some proper nerve damage which I think is a trapped nerve, not helped I'm sure by poking of cannulas at various angles through different holes in the crook of my elbow. This is also the chemo arm with damaged vein. Certain movements like reaching for a glass send a shooting hot stabbing pain into the base of my thumb and wrist, not convinced typing is helping, but resting it didn't make it go away either! The stitches are getting annoying now, they tickle and itch. The two external loops attached to the stitches inside (not visible, they're all hidden) will need to be cut and then pulled through - this causes a "strange" sensation (I'm thinking the sort of sensation that makes you want to vomit, plus some pain - have been advised by nurse to use breathing techniques adopted for childbirth ). Thing is the bag, knickers and clothes all catch on the damn things and then it's a bit sore. Also NONE of my normal underwear is much use, it all catches on one of the loops and a bit of the scar that went a bit gammy (proper medical term, that) or they cut off the flow of the bag which is also useless. I've done some browsing of apple-catcher style knickers - but they're just not for me so hopefully once the stitches are out, usual skimpy affairs will be suitable. I'm eating properly now so that's good..........ooo Hayley is at the door must go!!!!!! 10:37 - 4 Comments - 0 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Peter	Lisa, You DO sound a bit better now which is good news. You've just been through something which is still to come for me (on August 1st if all goes to plan) and I'm heartened by your ability to stay upbeat. The "strange sensation" when they pull out the loops is just another example of the "Estate Agent speak" which the medical profession have adopted. Why don't they just tell the truth? I don't recommend the following site but it may have it's practical side! http://www.whiterosecollection.com/ Keep up the good spirits, Peter Posted by Peter on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 11:37 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Caroline	Ouch Lisa - still getting pain - sorry to hear that sweetie. It may be beneficial for you to ask for something a little stronger. The tiredness and sleep pattern will continue for a little while yet - I was like that for about 4 weeks post op, but eventually settled into a routine sleeping about 6 hours at night and than a couple of hours in the afternoon. Just listen to your body and go with the flow - even if your rests are just 2 hours at a time - the main thing is your resting. About suitable underwear for your stoma - unfortunately the only briefs that work for me without restricting the bag is the full briefs! M&S do some nice cotton ones - pretty patterns/plain packs - highly recommend these. I did get a couple of pairs from Rosewhite Collection, but thought they were pretty expensive for what they were at £12 per pair! Try the fuller briefs from M&S just for a trail - no they are not glamourous but they are functional and comfy for your stoma. Honest!! Hugs to you Lisa and take care. Cazx Posted by Caroline on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 12:00 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Lisa Left Eye Loopylalalalala	Hi Caz I'll hang on in there and hope for a 3 or 4 hour stretch in a week or two then. It's not upsetting me really because I don't do much all day yet, but I can't because I'm so tired, bit chicken and egg isn't it! I haven't been taking any pain relief for a few days now, apart from the odd paracetamol at bedtime, but even the stronger ones didn't take the pain from my arm, it's very, very annoying! I suppose I could just wear big pants whilst I've got PTW and the bag.......... I mean I can't see me meeting Mr Right, or even another Mr Temporarily Appearing To Be OK at this point in my life. Most of my problem is being so tall even waist highs don't come up high enough on me, I've got a long body - I know this as I've treid some of mum's old ones in desperation. The only people who see my undies these days are nurses, doctors or anyone who wants a shuftie at my scar...........oh and thanks enormously to my lady garden hair which dropped out during radiation to start growing back DURING the time I had a dressing all over it and stitches which hurt like hell when it was removed. Surgeon must have thought I'd shaved myself in advance to save them the bother in theatre ;o) Posted by Lisa Left Eye Loopylalalalala on Saturday, June 23, 2007 at 17:08 [Remove] [Reply to this]

janey jane jane

Hey I have an Idea regarding the pants situation. Get some big pants that come up your tum Simon Cowell style, but cut the bum out into a thong. I bet they've not seen owt like that in the hospital! xxx Posted by janey jane jane on Monday, June 25, 2007 at 18:40

2007 Jun 21st - Post Op - Losing Weight

21 Jun 2007

The Colorectal Cancer Weight Loss Program Category: Life Well it's been just over two weeks since the op - thought I'd try and get some words down before it's all a distant memory (fat chance with the blue nylon loops of stitches still poking out and all the other gubbins on my tummy). As the lovely Becky has already updated you on the main events I shan't bore you with them all over again, deliberately. It was all a bit of a mad rush the day before admission but I managed to sign and pay for my last will and testament, thankfully not required! After much poking and prodding and passing out on attempts to cannulate me the night before, for vital IV fluids, I had some sleep - I haven't had a full night since. Already bruised from blood samples and cannula attempts (check in a week or two for photos when I get back home) and a tearful farewell to my little sister who'd been so brave until then - I think it was the photos of Tyson that set her off, he was an ugly little fecker (R.I.P NOT!!!) I was wheeled into the familiar anaesthetic room. I should say at this point this was my fourth GA and the third at Pilgrim hospital, and although it's been ten years I still noticed they'd painted since my last time!!! How sad am I? Had a bit of a chat with the anaesthetist - Edward and his colleages - really nice chap and the nursey lady who had my notes. I was rigged up to the usual heart rate monitors, finger monitor and pretty graphs on the TV thingy wotsit. My heartrate was 54bpm. the normal range for adults is 60-100bpm................. My blood pressure was (I kept telling them low is normal for me esp after no sodding food) hovering around 90/45. Edward said "there are thousands of people in this country who would KILL for your blood pressure!". The other chap said "your heartrate is only 54, you do KNOW you're about to have surgery don't you?"..........all lighthearted obviously but it was still reassuring that I'd done the right thing going in a week early - I mean when have I been less stressed? I was about to get rid of cancer, hopefully once and for all.........time will tell. I managed to count to three when the drugs were injected..........then zzzzzzzzzzz. I woke up in recovery at 2.10pm by the clock with an oxygen mask on and no real comprehension of much, but as always I made a mental note of the time - it's habit with general anaesthetics. I was absolutely FREEZING! I mentioned this to Malcolm who basically looked after me for the next four hours and my teeth were chattering. I remember Mr A the surgeon, Edward (sleepy drugman), a doctor taking blood and a bedside x-ray - to check the position of the central line to my chest. I remember an inflatable blanket on top of me being filled with hot air to warm me up. I drifted in and out and eventually at 5.40pm they transferred me to my ward bed (oof) and wheeled me to my room in ICU for about 6pm.. Tubes a go-go - drain in belly sucking out bloody liquid (YUK) drain inbetween my legs for yellow liquid (wee to you) and wires everywhere. I itched, A LOT. They gave me drugs to stop the itching, they gave me four units of blood, they gave me paracetamol by IV, antibiotics by IV, fluids by IV, some other painkillers and then later took blood through the main line - all through the tentacles of the octopus connected to my left shoulder. My neck hurt, really felt bruised, the next day the nurse realised why - I had four groups of five needle holes that had scabbed over where they'd tried to get the central line in each side of my neck, then each shoulder. As Edward explained later he thought the right vein had been damaged by my earlier chemo. I picked up more and more bruises every time I needed an injection that couldn't be administered through the central line, especially after ICU nurse thought it would be a great idea for someone with flat veins on IV fluids and a morphine pump to have their central line removed!!!!! OOPS! I was therefore deprived of both before I'd been conscious for 48 hours - instead of self administed morphine, I had ...............wait for it..............Co-codamol!!! By this time the use of my legs had returned (ish) after two days epidural which seemed to take forever to get working both sides but Edward did it and was pleased to see me smiling for the first time a short while later. It was good to see sis and my children - Karys did get upset, Phoenix was just interested in everything. Hopefully they won't be so scared to know anyone else is this ill - that all they do is for a reason and eventually my temperature came down from 39, my BP went up as did some other pressure which Edward told me should be at least 12 but mine never got above 4...........they had to squeeze a bag full of IV in quickly to sort that out, then began another pastime of watching the numbers on the monitor......which was about all I had to do for the full two days, other than be turned over every few hours, washed and allowed those all important wet sponges to suck on. I was rather glad to get back to the ward and my patio doors leading to a garden, much nicer view than the pic of Mickey and Minnie mouse on the wall. I emptied the bag myself at 4am on Saturday morning - which seemed to surprise the nursing staff. Possibly because it meant I'd had to unhook and carry my catheter bag (wee) and drain bag (blood) with me and stagger to the toilet to do it - no mean feat I can tell you, but well, my legs were working, should I have pressed the buzzer? On the Sunday I even changed the bag myself, twice. I waited til it was quiet and thoroughly read all the leaflets and booklets I'd been given with photos of each step and did it! It hurt my back and I was absolutely shattered with the effort and concentration of spending 30 minutes sitting up - I wasn't happy with the first one, so re-did it an hour or so later. Again nursing staff seemed surprised and kept telling me I was doing really well. I think this is what got me out so soon - but like I've said, I will tackle anything at home, plastering, tiling, replacing ceilings so a little thing like a bit of intestine sticking out of my belly isn't going to beat me. I say little, it was HUGE, well about three inches long and just well, looks like a willy............and therefore will be known as PooTumWilly. I think it's self explanatory. It's shrunk quite a bit now and doesn't look so swollen but I have got a bit of "separation" where it's sort of fallen out of my belly a bit more and there is some very sore, peeling skin around the hole. Lovely stoma nurse Sally (they're all the most wonderful women those nurses, they're so nice I want to cry) took some of the stoma stitches out to ease the pain a bit and used some paste to fill in the gap then stuck a base plate on that means I won't need to change it for four days and this should give my skin time to heal. I can still stick different bags on if I want to, but they're drainable so it's pretty convenient really! Right, well that's enough for now methinks, I'll add some pics on and some more words on a separate blog as you've probably all nodded off now........if not though, Re: the title of this posting - I lost another 6lbs in hospital so from the weight I put on (20 lbs ish) in preparation for treatment I've now lost 16lbs. Cool, I rock! Another half stone and I'll be back to my fittest, healthy weight and be able to wear my old clothes again, PooTumWilly permitting - it likes a bit of "space" to manoeuvre!

2007 June 4th - Major Lifesaving Surgery

Monday, June 04, 2007

Surgery updates/progress bulletins........ Category: Life As you will now know, unless you've been a tardy reader of my blog, I will be having my op on Wednesday 6th June. I'll be admitted at 10am on Tuesday morning for pre op tests just to make sure I'm fit enough for the whole procedure so am unlikely to be able to post after Monday evening. My special little sister Beckie (Umpalumpa) will post a reply to this very blog on Wednesday evening at some point just so you'll know I'm back in the land of the living, albeit drugged up to the eyes with the best pain relief money can buy - I believe an epidural is thrown in and I never had one of those for the three times I went into labour so that's gotta be a bonus eh? I've done a bit of visiting friends at the last minute so sorry if I didn't get round to you but seriously my head is all over the place right now. Alfie is safely deposited chez Angela where I'm sure she'll be spoiled rotten and fattened up a treat. I had a little tear when I drove away (at Angela, not the rabbit!!) but had a word with myself and managed to see all the way home - always useful I find. I had a nice "normal, just like old times Before Cancer" evening sat around the chimnea with Lesley, Hannah and Alex which was lovely, I was a bit hysterical I think and overly jolly and was grinning nervously most of the time. Polished off two glasses of red wine when I got home - which made me feel AWFUL this morning, despite the gallon of water I drank but it's the old last supper thing isn't it - I mean the tumour is going so I'm sure all these weeks of abstinence won't be undone by two glasses at this late stage. I think I'd better head off to bed, there's a lot to be done tomorrow! See you all soon. Lisa xx 6:48 - 13 Comments - 2 Kudos - Add Comment - Edit - Remove

	Hannah	See you soon sweetie, as soon as I read you're up to visitors I shall co-ordinate with Lesley and come n see you. If we can't come together I will take a wander up while kids are in school. Don't worry(yeah right!) everything is going to be fine. Luv ya. x Posted by Hannah on Sunday, June 03, 2007 at 23:15 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Hayley	Hey Mate, Thinking of you and keeping everything crossed, need you to recover quickly so you can come out here and make fun of my jelly belly! Hayley xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx Posted by Hayley on Monday, June 04, 2007 at 06:31 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	janey jane jane	Hey you, take good care of yourself and get Becky to send me the hozzie address so I can post you something. God who am I going to talk to on MSN on a drunken Friday night. I had such a hangover and I'd only had 3 Jack Daniels for goodness sake. Love you lots xxx Posted by janey jane jane on Monday, June 04, 2007 at 08:33 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	The day before.............. We arrived at the hospital early, laughing like school girls because a) after 'expertly' reversing the car into a parking spot I got Lisa's bag out of the boot and managed to trap approximately half a tree in the boot when I shut it b) the bag itself was almost as big as me and I nearly toppled over c) the little 'I DOG' I got for her was barking and whining all the way there Lisa's room is lovely, with patio doors and a garden outside which will make her stay more comfortable I'm sure, along with the 'Hotel Service' (although unfortunately she won't get to appreciate the full A la Carte Menu on offer) - couldn't see a mini bar anywhere though! A nurse came and asked her a gazillion questions, took BP etc. and after watching a little TV I left her to go to work. I went back at tea time with Karys, by which time she had taken 2 sachets of Picolax (hope thats spelt right) All I can report so far, is that she is (quote) 'chuffing hungry' and has had 13 explosive and watery bowel movements between the hours of 12:35 and 19:45. Not surprisingly, Lisa feels quite wobbly, only being allowed clear watery fluids today. The Operation is at 9:00am. I am going to see her before she goes, and will let you know how she got on tomorrow evening. Beckie x Posted by Umpalumpa on Tuesday, June 05, 2007 at 22:26 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Day One Sorry for the late update, but as you can imagine, it has been one of the most worrying days ever. I arrived at Lisa's room 7.40am - early I know, but didn't want to risk not seeing her before she was taken to theatre. I was greeted by Lisa and her new friend - Dolly the Drip!! The nurses had put a 'baby octopus' in her arm which connects to Dolly! Lisa had a pair of oooh so sexy stockings on (made to measure - we have photos, of course) and the operating gown, which I have to say has improved since I went to theatre i.e. your bum doesn't show! 8.40am I saw a hospital porter outside the room doors and my heart sank. Lisa was wheeled out the room, (and then wheeled back in as the aneasthetist needed to see her). After he left, I followed them to the operating floor, they let me stay for a while, and put her hat on/got her on the bed etc. ooh and Lisa insisted they let me look at photos of Tyson (ugly horrible nasty little B*****d grrrrr). Lisa was smiling and so, so brave but the floodgates opened (mine).. It was time for her to be wheeled away and I just found it so hard to leave her. I felt really guilty afterwards because she was so brave but I couldn't stop it. The nurse took me back and told me to get a drink before I went. It was a long day - I went to work for 2 hours but looked at the clock probably 20 times an hour and at 2.30 I phoned but was told there was no news. At 3.15 I rang again and was told that she was out of theatre but in the recovery room as there was no space in ICU (gggggrrrrr). I got to the hospital ICU at 5.20 (with Lisa's daughter) and we were told she was STILL in recovery and should come back in 45 minutes. So we did, only to learn that she infact got out at 2.10 and spent the best part of 4 hours in the recovery ward. Anyway - I was just so relieved to see her. She has tubes coming out of everywhere possible, Drains/Catheter/Drips, a central line, mask on face, monitors (basically very scary stuff). They said she needs 4 units of blood, these started when we got there. She was a little sick, which was really scary for her as I know she was worried about her stomach, but she was fine and was given some anti sickness drugs, along with something to stop the itching (aparently due to the epidural) She was looking very pale, but talked for a while and made jokes with the nurses about the catheter etc. Apparently her temperature went up to 38 while in theatre. Her Son arrived and I know Lisa was really pleased to see the children, likewise they were so happy to their mum. I can't give any details about the operation itself as the ICU staff only keep her stable, they don't get to know much about the procedure. Hopefully we will find out more tommorrow. As I said to Lisa, its TYSON '0' - LISA '1' (to which she replied actually its TYSON '0' - LISA '1' & PICOLAX '15' There is still a long long way to go but she will get there, I have every bit of faith in her, and we will help her all the way. Posted by Umpalumpa on Wednesday, June 06, 2007 at 22:22 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Day 2 Saw Lisa This afternoon, she was quite uncomfortable as you can imagine. The surgeon has been, he said he thinks he got a good clear margin, and although it is a big operation, it went straightforward. Unfortunately her epidural was only working on one side so she was in pain today, till they sorted her out with other pain relief. She looks exhausted, not helped by the constant beepity beeps in ICU, as she can't sleep very well, just short naps really. I think she'll be glad to get to her room, for sleep catchup! Its so upsetting watching her suffer, I want to wave a magic wand and take it all away but I cant. Saw her again tonight and she was much, much better, they have sorted the epidural and its made her feel so much better. Mum is back (yay!) and it was very emotional. I couldn't believe the difference in her, in just a couple of hours. She is such a fighter.......................... Posted by Umpalumpa on Thursday, June 07, 2007 at 22:38 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Day 3 Lisa is now back in her private room. ICU decided to take ALL her lines out (including the antibiotics and fluids that were still needed) so when I first saw her tonight she was very uncomfortable. Once the painkillers they had given her started to work, she was looking much better again, I just don't see why they put her through this, she has a huge wound that needs pain relief to keep her comfortable. On the whole she does look great though, she managed to move herself around the bed well, and has eaten JELLY AND ICE CREAM!!!! If they just manage to control the pain relief, it will be so much better for her. Also hoping she sleeps better now she is away from the noise of ICU (although I think secretly she will miss the nurses gossiping at night hee hee) Each day she gets stronger, she is doing so well............ Posted by Umpalumpa on Friday, June 08, 2007 at 22:41 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	What can I say - She looks absolutely amazing considering she had major surgery just days ago. They removed the drain (big big ouch) and catheter this morning, so she was able to start moving about. Mum and I arrived just before lunchtime, she got out of bed a number of times to empty her bag and was sitting in a chair when we left. She also had friends visit today, and has started booking appointments for people to visit!! (well, she is a popular lady!) I've said it before, and I'll say it again, I'm very proud her, I think we all are. Posted by Umpalumpa on Saturday, June 09, 2007 at 19:31 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Lisa is still progressing really well. She looks so well considering the ordeal she has been through this week. (My fiancee Steve was amazed) Unfortunately her bag leaked during the night which was very upsetting, but she seems to have picked herself up very well indeed. When we left this evening, she was tucking into a Jacket Potato (minus the skin) with prawns! Posted by Umpalumpa on Sunday, June 10, 2007 at 19:23 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Today, Lisa was very tired. She is still looking really well, but she has been through such an ordeal, the lack of sleep isn't helping really i guess. The hospital are really pleased with her progress, and suggested possibly Wednesday/Thursday to be discharged. Posted by Umpalumpa on Monday, June 11, 2007 at 17:36 [Remove]

	Umpalumpa	Great news................ Lisa will be discharged on Thursday, when she will go to Mum's house, to recuperate further! They removed her dressings today and she is looking forward to having a shower!. The swelling in her tummy goes down a little each day, and the scar is very scary and multi-coloured (to match the bruises from various lines they put in/attempted to put in) but healing well. I can't believe its a week tomorrow since they operated. It is amazing how quickly the human body can begin to heal from something so serious. Posted by Umpalumpa on Tuesday, June 12, 2007 at 21:20 [Remove] [Reply to this]

	Umpalumpa	Lisa was really pleased to see the 'surprise' relative today. Again, her tummy has gone down some more, she still looks very tired though bless her. I will sign out now as Lisa's 'reporter', I know you can't wait to hear from her! Posted by Umpalumpa on Wednesday, June 13, 2007 at 21:00 [Remove] [Reply to this]

Umpalumpa

Lisa was feeling very poorly today, she has no energy so they decided to keep her in. Her back was aching quite a bit, and she feels sick, which makes it realy hard for her to eat anything. They are monitoring her fluids in & out, and will see how she is tomorrow. Posted by Umpalumpa on Thursday, June 14, 2007 at 20:23