Bumps in the Road

On Friday, we arrived at the Cleveland Clinic Surgery Center before 5:30 in the morning as instructed and it would be twelve hours later before the procedure would be completed.  The surgery proved to be more extensive with some complications not anticipated.  My Dad will now experience very significant life changes-- he will have a ileostomy as well as a urostomy-- and will be more than surprised when he is finally aware of all that occurred.  On the other hand his surgeon did not see any visible signs of more cancer; but the final pathology report is weeks away. 

Post-operative courses are also very fatiguing for the individual and their loved ones. The anticipatory stress is over yet there is often a let-down factor that seems to deflate all the energy that was so well-maintained in the preparations for the procedure.  Now the concerns change; will the results but negative…will there be any other complications…how will he manage all these changes…how will our lifestyles change…will there be another surgery in the near future…will there still have to be more chemo?  There are no answers to these questions today. 

Dad is making progress; the attached tubes and wires have decreased, he is walking further and more frequently and is now allowed an ice chip per hour.  He is also asking questions and absorbing the answers and their implications.  He is very fortunate to have a strong and supportive team of family members and professionals beside him on his journey.