Margaret’s recovery progressed very nicely yesterday.
When I first saw her at 11 a.m., she already was better than when she came from the Recovery Room on Monday night but still in pretty weak condition—asleep most of the time, nauseated while awake (couldn’t keep down a cup of clear broth), etc.
However, after a visit by Dr. Lurain during which he ordered the pain medication IV removed and an anti-nausea medication administered, everything steadily improved for the remainder of the day. By the time I left at the 8:30 p.m. close of visiting hours, she had:
• climbed out of and back into bed without my help several times,
• taken four walks,
• eaten a solid-food dinner,
• talked on the phone with Sam,
• asked me to fetch her hairbrush and cosmetics kit,
• was about to start listening to an audio book,
• told me to bring her a cup of Starbucks when I come to visit this morning.
During Dr. Lurain’s visit, Margaret asked him whether her surgery had provided a good lesson plan for his teaching on Monday. He said, yes, it had given him an excellent opportunity to instruct his students on the importance of formulating a strategy for the surgery before starting to cut. The strategy in her surgery was his “remove the tumor and affected organs all in one piece”, which I mentioned yesterday.
By the way, Dr. Lurain and his students are very impressive people. In addition to morning rounds as a group, Lurain and each of his students on the case separately visited Margaret during the day. All of them are very pleasant and informative but also focused on their work. They are professional in both manner and appearance—no slobbing around in scrubs and running shoes. No “business casual” either. Dr. Lurain looks like he stepped off a page of the Brooks Brothers catalog in his button-down Oxford shirt and Rep-striped tie, and his students (maybe because he requires them to) obviously emulate his style. Mr. Chizek would have loved these people!
Many thanks for your emails and blog comments. I will be reading them to Margaret when I see her a little while from now.
Marc, special thanks for getting Frank Hoffman on the job.
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4 comments:
Margaret and Karl,
Your blog is such a great idea! I've rec'd access to it via Mary Lou Mullen via Marcia. Please know that you are in the thoughts and prayers of so many at Saint Mary's. Knowing you are already a very strong woman, we are sending our strength your way.
Blessings. Kay Ball
Margaret and Karl,
Although we absolutely believed that you would come through the surgery well, we are so grateful to read that you actually did. As we discussed now it's time to follow Colleen's successful formula: Good doctors, good drugs, good attitude and good support. You have them all, so hears to a smooth and complete recovery. You're in our constant thoughts and this will get better! Karl, don't know who is with you but don't hesitate to call me on my cell. I can easily break away tomorrow at any time if you need some company while Margaret is resting (it's a short trip from the "region").
All of our best to both of you. Take care, Gary and Colleen
Margaret and Karl: Thanks for keeping Mary Pat and I informed. We read each word. Also, we heard from Maggie Kernan as well. Glad to hear the doctor and his students are giving such good care to such a special person.
Dick and Mary Pat Nussbaum
Hi Margaret and Karl!
This is fantastic news - but no surprise given your strength! We're proud of you and keep up the good work.
I raise my Starbucks to toast you.
Roy & MJ
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