Not much new to post...I am improving slowly. Got the last trach so it is easier to breath and they will cork it in the next day or two so they can tell when I might be ready for removal. One drain left under arm pit where they took tissue and moved it under, around and through the muscle to the mouth.

I can't get to some of the pages I planned on getting to so haven't had as much to read as I wanted to. I thought I could get on my local ISP and read mail...but you have to have that one address as the master...and it isn't. Darn it!

I got better sleep last night, just hate that I still can't get up to the bathroom without asking for help to unplug cords, etc. That will make a big difference.

Michele in IL

Wish I could be there, Michele to visit and see what I could do to help. I would even go to the bathroom for you if I could! Not quite sure I understand about having a "master address" to read mail but seems like there should be some way to get around that. You are improving and it's good that you are getting better sleep. I lived in Chicago for about 20 years before coming to TN. Started out on Near North Side, then Skokie, then on far West side in Hanover Park. It's so good to hear from you, Michele. Hope improvements continue to come and help you to feel better and better each day!

Michelle,
Ask for a commode to be put along side of your bed. That way you can do your duty without having to wait for someone to help you and you don't need to get all unplugged. Hope you continue to improve and keep your spirits up.

Take care,
Eileen

Great suggestion, Eileen! (Why didn't I think of that?!) I remember when one of my friends was in the hospital with something not as serious as being plugged into stuff. - she had one along side her bed even tho' it was only a few steps to the bathroom.

Thanks for the ideas everyone...I got unplugged and can make it there now...just need for someone to remember to empty and log the amount!

I got the last drain out this morning but they found I have pneumonia so I am on heavy duty medicines to beat that quickly. They were thinking home Wed - now might be Thurs or Fri. Will still have ng tube for feeding, trach - until we know we don't need any more as it was a major pain the ass to get and I don't want to do that again. I am just asking for some pain meds when I have gone since about 8 a.m. without any - it is supper time, so that isn't too bad. Most everything is just numb but the new sewing in the mouth hurts.

Stitches and staples will come out at the 14 day mark, and may jaw wiring as well. Just have to see.

Michele in IL

They are thinking maybe Thursday home but fever is still a little high. Have to see how the rest of today goes. Glad they didn't do it and then have it fail but not so sure I wanted this done this way either. They are stuck on the fact that I need radiation to make that chemo work...and I have already been radiated. They put new tissue in there...so I guess than can destroy it now.

Michele, just wanted to let you know that I am thinking of you and praying for you.

Me too - good thoughts and many blessings - it sounds like a long haul - but it also sounds like every day is offering a small triumph - drain out - bathroom by self - etc... It doesn't seem like much but it is - it helped me that each day something improved - sorry you are in pain - but that should improve slowly - take care- you are in my thoughts!