My husband had a 14 hour surgery on September 29 - mandibulectomy and fibula free flap reconstruction which means they took his fibula and made him a new mandibule. He had a broken jaw due to the radiation (osteoradionecrosis) he received several years ago when he had cancer. While I was waiting through the surgery and for days afterwards I read a book, caught up on adding blanket stitch around my Quilting 365 circles for August 9-31 and September 1-19, and read an entire book (Home by Harlen Coben) and part of another one (The Immortal Irishman by Timothy Egan).
My husband was discharged yesterday and I'm taking a week off to get him situated at home. He has an NG tube for formula feedings and medicine, neck stitches that need to be cleaned several times a day and with drains that need to be packed, trachea hole where the trachea tube was that needs to be cleaned and bandaged a couple of times a day, stitches on his leg from knee on down that need to be wrapped daily and boot for minimal walking. Some of these things I never dreamed I would be able to do because I get rather squeamish at the appearance of blood and body fluids but I'm hanging in there and doing what needs to be done.
By the way, thank you to all who offered prayers and healing thoughts. The doctors are amazed by my husband's recovery. Thank you, thank you, thank you.
August circles.
We had a family reunion campout, my son-in-law was discharged after 3 weeks in the hospital for chemo for leukemia, I made and canned salsa, finished a baby quilt and attended a shower for my nephew and wife, made a couple of quilts for a medical benefit for my son-in-law, took the grandkids school shopping and won a $25 gift certificate from FQ Shop for Scraptastic Tuesday.
September 1-19 circles. I have the rest of the month cut out but just not completed yet.
I started them on November 4 last year and I'm still making them and having fun with them.
I also took along some Peacock fans to applique.
I think I now have 20 14 inch blocks. Can't remember my target number. These will have sashing between them.
And now I need to prep more handwork. But I guess there's always hand quilting.
Thanks again for those healing thoughts and prayers. They seem to be working for my son-in-law also. He will still need a bone marrow transplant; however, his second bout of chemo which was last week went much smoother than the first round. His medical benefit was also a huge success.
Amen.
16 comments:
Cathy, We learn to do the things we never thought we'd do. I had to help my husband with everything because of his having Alzheimers. Blessings to you as you travel this road. Not easy, but with all the prayers we get through it.
Bright Blessings sent to you for your husbands recovery - I hope all his wounds heal well and his pain levels get better every day.
That must have been so stressful to wait during such a long surgery! I'm happy to hear your hubby is doing well--take care of yourself too!
Hugs to you and yours, and all the good thoughts I can send. It's always surprising what you can do when you've got to. Hang in there, and remember to take care of yourself while you're taking care of everyone else.
Handiwork is such a comfort when you've got a lot on your mind. Carry on with those circles and the fabulous peacock's tails!
you have gone through so much as a family - I admire your getting so much done while sitting in waiting rooms - what else can we do to keep sane - good luck to your husband recovery - hang in there
Oh, Cathy, what a challenge for both you and your husband! I hope things continue to go well for him and that you're able to hold up with the nursing aspect of his care. I hope you'll be able to rest and no overdo. The caregiver must take care of herself, too, you know! I'll say a prayer whenever I think of you and your husband.
--Nancy. (ndmessier @ aol.com, joyforgrace.blogspot.com)
Good on you for mastering your squeamishness - it's amazing what we can do when we really have to. I'm very happy to hear that your husband is recovering well and also that your son-in-law is doing better and his benefit was a success. And in the midst of all that your circles carry on, recording your year and all it's ups and downs. Your peacock fans are stunning - they remind me of the sort of thing we see in stately homes here.
Oh best wishes for good recovery for your family members...I love your peacocks--what a splendid choice of fan colors...hugs and prayers Julierose
Best wishes for continuing recovery for both your hubby and son, and for continuing strength for you. You've accomplished an amazing amount of quilting considering how busy you must be with the loving care you're giving. Take care.
Cathy, it sounds like you have taken charge and are kicking butt. Glad that Hubby is home and you are taking care of things. Here's prayers for a speedy recovery.
Oh, Cathy - our son had a trachea hole to be cleaned and cared for after his pneumonia, so I understand what you mean about surprising yourself at what you can do when you have to. Good thoughts and prayers continue for you and your family!!!!
Cathy, you are my hero. I so admire your willingness to learn and do what has to be done ... and you make beautiful quilts while you are doing it!
So glad to hear your husband is healing well, and that you are getting through the challenges. I've been enjoying Harlan Coben books this year - had never read them before. There's nothing like a page-turner book to get you through the waiting time, unless it's some stitching!
I'm glad to hear all the medical issues are having good outcomes! Healing thoughts and prayers continue for all of your tribe!
Sending more prayers and good wishes for all of your family and for you, too! I think you have had to become a tower of strength and you have become one.
Whoever designed Women did a great job because we can get done w-a-a-a-y more than we think we can. I was in your situation with my husband's surgeries and radiation burns. We just do what we have to do, then later we think back and wonder how we did it. Keep up the good progress reports. Still sending you and the family positive energy and prayers.
Kathy T. in Tampa
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