Surgery

On Tuesday we left at 7am to get to Jefferson Hospital for my surgery. We waited until about 11am and then were called back. I changed into a heavy paper-like gown and then wheeled on a bed to the holding area. Before getting wheeled to the holding area, I said my goodbyes to Denver. In the holding area, I talked with my Dr. (Dr. Cognetti) and the residents that were going to be helping him and I met with the plastic surgeon. (Dr. Heffelfinger). Everyone was so nice and made me feel comfortable and safe. I also met with the anesthesiologist. He was my favorite. I really liked him.

Then I was wheeled into a very cold room. The had me move from my bed to a very skinny bed. I couldn't lay my arm to the side of me because there was no bed so I had to lay it on top of me. They prepped me with all the ansthesia stuff and then I went to sleep. Next thing I knew I was in another holding area and they were giving me a drink of water. My mouth and throat and lips were extremely dry. My head was bandaged and I was very groggy. The small amount of water that I drank made me a little nauseous. I found out that the surgery started at 1 pm and was done by 5:30 pm. The tumor was very big, 5 centimeters, but they were able to get it out in one piece, which is a good thing. The Dr. said he had never seen a case like mine because the nerves were crossed and one was folded over. You'll have to ask Denver more of the details because he talked with the Dr. more. I was kept in the other holding area until about 8:30pm and then they wheeled me to my recovery room where Denver was waiting for me.

The hospital was so full we had to share a room with someone. We got the bad side of the room. The lady next to me was waiting to have surgery because she had pain in her gall bladder/pancreas. At about midnight, the new nurse on schedule told Denver he had to leave because we were in a shared room and it was hospital policy. This was right when he was helping me pump. I, not knowing he couldn't stay with me all night, got really emotional. I couldn't pump on my own and didn't want the nurses to help throughout the night and was scared and in pain. The lady next to us was very nice and told the nurse she didn't mind if he stayed. The nurse went to ask and came back and said he could stay if our neighbor lady truly didn't mind. I was so grateful for her! So, he stayed. In the morning, the Dr. and residents came in to look at the swelling and to take out the drain (that HURT!). We were discharged early, around 10am. I still hadn't eaten since 10pm the night before the surgery so I was pretty weak. They brought me breakfast of cold scrambled eggs, a piece of toast, milk, OJ, and coffee. I tried to eat, but it hurt me to chew so I drank the milk and some of the OJ.

When I got home, my mom and Denver took good care of me. I got some yogurt I could drink down, some soup and a milkshake. I've been laying in bed, hoping that I'll heal quickly. I have more anxiety than anything. I have staples in my head at the beginning of the incision and at the end that I am nervous about getting removed. I have a lot of soreness and throbbing.

Thanks to everyone for your prayers and fasting. It was very appreciated and I know I've been blessed by them.
This first picture is a picture of the size of the tumor. Dr. Cognetti took an actual picture of the tumor once it was removed so hopefully we can get a copy of it at my post-op appointment.

Right after I was wheeled to my recovery room.

My hair was all matted with blood and other stuff. Ignore the hair-do. Here you can see where the incision was made. It also went up and behind my ear into my hairline. The plastic surgeon did a good job and i will be left with minimal scarring once all is said and done.

Nov. 5

I wanted to post yesterday, but I didn't have any time to do it. From 7 am to 9:30pm I was home maybe 2 hours. Yesterday was a day of Dr. appointments, remembering Shelley, learning our future, and YW in excellence.

I left really early to get to Center city for my multiple Dr. appts. Because the buses and subway (Septa) are on strike, traffic was much worse than normal and parking was crazy, so I left at 7:30am, 1 1/2 hours before my first appointment. I got there in 1 hour 15 minutes. Crazy traffic! My first appointment was my MRI.

I had to lay on a table/bed thing like this: and was rolled in the tube, just to my shoulders, and was told to lay still for 40+ minutes! That's a long time! While in the tube, I heard a ton of banging noises. It sounded like someone was hammering all around me and then I heard sounds like machine guns going off all around me. It was loud and constant, even with the big headphones they had me wear. I thought for sure I was going to get a headache. I also had an IV so they could pump some GAD (contrast) in me for better pictures :).

Then I walked a couple blocks to my next appointment with the Otolaryngologist. He showed me the picture of the MRI and said the tumor was big. There is a higher chance of recurrence for me because of it's size. It's 'to the limits' meaning when they remove it, they can't take extra tissue around the area to lessen the chance of it coming back, so the chances are going to be greater.

After that, I went to my pre-admission testing. There I got paperwork to do my will (nice huh? Oh, you're having surgery? Fill out this will.) Then I met with 2 nurses, nurse practitioner, and an anesthesiologist, all at different times. It took forever. I was able to ask all my questions and get everything done and ready for surgery. Finally I was done and headed home. I got home around 3:30pm and was very tired.

Nov. 5 was also a day to remember Shelley. when thinking of her, I think of the plan of salvation and am grateful for our Savior and what he did for each of us. I am grateful for the gospel and that my parents were sealed in the temple. What a blessing to know that death is NOT the end.

Yesterday was a day we found out where we are going to move, come May or June.

Just a few great things about Scott AFB area:

It is 4 hours East of Indepence Jail, Adam-Ondi-Ahman, and Far west:

It is 3 hours South of Nauvoo, Illinois:

and There is a temple close by in St. Louis, Missouri:

Is that a good enough plug to get some visitors?!?!

We are really excited to be moving to that area! We're ready for new adventures.

Last night was one of the special activities we have for the Young Women. It was our Evening In Excellence. Although I was exhausted, it was a really great night. The speakers and musical number were amazing! It's fun to watch the girls get up in front of everyone and share their experiences in making their projects. I've been to 4 Eve. in Excellences with these girls and I have to say that Javon Lee has changed the most. At my 1st eve. in excellence you couldn't get her to stand up and say anything about herself or project. Last night my jaw almost dropped when she didn't even complain about getting up and talking in front of a crowd. She actually seemed excited to do it. She has come a long way.

Our Destination

We got accepted into the AEGD program through the Air force and this is where we are going: Scott AFB in Illinois, near St. Louis Missouri