I can’t believe it’s been nearly 5 weeks since surgery, how time flies.
Last Friday was a busy day I saw my family doctor to get a base line for my B12, and am starting to take the quick dissolve tablets today (Tuesday) as I just got my blood work done this afternoon. Here’s to hoping that I don’t have to revert to the shots and the absorption orally is sufficient to allow me to continue this. I also received my pathology report. Good news, they didn’t find any cancer cells…phew one less thing to worry about now!! Here’s me doing another happy dance! However in my stomach they did find small foci of intramucosal hemorrhage and erosion and occasional tiny foci of mucosal necrosis. At this point I would like to chalk it up to 5 endoscopies with multiple biopsies. But I will follow up with my Surgeon just for curiosities sake and report back once I know more…
Needless to say I am relieved. I know that I made the right decision and that I don’t have to worry about getting stomach cancer any more.
I received an unexpected call from the dietician on Friday as well; she was asking how things were going and I told her that my appointment with the surgeon was moved a week and that I was still on a full fluid diet (I also fessed up to sneaking a bit of solids because I was getting real tired of soups and pureed things.) She said she would call/page my surgeon to see what he thought and would call me back. A half hour later I get great news that I can start eating solids…I cried a little (as you can see I am an emotional person though I think anyone would be when they can start eating some normal food.) I ate chips the last couple days (I know bad calories but I am down to 128 lbs from 147 lbs so far) I had to eat something crunchy and I am really looking for different textures to satisfy the need of the palate.
Otherwise, I have been trying to fill my diet with easy to chew fish and chicken, well cooked veggies, puddings, yogurts, smoothies, still a bit on the soups because regular food freaks me out; but I have been able to eat peeled hot dogs and chicken apple sausages; bananas with peanut butter, pasta and scrambled eggs with cheese. It’s getting easier and I try something new each day.
I have no regrets about having the surgery, don’t get me wrong I have moments when I am hugging the toilet retching for the second time in a day (like today) because I didn’t chew something enough or ate it too fast and I think what have I done. Though I quickly remind myself that this is a learning process and it will take time to do things right; don’t despair.
I have been having a hard time getting a good calorie count, especially on the full fluid diet but now eating solids the most I’ve been able to reach is 1100 so far. It’s a work in progress as I have to avoid bread as it gets stuck EVERY SINGLE TIME and will have to make an adjustment to be able to intake milk products so I am not calcium deficient.
It’s hard to get enough nutrients and feel energized, as the healing process it takes a lot out of you and I am still trying to pace myself and not get discouraged or over do any activity. I am still pretty tired often and waking up after a nap I find my entire body is pretty sore and takes a while to get straightened out again. Though doing some walking to get groceries or just a stroll makes my back sore, so I’ve booked a physio appointment for next week, and we will see how things improve from there to try and get some relief.
Overall, things get easier bit by bit, just don’t lose hope that things will get better. I know this is a long road at about 12 months to really get back to the way they used to be, but I am one month down and the skies are a little bit clearer and closed to riding the beautiful old school cruiser bike I got for Mother’s Day and I can’t wait to be able to ride it.
My Mom and Dad came over this past weekend and planted/weeded my garden for me. Thank goodness for them, Rob and Chloe, without their support I wouldn’t be able to do much of anything. They are my rocks and without them I don’t know what I would do! I am so thankful! And for all you lovely people and your kind words thanks to you as well! A great support group is important!
I hope you all have an amazing evening and until next time all the best!
It's A Genetic Thing 