My mom’s surgery this afternoon was successful. She had a pleurodesis, which is essentially the destruction of the sack around the lungs to keep it from accumulating too much fluid. That fluid accumulation (effusion) had recently become much worse causing pain and breathing problems for my mom.
My mom was waiting in recovery with my sister this evening when I spoke with her on the phone and is in a lot of pain. The post-operation pain was much worse than she expected. She is afraid to cough and feels awful, but Karen says she looks great.
Before my mom was even fully awake the nurse had her on her feet and walking — which didn’t make her happy, but we know that early walking has been shown to be closely linked to quick recoveries.
The surgeon reported draining a liter of fluid and my mom currently has a tube that continues to drain fluids, but the hope is that that will be removed and she’ll be stitched up to go home by Friday. The surgeon also reported that, unfortunately, he could visually spot plenty of cancerous lung tissue during the surgery.
Mom was talkative and sounded like her usual self. We chuckled at a few jokes. She’s bracing for more serious pain and a longer recovery than she hoped. This was not a “walk in the park”, she emphasized.
I’m so grateful to Karen for all the time she’s spending with Mom. I think all three of us have a similar attitude that it just stinks that Mom has to go through this. But at least she has Karen nearby and all of you!
Ann's Hummingbird
Thank you, David, for the descriptive report despite the difficulties and pain it revealed. I know lots of us have been wondering all day how the surgery went. Now we know and just wish we could lift some of the
pain. We do share it with each of you and will keep in touch in many ways.
Jane
Glad the surgery is done and am praying for quick healing and relief from pain. Ann is such a bright light… she’s an uplifting person and is a true giver. I’ve only known her a short time as she facilitated our women’s retreat just a few weeks ago, and it was truly an inspired event w/her at the helm. Please give her our best and that we are lifting her up… <3
Oh, David, I know this must be agony for you, to be so far away from your Mom and Karen during this tough time. Thank you so much for writing the blog today and letting us know. We’re sharing your pain and your anxiety. And we hope for a better tomorrow for your precious mom.
Allison
Please convey to Anne that we hold her tenderly in prayer and hope that the pain is not too much for her to bear. Love from Maureen Jenkins
Thanks for the update David!
Prayers continue for your mom’s well being…she’s a fighter and loves you all so much!
And prayers for you and all the family as well…it is good that Karen can be here – I know you are here in spirit.
Billie
Thank you David for taking the time to keep us – all of Ann’s friends – close or distant geographically. There is an unceasing prayer in my heart for Ann’s healing, and also for respite of physical pain. Ann continues – through her Hummingbird notes – to be a guiding light to me while I am still in Provence for another month.
David, thank you for letting us know how our dear friend is doing. My heart is heavy as I think of our little hummingbird going through such an ordeal. You are such a source of strength to her and I am most grateful for the light that you bring to her life.
Debbie Miller
Yes! It does STINK that Ann has to go through this. Just be sure to call on us friends when you need us OK David and Karen!
So they encourage sleep-walking, how interesting. I hope all goes well and you are home for the weekend !
Take care and hugs to all.
Thanks so much for the update, David. Such courage this tough stuff takes!
I’m praying Christ-LIGHT, healing light all over those lung tissues, joining the great Love already going on for
Ann. Dear one, let me know when you are up for a visit and prayer together. And a LAUGH or two, such is your delightful way. xo jeanie
David…
You and Karen are such inspirations for your mom as she bravely fights on. Thanks for updating on her condition as we all pray for relief from such pain and a better day tomorrow. Like you, I find it so hard not to be able to pop in to be of comfort and help. We do appreciate all your mom’s friends who are able to help daily, and especially for Karen’s fantastic support.
Love to you all,
Kathy
Dear David,
Ann has been so much in my mind since lunch time yesterday, wondering how it all went for her, so thank you so much for letting us know that she is safely through that nasty procedure.
Sadly we are far away in place (we live in the UK) so have been feeling totally frustrated that I can’t do anything practical to be of help, but very near in our thoughts and prayers. We especially feel for you and Karen as you support Ann.
Please give her our love & hopes that she will feel strong enough to get out of hospital very quickly.
Liz & David
(& Emily and John)
David, thank you for sharing about the updates on Ann and I am so glad the surgery went well.
Ann, may your healing be swift, your pain be easy and the love that surrounds you enormous!
With tender thoughts and prayers,
Regina