Friday, August 29, 2008

Thank God it's Friday!

I can't tell you how happy I am it's the weekend! I had a rough week (or two). I spent the majority of last week sitting in the hospital with hubby. I wasn't sure I wanted to share this edition of John's illness until I knew he was better. It really shook me up.

Last Wednesday I had to take John to the ER for severe stomach cramping and vomiting. He ended up being admitted and getting a million tests done. At first they though he had a blocked or twisted bowel - which is quite serious, especially for a chemo patient. If it had been a twisted or blocked bowel, he would have needed emergency surgery. Receovery from surgery while undergoing chemo is tough to say the least.

Thankfully it wasn't a twisted bowel or a blockage, but just an infection of the small bowel. Two different antibiotic drips, two anti-nausea drips, two pain med drips, three CT scans, countless blood and urine tests and 5 days of hospital bed rest later, he was ok with the exception of a hernia that he developed from all the vomiting! Luckily as well - the doctors think this will go away on it's own since it is a fluid hernia and not a tissue hernia.

I hate hospitals by the way. I highly recommend you don't ever have to stay at one for a prolonged time. My back still hurts from sitting in the uncomfortable chairs! And don't get me started on hospital cafeteria food. I did get a lot of knitting done - which is a huge reason I was able to knit my Olympic Lady Sweater in record time!

I've been rather depressed this week seeing John in so much pain and not being able to do anything about it. Big thank yous to my friends for sending lots of love, emails and phone calls to keep me going. I couldn't do it with out you! I love you guys.

Dr Suess flowers 2

Happy Friday!

23 comments:

bySarah said...

TGIF baby, TGIF. Hope you get lots of R&R this weekend.

cheryl said...

So glad John is feeling better! Definitely sending you some prayers. May your weekend be lovely.

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad it wasn't something more serious! (anything + chemo is serious enough!)

I'll be thinking of you and John this weekend. Hope his recovery is speedy and you're able to relax a bit and rest.

turtle64 said...

Hi JavaJem - I have been there!! Not only with the hubby on chemo (2 infections where they removed his colon) but with my daughter as well. She had her colon removed and has been to the ER/hospital a number of times with blockages & twists. Come to find out she has SMA (systemic mesoaneric artery syndrome) or something like that. Her artery constricted and was actually cutting off her esophagus. Fun stuff but I have to say I didn't knit anything as beautiful as your sweater!! Hang in there and tell your hubby as well. It WILL get better.
Susan
Richmond VA

maitai said...

TGIF, jody. i'm so happy to hear that john is feeling better now and that it wasn't more serious. hugs to you and your family. lots of hugs!

Stacey said...

TGIF for sure. You deserve a month of weekends after that....rest up!

paula said...

aww! Hugs to you both! I'm thinking recovery thoughts for you!

Bea said...

I'm glad he's better. And having spent a good deal of time as a patient I can't agree more that hospitals suck. The beds aren't any better then the chairs.

Stitchify said...

Oh wow! I'm so sorry that he had to endure that, and I'm so glad he's feeling better.
I didn't realize before that he is ill. It's only recently that I discovered the joy that is Javajem.
Now that I know, I will keep you both in my thoughts and send you hopes for a full and fast recovery. *Hugs*

TopazGirl said...

Glad it's nothing too serious, hope he continues to feel better. :)

Lindsay said...

I'm so glad to hear that it wasn't anything too serious. I know it's a terrible feeling just waiting around for a diagnosis, then waiting around for ppl to get better. Thank God for knitting:) And cursed be the hospital chairs!

cici said...

I hate hospitals too. I have had my share this year as well. I am glad you are here for us too! Hugs to you and your hubby. Sending you good wishes!!:D

Lynn said...

I'm so glad to hear there doesn't need to be another surgery! YAY! Hope you guys enjoy the weekend!!

Rhonda said...

Hang in there!

Sending hugs and prayers your way for both you and John.

jillian said...

Oh my goodness. I am so glad to hear he is on the mend from this!

Zonda said...

Gosh! So glad that John is getting better!! Hugs to you both!

brsmaryland said...

I'm glad John is feeling better. It is a scary and helpless feeling to just sit and wait. Knitting fills so many purposes.
Hope each day brings more and more health and good energy.

roxy =^o^= said...

sorry in comment posty delay - I'm buried in homework assignments... but I am glad your John is feeling better. :) You are so good to be a rock of love & support for him - let me know if you need anything (had 2 family members go through chemo & all that is related so I know exactly where you are at) - hope you get rest & sunshine this weekend

xo
Anne

Dana S. Whitney said...

How did I miss that Hubby was doing chemo? My very best wishes (and sympathies/condolences, etc.) to both of you. Been there, done that. Even "just" an infection in the hospital these days can be bad business. I hope he's getting loads of Neulasta or an equivalent to boost his immune system between treatments... and that making darling kimonos helps you keep your own spirits up. (Love the binding tool! What will they think of next?!!) Ciao.

Lisette M said...

So glad your husband is doing better! Lovely picture, I'm very envious if it is growing in your garden.

turtlegirl76 said...

I'm so sorry you had to go through that. Hospitals are never a fun place to be. especially when you have a loved one there. =( Glad to hear he's gonna be better soon!

Theresa said...

I hate hospitals too. So sorry you had both had to go through this. Glad he didn't need surgery. Hugs!

Shelby said...

I'm sorry to hear that John hit a rough patch. I really hope things start to look up soon. Thinking of you often.