Just got back from my post neck dissection follow up appointment. Dr. Shonka said I was healing beautifully.
I asked about the ear sensations and pressure I was feeling here and there. He mentioned that being a normal side effect for the surgery I had gone through. I can begin to try to blow some of that pressure out, by pinching my nose and blowing. (like how you push cabin pressure from an airplane flight out of your ears, as an example)
He also advised that I am cleared to begin taking showers again. WOO HOO!!! :)
Sheila had been cleaning me with these special wipes the hospital gave us, since I was ordered I couldn't shower with those fresh surgical wounds.
My stitches are also at the stage where I can switch from her applying Bacitracin, to Vaseline instead.
I'll head back next week for another follow up appointment to see how the healing is further progressing, and will also hear the pathology report from this last surgery, to determine if I will need Chemo or not.
I'll also meet with the Rad team again to discuss the process and be fitted for my pet mask.
More soon!
Tuesday, July 31, 2012
Monday, July 30, 2012
First night and side effects
Sleeping in a hospital bed wasn't that bad actually. There is no way to roll onto either side and it helps a lot with keeping you in one position.
I can't roll onto my R side, due to the stitches that dot along from below my ear and down to my adam's apple, in addition to the small incision right above my collarbone, where the fluid had to drain from the surgical trauma.
Last night, Sheila and I switched from our normal positions, so that I wouldn't be prone to rolling over onto the R side of my body.
It worked like a charm too! I still had to get up a few times during the night to control my pain, but at least got some sleep. Not to mention, needing Sheila's help to apply the Bacitracin to my stitches, to prevent them from drying up.
As a result of the surgery and trauma to some of the nerves, I can't feel my right ear and part of my face and neck. The team made me fully aware this could happen, and it has.
The feeling will return after a few months, and I'll take adjusting to these, vs. not having the use of my Right arm and hand, which could've been the result.
Staying thankful amongst an Ocean of changing conditions.
I have to remain positive, its necessary to continue the fight, and I can always reflect on the fact that there are many people in the world, who are going through much more.
I have a lot to be thankful for.
I can't roll onto my R side, due to the stitches that dot along from below my ear and down to my adam's apple, in addition to the small incision right above my collarbone, where the fluid had to drain from the surgical trauma.
Last night, Sheila and I switched from our normal positions, so that I wouldn't be prone to rolling over onto the R side of my body.
It worked like a charm too! I still had to get up a few times during the night to control my pain, but at least got some sleep. Not to mention, needing Sheila's help to apply the Bacitracin to my stitches, to prevent them from drying up.
As a result of the surgery and trauma to some of the nerves, I can't feel my right ear and part of my face and neck. The team made me fully aware this could happen, and it has.
The feeling will return after a few months, and I'll take adjusting to these, vs. not having the use of my Right arm and hand, which could've been the result.
Staying thankful amongst an Ocean of changing conditions.
I have to remain positive, its necessary to continue the fight, and I can always reflect on the fact that there are many people in the world, who are going through much more.
I have a lot to be thankful for.
Sunday, July 29, 2012
Cancer free!
I just arrived home from UVA a few min ago and wanted to update you all
I am so thankful and happy to report, that I am now CANCER FREE!!
The surgery went very well too.
The doctors thought they would have to make 2 incisions, one from my ear, to adam's apple, and then beneath that line, near my collar bone.
I only needed 1 incision. :)
The Anesthesia MD told me before going under, I might have to sleep all night under drug control because I might need a breathing tube placed down my throat..
I told him to make sure I never knew about it, or woke up with it down there. I dont think my mental capacity would've been able to handle the shock from that.
I didn't need the breathing tube kept inside of me. :)
They said i'd have to have the area stapeled shut afterwards, instead of being sewn up with stitches.
I only needed dissolvable stitches. :)
I can't thank my surgeon Dr. Shonka and his team for doing an excellent job and taking such tremendous care of me.
When I woke up in PACU, the Rns and techs were amazing, helping control the pain and getting me ready to move to my room. (which was private too, felt awesome having my own space)
I remember being in the fog of anesthesia still and one nurse asked me, what are you thinking about right now, Tony?
I said, Pink Floyd.
(LOL!!)
The nurses and staff on 6 West ICU were nothing short of angelic, with the post-surgical care they provided to me.
I have to thank Nurse Kelli and Jessy. You both are amazing nurses and UVA is lucky to have you.
It was great getting to know them and building a connection with them during my stay. Thank you both so much, and I hope we get to see each other again one day.
So, heading back down on 7/31 for my follow up appt.
I believe it was the energy, prayers, vibes, a positive attitude, and the love from God, that saw me through this last and final surgery, with as little trauma as possible.
Oh, my Right arm wasn't affected either, just some of the nerves in my ear and the R side of my chest.
No big deal, they will return to normal in a few months.
:)
I am so thankful and happy to report, that I am now CANCER FREE!!
The surgery went very well too.
The doctors thought they would have to make 2 incisions, one from my ear, to adam's apple, and then beneath that line, near my collar bone.
I only needed 1 incision. :)
The Anesthesia MD told me before going under, I might have to sleep all night under drug control because I might need a breathing tube placed down my throat..
I told him to make sure I never knew about it, or woke up with it down there. I dont think my mental capacity would've been able to handle the shock from that.
I didn't need the breathing tube kept inside of me. :)
They said i'd have to have the area stapeled shut afterwards, instead of being sewn up with stitches.
I only needed dissolvable stitches. :)
I can't thank my surgeon Dr. Shonka and his team for doing an excellent job and taking such tremendous care of me.
When I woke up in PACU, the Rns and techs were amazing, helping control the pain and getting me ready to move to my room. (which was private too, felt awesome having my own space)
I remember being in the fog of anesthesia still and one nurse asked me, what are you thinking about right now, Tony?
I said, Pink Floyd.
(LOL!!)
The nurses and staff on 6 West ICU were nothing short of angelic, with the post-surgical care they provided to me.
I have to thank Nurse Kelli and Jessy. You both are amazing nurses and UVA is lucky to have you.
It was great getting to know them and building a connection with them during my stay. Thank you both so much, and I hope we get to see each other again one day.
So, heading back down on 7/31 for my follow up appt.
I believe it was the energy, prayers, vibes, a positive attitude, and the love from God, that saw me through this last and final surgery, with as little trauma as possible.
Oh, my Right arm wasn't affected either, just some of the nerves in my ear and the R side of my chest.
No big deal, they will return to normal in a few months.
:)
Thursday, July 26, 2012
The final surgery.
Tomorrow July 27th, will be my 3rd and final surgery. As usual, I am a little anxious to get #3 behind me, but feel good about it. I'm ready to have this shit out of my neck.
When I say I am anxious, it's like the same feeling I would get the night before an exam at school, when I know I am prepared, and ready to collect that "A" grade that I earned through days, hours, and minutes of prep and study time.
I asked the surgical team to take a picture of the damaged lymph nodes and email me a copy. I figure its the least they can do and I would like to know what it looks like for my own knowledge and piece of mind.
I'll remind them that the pain control needs to be given to Sheila to fill BEFORE WE LEAVE and not handed "paper" to drive all the way home with, to then fill. Same with the "magic mouth wash" that I will need to keep the Thrush at bay. No more glucose-sugar based rinses for this guy to fuel any Thrush-fires. You have to ask for things in a certain way, or you won't get them....That's odd to me, but it's a process.
A friend of mine who lives in PA, mom has Cancer and has been fighting for years. She told me at the beginning of my journey, that I needed to be my own Advocate. She couldn't have been more right. I hope I get to meet her one day.
I talked to the Anesthesia nurse yesterday. I told her, I'm not 100% on swallowing, since the Thrush happend to me. Going through that mess, cost me about 5 days of recovery time.
Granted, my swallowing mechanics have improved, and my speech is getting better. It's unfortunate that I lost those days, but they've made me stronger none the less.
I also informed her of the "pill choking" incident on July 11th in the short stay unit, and informed her, if they try to get me to "swallow'' any pills, and I don't feel safe about it at the time....
The answer will be a resounding, NO THANKS!
You can give me an IV of antibiotics, or shove off!
The nurse understood completely. If I only had the foresight to have that option before, I would've exercised it...but there again,...We have to be our own Advocates!!
(Thanks Michele for teaching me that important lesson!)
As I might've mentioned before, I'll wake up in the ICU so they can monitor me closer, than being on the short stay unit. I appreciate the extra attention.
My right arm might not work correctly once I come to. This won't be due to any danger of a stroke, but because the nerves are going to take a beating from the node removal. It will come back after some PT, no big deal there. ;)
So, this will be my last blog entry until I am home again and ready to recant my further adventures under the care of the world-renowned specialists at UVA.
One song that really gets me pumped up is by one of the most incredible bands our existence has ever come to know, love and appreciate. The music of Pink Floyd has touched, and continues to touch people all over the world.
I've read comment after comment on youtube that speaks to the power and emotion of their compositions. Their music has a way of making people feel good about whatever they are facing, or have faced. I understand it.
The one song in particular, is called "Fearless". I am including the lyrics to it below. You really need to search out this song and listen to it, to appreciate what I am talking about here.
I think you'll come to agree, once you hear the music with the lyrics, you can then fathom, the power this song has inside of it.
"Fearless" - Pink Floyd from the album "Meddle"
You say the hill's too steep to climb
Climb it.
You say you'd like to see me try
Climbing.
You pick the place and I'll choose the time
And I'll climb
That hill in my own way.
Just wait a while for the right day.
And as I rise above the tree lines and the clouds
I look down, hearing the sound of the things you've said today.
Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd
Smiling.
Merciless the magistrate turns 'round
Frowning.
And who's the fool who wears the crown?
And go down,
in your own way
And every day is the right day
And as you rise above the fear-lines in his brow
You look down, hearing the sound of the faces in the crowd.
So, I'll see you on the other side then, friends.
Yours and Fearless,
Tony
When I say I am anxious, it's like the same feeling I would get the night before an exam at school, when I know I am prepared, and ready to collect that "A" grade that I earned through days, hours, and minutes of prep and study time.
I asked the surgical team to take a picture of the damaged lymph nodes and email me a copy. I figure its the least they can do and I would like to know what it looks like for my own knowledge and piece of mind.
I'll remind them that the pain control needs to be given to Sheila to fill BEFORE WE LEAVE and not handed "paper" to drive all the way home with, to then fill. Same with the "magic mouth wash" that I will need to keep the Thrush at bay. No more glucose-sugar based rinses for this guy to fuel any Thrush-fires. You have to ask for things in a certain way, or you won't get them....That's odd to me, but it's a process.
A friend of mine who lives in PA, mom has Cancer and has been fighting for years. She told me at the beginning of my journey, that I needed to be my own Advocate. She couldn't have been more right. I hope I get to meet her one day.
I talked to the Anesthesia nurse yesterday. I told her, I'm not 100% on swallowing, since the Thrush happend to me. Going through that mess, cost me about 5 days of recovery time.
Granted, my swallowing mechanics have improved, and my speech is getting better. It's unfortunate that I lost those days, but they've made me stronger none the less.
I also informed her of the "pill choking" incident on July 11th in the short stay unit, and informed her, if they try to get me to "swallow'' any pills, and I don't feel safe about it at the time....
The answer will be a resounding, NO THANKS!
You can give me an IV of antibiotics, or shove off!
The nurse understood completely. If I only had the foresight to have that option before, I would've exercised it...but there again,...We have to be our own Advocates!!
(Thanks Michele for teaching me that important lesson!)
As I might've mentioned before, I'll wake up in the ICU so they can monitor me closer, than being on the short stay unit. I appreciate the extra attention.
My right arm might not work correctly once I come to. This won't be due to any danger of a stroke, but because the nerves are going to take a beating from the node removal. It will come back after some PT, no big deal there. ;)
So, this will be my last blog entry until I am home again and ready to recant my further adventures under the care of the world-renowned specialists at UVA.
One song that really gets me pumped up is by one of the most incredible bands our existence has ever come to know, love and appreciate. The music of Pink Floyd has touched, and continues to touch people all over the world.
I've read comment after comment on youtube that speaks to the power and emotion of their compositions. Their music has a way of making people feel good about whatever they are facing, or have faced. I understand it.
The one song in particular, is called "Fearless". I am including the lyrics to it below. You really need to search out this song and listen to it, to appreciate what I am talking about here.
I think you'll come to agree, once you hear the music with the lyrics, you can then fathom, the power this song has inside of it.
"Fearless" - Pink Floyd from the album "Meddle"
You say the hill's too steep to climb
Climb it.
You say you'd like to see me try
Climbing.
You pick the place and I'll choose the time
And I'll climb
That hill in my own way.
Just wait a while for the right day.
And as I rise above the tree lines and the clouds
I look down, hearing the sound of the things you've said today.
Fearlessly the idiot faced the crowd
Smiling.
Merciless the magistrate turns 'round
Frowning.
And who's the fool who wears the crown?
And go down,
in your own way
And every day is the right day
And as you rise above the fear-lines in his brow
You look down, hearing the sound of the faces in the crowd.
So, I'll see you on the other side then, friends.
Yours and Fearless,
Tony
Wednesday, July 25, 2012
First shave since 7/11.
Today, my good friend and Barber, met me at a Sally's beauty supply shop to hook me up with a discount, so I could get a pair of clippers to trim down this Paul Bunyan like growth I had accumulated since July 11th.
After my last surgery, I tried shaving 2 days later and wasted a lot of shaving cream in the process.
I don't know where my head was, probably wired on pain control no doubt.
When I applied the cream, it didn't hit me that I hadn't tried to lift my neck since getting back home.
I couldn't lift it to shave.
The muscles were too sore from the trauma of the surgery. I had to wipe off all of that shaving cream and accept defeat for the time being. : (
There is something cathartic about shaving yourself to a smooth, clean, almost ''Rain-X'' like finish, after coming out of the threshes of pain during the recovery period. : )
Each stroke, felt more and more amazing than the last...Watching the hairs dance their way off of the razor, down the drain, as the hot water readied the blades for their next run.
I feel 5 degrees cooler and so much better. UVA told me, if I couldn't shave, they'd be glad to. I politely declined the invite, wanting to have that special moment to myself.
I can't wait to shave again tomorrow, thanks for the help with the hook up on the sweet ass clippers B!
After my last surgery, I tried shaving 2 days later and wasted a lot of shaving cream in the process.
I don't know where my head was, probably wired on pain control no doubt.
When I applied the cream, it didn't hit me that I hadn't tried to lift my neck since getting back home.
I couldn't lift it to shave.
The muscles were too sore from the trauma of the surgery. I had to wipe off all of that shaving cream and accept defeat for the time being. : (
There is something cathartic about shaving yourself to a smooth, clean, almost ''Rain-X'' like finish, after coming out of the threshes of pain during the recovery period. : )
Each stroke, felt more and more amazing than the last...Watching the hairs dance their way off of the razor, down the drain, as the hot water readied the blades for their next run.
I feel 5 degrees cooler and so much better. UVA told me, if I couldn't shave, they'd be glad to. I politely declined the invite, wanting to have that special moment to myself.
I can't wait to shave again tomorrow, thanks for the help with the hook up on the sweet ass clippers B!
Tuesday, July 24, 2012
Some quick "Thank you!" notes.
I just wanted to put a few thank yous out there since, I am not sure if I have yet, but feel it necessary.
I want to Thank all of the Church congregations out there, that have me included in their prayer chains.
Thank you so, so much. Your energy knows no limits and we appreciate the support more than I can ever express..I can feel your love, I just know I can. Its unlike anything I've ever felt in my life. God Bless you all!!
I want to thank all of my friends around the globe, new and old, a lot of which I've never met, and never will unfortunately..You know who you are, and how much you mean to me and Sheila. God Bless you all!!
I want to thank my family, both sides extended and non, I love you all. God Bless you!!
I want to thank the amazing corporation that I work for, my Manager, the team (Go, H.R./Recruiting!), and the Owner /CEO. She has to be one of the hardest working Women, I've ever met. She is a dynamo and her enthusiasm and energy, are contagious. (These people, understand and can fathom the illness I have and the journey I am on. They know I will be back one day and care about Me and not the "almighty dollar".) God Bless you all!!
Sheila keeps reminding me of how lucky I am to work for such a great company, and I know that...I thank God for all of you every single day and the opportunity I was fortunate to have, with the help of 2 great friends, getting me in the door.
I will thank them again when this is over, but I have to again, Thank the University Of Virginia Health System for taking such unparalleled care of me. You really have been a beacon of peace, education, understanding, patience, comfort, and love to me and my family. God bless you all and thank you for working so hard to get me well.
I only wish, I had the power to clone your facility by some stem cell wizardry, and the professionals that work there. I would put one in every state of our Country. There are so many that should follow your model of Excellence. If I could enjoy a glass of my late Gramps' wine, I would raise a glass to you all and toast, "Ah', Salute!"
Last, but never least from my mind, or heart. Thank you God for being with me on this journey. It sure feels amazing to have you riding ''shot gun'' next to me. I am blessed and do know that. Thank you!!
Just felt like getting a few of these out now and of course, more to come.
I want to Thank all of the Church congregations out there, that have me included in their prayer chains.
Thank you so, so much. Your energy knows no limits and we appreciate the support more than I can ever express..I can feel your love, I just know I can. Its unlike anything I've ever felt in my life. God Bless you all!!
I want to thank all of my friends around the globe, new and old, a lot of which I've never met, and never will unfortunately..You know who you are, and how much you mean to me and Sheila. God Bless you all!!
I want to thank my family, both sides extended and non, I love you all. God Bless you!!
I want to thank the amazing corporation that I work for, my Manager, the team (Go, H.R./Recruiting!), and the Owner /CEO. She has to be one of the hardest working Women, I've ever met. She is a dynamo and her enthusiasm and energy, are contagious. (These people, understand and can fathom the illness I have and the journey I am on. They know I will be back one day and care about Me and not the "almighty dollar".) God Bless you all!!
Sheila keeps reminding me of how lucky I am to work for such a great company, and I know that...I thank God for all of you every single day and the opportunity I was fortunate to have, with the help of 2 great friends, getting me in the door.
I will thank them again when this is over, but I have to again, Thank the University Of Virginia Health System for taking such unparalleled care of me. You really have been a beacon of peace, education, understanding, patience, comfort, and love to me and my family. God bless you all and thank you for working so hard to get me well.
I only wish, I had the power to clone your facility by some stem cell wizardry, and the professionals that work there. I would put one in every state of our Country. There are so many that should follow your model of Excellence. If I could enjoy a glass of my late Gramps' wine, I would raise a glass to you all and toast, "Ah', Salute!"
Last, but never least from my mind, or heart. Thank you God for being with me on this journey. It sure feels amazing to have you riding ''shot gun'' next to me. I am blessed and do know that. Thank you!!
Just felt like getting a few of these out now and of course, more to come.
Monday, July 23, 2012
Solid foods BREAKTHROUGH!!
Today I had a breakthrough and enjoyed my first real solid-foods.
(I've already lost about 15 or more lbs..)
This morning, after my Thrush meds had been in me an hour, Sheila suggested I try to get some Yogurt down. It has good biotics and cultures to help combat the Thrush, and restore a harmonious balance to my mouth.
I was able to get down a container w/o choking it up and it was delish! I had an ensure shake later on, just to give me a buffer for my noon meds..
My body was craving more solids, so for dinner, I thought I would treat my body, and try some of Panera Bread's famous Baked Potato soup. (Served Mon, Wed, and Fridays only.)
I am so pleased to say, I was able to destroy the entire cup-sized portion and it tasted better than any Thanksgiving, or Christmas Dinner, I've ever eaten in my life. (Sorry...Nana, Gammy, Gram, Grandma..but I can't lie, it was. ( lol!)
I attacked some of the creamy part first, taking my time, chasing each lovely spoonful with some cold spring water. I didn't entirely take-out the cups creamy content's, and left a bunch in the bowl, to begin conquering the small, block sized pieces of potato.
I made it through dinner and it was the most I've eaten since July 10th, 11:50pm, the night before my last surgery.
Im going to have a little more water here, and then enjoy some more yogurt...
To my container of Boston Creme Pie Yoplait yogurt that awaits it's fate I offer you these words..
READY YOURSELF!
(I've already lost about 15 or more lbs..)
This morning, after my Thrush meds had been in me an hour, Sheila suggested I try to get some Yogurt down. It has good biotics and cultures to help combat the Thrush, and restore a harmonious balance to my mouth.
I was able to get down a container w/o choking it up and it was delish! I had an ensure shake later on, just to give me a buffer for my noon meds..
My body was craving more solids, so for dinner, I thought I would treat my body, and try some of Panera Bread's famous Baked Potato soup. (Served Mon, Wed, and Fridays only.)
I am so pleased to say, I was able to destroy the entire cup-sized portion and it tasted better than any Thanksgiving, or Christmas Dinner, I've ever eaten in my life. (Sorry...Nana, Gammy, Gram, Grandma..but I can't lie, it was. ( lol!)
I attacked some of the creamy part first, taking my time, chasing each lovely spoonful with some cold spring water. I didn't entirely take-out the cups creamy content's, and left a bunch in the bowl, to begin conquering the small, block sized pieces of potato.
I made it through dinner and it was the most I've eaten since July 10th, 11:50pm, the night before my last surgery.
Im going to have a little more water here, and then enjoy some more yogurt...
To my container of Boston Creme Pie Yoplait yogurt that awaits it's fate I offer you these words..
READY YOURSELF!
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