Up thru August, this was a fairly typical year for me. September was a very busy month when my daughter, Liana, married James Pesterfield.
Then, in October my life literally fell apart. My family was told I had a 50-50 chance of surviving. Before surgery, I was given the opportunity to call any family members I wanted to, to basically say goodbye.
Following my 1992 surgery for colon cancer, I developed hernias on either side of my colostomy. I was told that surgery to repair the hernias was, because of the radiation, very dangerous and should only be attempted in case of life or death. I had put up with the hernias for at least 16 years, but on October 8th my colon became entangled in the largest hernia and ruptured. The pain left me no choice but to go to the emergency room. The details were slowly revealed to me during the days that followed my return to the world of the living.
During the first six or seven days, I had four operations. Five, if you count the insertion of a drain tube. I was not closed up until the final surgery and was kept in a coma for eight days. My 18 year old stoma/colostomy, located on left side of my naval, was removed along with about six additional inches of my large intestines. I now have a new stoma and ileostomy on my right side. I had an approx. 6” open wound that was left open to heal from the inside out. A vacuum pump took care of the fluids that drained from the opening for six weeks.
I spent 20 days in the University of Tennessee Medical Center. My whole body was very swollen from all the toxins. My hands did not work. Someone had to feed me after I was allowed food. My feet did not touch the floor to walk but twice toward the end of the 20 days. I was not allowed to attempt to walk until the last two days when, with help, I walked about 10 steps (on walker) from bed to room door.
On October 28th, I was moved to the Morning View Transitional Care Center in Maryville. I spent three weeks learning to walk again and building up over-all body strength. The opening in my abdomen was approx. 3” long when wound vacuum was removed the day before I came home on Nov. 19th. Liana has been very helpful to change the dressing every day since I got home. The place is only about the size of a dime today (Dec. 13th). I hope it will be healed or closed by the time I see the surgeon for follow-up on Dec. 16th.
I will be forever grateful to my precious sister, Pat, for staying with me almost three full weeks and my sweet brother, Mike, who stayed with me when Pat had to work. Special Thanks to Mary Singleton and Carol Coulter (high school friends) for staying with me at times, too. Pat made sure someone was with me around the clock during my three weeks in the hospital. A great big hug to my cousin, Sandra P’Pool, for taking me to the ER and being faithful to visit me two or three times a week and for all her special help.
I really don’t think I can come up with words to describe what I have been through during the last three months. It’s one of those nightmare tales you hear that happens to someone else. The helplessness was so frustrating and frightening. I couldn’t find my nose!! It took me four or five days to just be able to touch my nose with my index finger. It was a wonderful day when, a few days before I got out of UT, I was finally able to turn and lay on my side without help.
The first time one of the male CNAs came in to give me a bath was a real “surprise”. I never thought about a strange man giving me a bath!! I guarantee that, in my condition, it was NOT a thrill, but he was nice (very professional) and we got along fine.
By the time I got back home I had lost 40 lbs. So, now I have no clothes that fit. I’ve wanted to lose weight for a long time, but not like this!
Pat has told me some funny stories about silly things I did while taking all the drugs in the early days. I really wonder what she has not told me!!
Dec. 22nd was my first day back at work. I worked five hours and was ready to head home for a nap! It was great to be back behind my desk and see everyone. It had been 75 days since I last worked!
My sincere advice to everyone is don’t take life for granted. We are not guaranteed tomorrow. Cherish each day for the special gift it is.
Special blessings to you and your family in the New Year.
With much love,
Lillian
