Penny was discharged this afternoon, and it's good to be home. The boring walks around the hospital floor were immediately replaced with some kitchen time to prepare a bit of soup. Most of the rest of the afternoon and evening was spent trying to keep her legs elevated.
We've been told it could take weeks to months for the right leg to return to its previous size. In addition to the clot that was removed, there are some other clots, including one in her calf and one a bit closer to the heart than where the stent was placed. She'll be on blood thinner to reduce the risk that these clots continue to grow or that new ones form while we wait for the body to gradually take care of them. Besides the medications, a moderate amount of activity and leg elevation will be important.
There has already been some improvement, and today Penny has been walking without a walker for the first time since this all began, but the leg still gets pretty tired and stiff after a short time on her feet. We expect she'll get some new exercises at her physical therapy sessions to help keep things moving along.
While in the hospital, Penny developed a new symptom. It began with some numbness in the toes on the other foot and then was accompanied by intermittent sharp, burning pain in her groin on that side. Usually she was able to get the pain to go away by repositioning. The best guess is that this pain is caused by the cancer pressing on a nerve. She's started taking gabepentin (a drug for nerve pain), and hasn't had any of those episodes today, so perhaps it is already having some effect.
Aside from the new medications and leg elevation, we'll be back to our usual home routines with daily nutrition, alternate day hydration, and small meals of home cooked food. All in all, it seems much better than the time in the hospital, and we're hoping we can enjoy a bit longer time at home before our next trip to the ER.
Comments
Teri Warners: Prayers that the drug for nerve pain and the blood thinners works well. So glad you can knit from the comfort of your own home!
Lisa Schra: Home is the best place to be! Thankful for you and will continue to pray for both of you.
Tony Holmes Curran: Amen to that.
Marie VanderLinde : So glad you are home. That’s a beautiful blanket!
Nancy Munson: So happy you can be home and I hope any ER visits are far between. You two are such lovely people and so committed to each other. Blessings and best wishes from me! ❤️❤️
Scott Vander Linde: So true Tony! Though I continue to detest the circumstances of this gift.
Laura DeHaan: Praising God over here that Penny is home and enjoying her knitting and soup making!
Patricia Boer Fischer : Love ❤️ that she's able 2do Her Knitting & Relaxing Comfortably.. !! Sendin Ya's Lots of Hugg's Love and Prayers Ur Waaaaay 💕🥰🙏 Patricia Boer Fischer 💕
Tony Holmes Curran: I’m struck this morning but what a gift the both of you are. It’s such a joy to know you and bear witness to your lives as you walk this path (even as I’ve shed tears with you). My life, and the life of our church, is so much richer because of who you are.
Susan Langeland: It’s good to see you relaxing on your couch, Penny. Praying for many, many good days at home.