Last week we had an appointment with the surgical optimization team. That’s a new thing for us this time around.
In addition to receiving some more information, getting some blood drawn, and an EKG, Penny left with some parting gifts: special soap for the day before surgery and 16 pre-surgery nutrition “shakes” (3 per day for five days plus 1 clear one at the end). The nutrition drinks aren’t the most delicious beverage (think vanilla flavor trying to cover up fish flavor), but they are supposed to help with the surgical recovery, so she’s been drinking them as directed.
The blood work revealed some anemia (likely the result of all the chemo), so we are currently at Lemmen-Holton for an iron infusion. With that and the remaining drinks, we should be ready to go bright and early Monday morning. Our arrival is scheduled for 5.15 am. Surgery should begin around 7.30.
All that remains is to spend the weekend with family, take care of some last housekeeping chores, and pack up an “overnight bag” for the hospital. Then we’ll be optimized and ready to go.
Comments
Marie VanderLinde : Scott and I are also praying blessings on your weekend with family and friends and hope all goes well in your preparation for surgery on Monday. Will especially be holding you in prayer on Monday for stamina and also for the good work of the surgical team. And Randy while you wait will be thinking of you as well!
Kimberley Carlos Belez: Mmm, Vanilla-y Fish Or is it Fishy Vanilla?! Blech! We are praying for you, that this weekend is full of sweet moments together, and we will be praying for you, and the medical team on Monday morning, that God guides their hands as they operate. We love you! Kimberley & Carlos
Randall Pruim: Penny will be at Butterworth. She’ll probably have some extra soap if you want some ;-)
Susan Langeland: Oh my. Those drinks. Sorry, Penny.
George Monsma, Jr.: This is Ellie Monsma responding. George let me read your journal entry and I could identify with it a little. I went to the Surgical Optimization Center recently to get approval for my upcoming back surgery. They did the blood draws, lots of questions and eventually an order for an echocardiogram, since I said that sometimes I have shortness of breath. I attribute that to my lack of ability to exercise due to back pain, but they wanted it done anyway, just to be sure there were no cardiac issues. I had the test a few days later and passed with flying colors, so I was then approved for surgery. I got special clothes to wipe down my body the night before surgery and two packets of a drink to use the evening before and the morning of the surgery. (I'm wondering if it's the same as what Penny got; i hope it has a better taste, but at least there are only two.) But I didn't get any soap! I feel cheated! :-) Is Penny's surgery at Butterworth or Blodgett? Mine is at Blodgett at about the same time (but only an hour long). We'll be thinking of you both as we head to my surgery, knowing that you're facing much more than we are.
Barbara Adams: Wishing for the best possible outcomes and recoveries for you, Pruims, and for the Monsmas. With love and prayers.
Randall Pruim: Kim and Carlos, I think there is a reason that none of our fish recipes call for vanilla extract. While there are worse things, vanilla-fish is not great.
Teri Warners: Sorry about the "shakes". One time Dave used vanilla soy milk in the potato soup. It wasn't pleasant, but doesn't sound nearly as bad as fish and vanilla. Praying you have a wonderful sabbath tomorrow with your family, and that you all feel rested and ready to face Monday morning when it comes. Prayers too that the surgery goes really well.
Randall Pruim: Final score: Penny 15, vanilla-fish 0.
Mike Borst: No chocolate?!? Praying for surgical success and a quick recovery. Will be praying continuously tomorrow.