Back to work!

Marty returned to work at the hardware store for a brief shift yesterday. He did well in terms of his energy, and his customers and fellow kindly employees were happy for his return. He hopes to return full time very soon.

Although Marty does have some minor continuing intestinal discomfort, it is nothing like the extremes of discomfort that he experienced prior to surgery. He is eating a wider variety of foods without consequence, sleeping better, and in general feeling more like his old healthy self. I would like his color to improve from grey to pink, but given time and better nutrition, we are hopeful.

We wish all the best for the New Year of 2012. Thank you for your support and interest!

More on kidney stone removal

Marty spoke with his urology surgeon this morning to clarify the procedure for kidney stone removal. Dr. Zink wants Marty to recover fully from his recent surgery prior to any further intervention. Marty will see him later this week to schedule the procedure outlined below.

Basically, this will be a day surgery. Marty will be put under anesthesia. Then, a scope device will be inserted into his ureter. The stones (there are a group of them) will be broken into smaller bits and removed back out the same way the scope came in. Kind of kidney stone spelunking.

His recovery is described as straightforward with no major considerations except obvious discomfort from having incoming devices in the channel designed to be outgoing only. He should be able to return to work easily.

Marty and I look forward to this like we welcome holes in our heads, but also realize that the procedure is necessary. Leaving stones wandering in the kidneys is, to say the least, a terrible idea from which no good can result.

I think we need a surgery punch card in our household. Once the card is fully punched, then a free surgery! With Marty's two surgeries, my hernia and two knee surgeries, and his upcoming kidney stone procedure, we should be well on our way to a lobotomy for me!

Urologist report: more surgery

Marty's urology doctor viewed the x-rays taken yesterday. He emailed Marty today to indicate that Marty will have to have yet another surgery, this one laparoscopic, to remove the kidney stone that is sitting on top of his ureter.

Ok, excuse me now while I go scream.

A word from the narrator..

Greetings all!

Just in case you believe my sanity is intact, this photograph should set you straight. Coping skills over many years with family illness do exact a cost, and my sanity was unreliable anyway.

I appreciate concern expressed for my well-being. Thanks to local friends (Lindsey, Delia, Magali, Jean) and far-away friends (Robert, Jay, Deborah, Yeti, Pam, Tully), I have what I need for humor, support and grace.

Perfectly prepared Americanos plus intelligent and witty conversation with Chris begins every day with a smile. Canine friends both at Lighthouse Coffee and throughout the neighborhood and in my office raise endorphin levels significantly.

My health care team is taking excellent care of me. Some stress related physical symptoms have emerged quite annoyingly. Thankfully, I am well supported and finding relief.

It has been a very lengthy journey since Marty was diagnosed with a pelvic sarcoma in January 2004. Just a note that I fractured my patella in February 2009, an injury that required two surgeries, extensive rehabilitation, and over two years recovery. There was a significant period where I couldn't walk and Marty couldn't eat. This might provide context and historical perspective......

Hopefully (all digits crossed) relief is in sight! I may soon enjoy a life with Marty without overwhelming health concerns, dietary limitations, sleep disruptions, and staggering health care costs.

Then, I will be able to enjoy insanity for its own sake rather than as a response to life.

The latest

Post surgery recovery continues for Marty. Although he does experience some intestinal cramping, this is nothing like the severity of discomfort prior to surgery, and resolves fairly quickly. His color and stamina improve daily.

The kidney stone poised pre-painfully on his ureter has not budged. Since we don't want any unpleasant surprises, Marty will have x-rays tomorrow for his urologist to review.

Although portions of his right thigh remain numb to the touch due to surgical nerve damage, the function of his leg is fine. We are hoping that some nerve regeneration may occur in time.

Marty, Carmella and I wish everyone ease and joy for the Holidays!

Onward by increments

Marty continues to improve in stamina and strength day by day, bit by bit. He plans to return to work in the week after Christmas.

He sleeps reasonably well, has been eating a medium range of foods, and has been active during waking hours with gently increased daily demands. He reports that his incision area often aches and pulls, so he is understandably reluctant to press activity beyond levels of comfort.

We will spend the holidays with local family, see some films, relax at home with Carmella.

We send our best wishes for peaceful holidays to one and all!