To Have and Have Not (with apologies to E. Hemingway)
The day began as any other, with a nudge of my elbow to Terri begging her to get up first and make the kids lunch for school. sure as long as you drive them up to the bus stop she replied. That's a deal...another 1/2 hour of sleep. Now is this any way to treat a women who is looking at surgery on her pretty neck in another 5 hours. Sometimes I can be shameless, but a 1/2 hour extra sleep is a 1/2 extra sleep, who could really blame me?
After my guilty conscience had once again forgiven itself, it was on to the hospital for the pre-surgery review and the same battery of questions asked over and over, 4 different times...kind of like a candidacy committee I thought to myself.
Finally the surgeons arrived about 1 hour after the time that was scheduled...reassurance that everything would go well, they were ready and extremely cabable to perform their task for the day. A nervous smile from both Terri and all who were with her in the small pre-op room, a couple of hugs and kisses, prayer and off she went to surgery at about 1:30.
Then the waiting began for me, Mom and Dad M., brother-in-law Tom (paramedic extraordinare) and Martha A., one of our many GREAT friends. At 5pm. Dr. Sanan finally came to the waiting room spotted several very anxious family members and declared the surgery a complete success, Terri's Thyroid was gone...the patient now in Post-Op, although still very sleepy was recovering well.The prognosis: an expected full and complete recovery with nothing else spotted during surgery to cause any concern. A few more hugs, some tears of joy and relief and another wait of about 2 hours till Terri was finally given a hospital room. Mom and Dad M., Mary Beth P. another great friend and neighbor and I spent another couple of hours with Terri, still sleepy and unable to speak because of a sore throat but happy to have the company and care.
At this point we're not sure when my lovely wife will be coming home, hopefully tomorrow maybe Thursday, stay tuned for further details. Projected recovery time: 1 week.
Just a few more words of thanks to Pastor Sue, our fabulous pastor at Christ Church, for her pre-op Pastoral Care, to Pastor Harry yet another great friend and mentor for his presence and prayers, Patrick Patterson for caring for Amanda and Aidan this day and to all our other family and friends who have cloaked us in their love, prayers and support. Thank you and God Bless you, you all are the best!
Bob, (fill-in blogger for his wife...who I hope will assume this responsibility again real soon)
P.S. This is my first time blogging, be grace-filled, try not to laugh too hard ...please!
10 comments:
You did a great job, Bob!! Thank you so much for the update on Terri. We are all very grateful that the surgery went well and the recovery is going to be fast and clean! Prayers do get answered!!
Sec. at MCLC
From Alan and Jean
Great to hear things went well with Terri. Wow, I am surprised there was no comment about not being able to talk, Alan would have had plenty to say about that one...
And Robbie, you did great at blogging.
God speed on your recovery!
Word gets around quickly. Brenda Meir forwarded the email from Bob to Vicki Whetstone who in turn forwarded it to me who in turn will share this news with the members of Christ Lutheran Catonsville. The Prayer Dogs have been praying along with so many others. and to this we say "Our God is an awesome God!!"
Terri, Bob, Amanda and Aidan, Glad to hear the good news of a successful surgery and a patient doing well. We were and will continue to think of and pray for you. No apologies needed for your blogging Bob -- seems like your entire family has the "gift" of great communication! XO, Lisa and Aaron
Yippie Skippy! Thanks, Blogger Bob, for the good news. Ah-ah, Terri, you're probably feeling miserable right now. I'm guessing a body does not like losing its thyroid and has effective ways of communicating that unhappiness. Next time Bob tries to pull a "let me sleep in" fast one, just point to your neck, grimmace a little, and remind him that a fresh wound trumps a diva liver, at least for a little while ;^)
Lovies, Sue
A wonderful post Bob, and wonderful news! (It looks to me like you need to start your very own blog...I'll bet if you ask her very nicely, Terri will even teach you how to create your very own Avatars to include!) I am so thrilled that the result and prognosis is so good for Terri. Hallelujah! I am still regretting that I didn't have enough time on Sunday to visit. My poor Mom is having to deal with me calling her crying on top of everything else she has on her plate. I think we'll be back again before summer is out, and I hope we'll get to schedule some special time to compare blog notes. : ) Sending love and prayers. Please give Terri a hug from me!
Love, Sharon
Dear Speirs:
I am delighted that you did so well, Terri! With so many people praying for you and with your positive attitude you'll be up and around, dancing about to your IPod in no time.
Bob, you are a hidden blogger! Thanks for sharing the wonderful news.
Love,
Sarah
What great news! Some of us at LS just received this e-mail from Patricia Lull regarding the recovery of Marie Hayes, who also underwent surgery on Tuesday, and I had to share it. You have been in the thoughts of many:
Friends,
John Mann and I had a brief visit with Marie this morning. She is resting but recovering well after this very major surgery. If everything continues to improve for her she will head home in a few more days. She remains grateful for everyone’s prayers and concern.
-Patricia
P.S. She was quick to ask about Terri Spears and how Terri is recovering from surgery, too, so that it’s clear her mind and heart also turn to others.
Dear friends, there are a few kinks in this blog so that I just found some hidden gems in the guest book and moved them over here. Thanks everyone for your comments. My darn neck is weak so I have to lay down all the time. Laters, gators. Love, T
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From: Heba & Magdi Gendi
Egypt
So you have been experiencing a miracle after a miracle. Thank you my friends for letting us to be part of what you are going through. You are wonderful witnesses to us about the Almighty God who does walk with you the darkest moments. We praise Him and thank Him for giving us such wonderful friends. Forgive me for I haven't been logging on to your carepage for a very long time, I've just learned about the surgery, but you are in our thoughts and prayers. I wish I was there to be part of what you are going through, have the kids over, bake some Baklava or cook some Egyptian food for my dear pal Terri and the big guy Bob. Believe me I need it more than you do. We as family and individuals miss you all tremendously. We pray that Who who gives you the strength will keep His face shining upon you, guiding you and protecting you all through your path. Magdi, Wasim and Rafi are sending their love especially to Amanda and Aidan. Love, Heba P.S. I tryed to post a comment after your posting, but it didn't work so I had to use the guest book, sorry.
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From: laurie and bart mork
rochester mn
HI AGAIN AND TRULY ENJOY YOUR BLOGG. WE ARE PRAYING FOR YOU TODAY AS YOU ARE PROBALY IN SURGERY NOW. MAY YOU MAKE A SPEEDY RECOVERY. WE ARE ALSO PRAYING FOR BOB TO FIND A WONDERFUL CHURCH REAL SOON. I KNOW IT WILL COME SOON, HUGS TO YOU BOTH.
LAURIE AND BART
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from: robin gillett
monmouth county nj
their are a few ppl at my job terri that have had that surgery plus a girlfriend of mine they came thru with flying colors, you and rob and your family will do fine, and rob good luck on your surgery wish u guys wernt so far from us i would help out with the kids .robin
Bob -- you are an awesome blogger. You and Terri really are the perfect pair. Maybe you could start tag-teaming this site. Glad to hear all went well (actually got the good news through Isabel first). Continued prayers and good wishes are being sent your way.
Love, Lisa
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