Day of Surgery

We checked in at our appointed time of 7:00 am. Then we sat and waited for an hour for them to take us to surgery prep. Everyone was very kind. Then our doctor came in and informed us that he would need a few minutes before surgery got started so he could check the text book to make sure he knew how to do the procedure! Wouldn't you know--a doctor with the same sense of humor as the patient! Tom was taken to surgery at 9:10.

I went to the surgery waiting room which was very cool as in cold. There wasa volunteer man sitting at the desk and I mentioned that it was cold and he offered to get me a blanket. There were about 6 other people in the room and I suggested that we all needed one. He responded with WARM blankets for everyone. I enjoyed reading "The Christmas Story" by Glenn Beck and dozing off for the next 2 1/2 hours.

At 11:45 they called to say Tom was out of surgery. Dr Merati soon came in to tell me that everything went well and he was pleased. Half an hour later they took me back to be with Tom. He was alert and calm. Then his heart rate went up. They are not sure why and are watching it. I said it was just because his wife was so near!

Tom was taken to ICU as a precaution for 24 hours. It is so amazing to see Tom so calm and at peace after struggling 24/7 with his breathing and trying to avoid choking. His color is good. His mouth is dry. He says his nose feels funny--no air going through it. That will take some getting used to. The hole in his neck will also take some getting used to. The next 5 days we'll receive instruction.

When I first saw the hole I was feeling apprehensive about being up to the challenge but as the day went on I am feeling less queasy and trust that by the end of the week I'll know what I'm doing--that's what I'm praying for.

Looking into Tom's face tonight as he rested was so precious. I love him so much and look forward to having him home again. What is it about difficult times that bring you closer together. We're both looking forward to that first cup (sip, whatever) of coffee coming soon. Since the esophagus and trachea are completely separated there is no danger of choking or aspirating so he will be able to try some things in his mouth again and see what happens. Tom can't wait! Neither can I.