Sunday, November 22, 2009

The Waiting Is Over


Right after my son & I arrived in Europe my DH became very ill.  After 1 week in the hospital he had surgery to remove a 6.6 pound (3 kilogram) tumor.  This surgery was followed a few days later by another surgery - a liver biopsy.  He spent another week in the hospital and has now been home just over a week.  This photo is of a church you can see from the hospital.
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You can imagine - I just arrived into a country where I don't speak the language (although most his doctors and many nurses do speak English, phew!), was getting my son settled into his new school AND making the trip to the hospital 2X a day to see my husband.  1 longer visit by myself while my son was in school and then a shorter one after school so he could see his Pappa.  Plus the whole stress of my DH being sick.  And grocery shopping - sometimes I meant to buy 1 thing and would buy the wrong item - oops!  So some meals were a challenge.  Walk, walk, walk everywhere.  Just to get my son to school is a 20 minute walk.  There was homework to complete that I didn't even understand for myself, food to cook, laundry to do (and my downstairs neighbor does not like me to do laundry at night because it makes too much noise?!).  And my poor lonely, scared DH who was extremely uncomftable.  He needed lots of company.  Fortunately his family is close by and we came up with a plan to alternate visits so he did have lots of company.  My son and I spent weekends at my DH's sister's house.  The company was good for me too!
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The hospital is at the end of a tram line.  We like trams!  Here you can see the tram coming down the road - the red lane is for bikes and the sidewalk for people is to the right.  Most bike lanes are not painted red, but this one is because it is easy to confuse the bike/walking area.

Friday we finally got the test results.  Yes, my husband's tumor was cancer.  BUT, the doctors feel like they got it all out - such a strange, all enclosed tumor.  And unbelievably big.  No wonder he was so tired all summer.  The tumor was smooshing a kidney (which they thought they would remove, but then did not!) and crushing a main artery.  Right after surgery my DH went from white to pink - so immediately we could see results!  The recovery from this surgery is coming along slowly, but it is so much nicer to have him home instead of at the hospital!  The tumor originated in the fat cells and was not attached to any organ.  The liver biopsy came back clear.  Bone scans are clear.  Blood work is clear. 
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It has been a long 3 weeks, but now with good news in hand and a recovering DH, I can get around to the business of unpacking and settling in.  I have now unearthed my sewing machine from down in the basement storage area and looking through projects that I left behind... 3 years ago.  Look at this - an almost completed quilt top - I used the "rejected" blocks to make a different quilt, which is in my sidebar photos.  I guess I am making this in reverse order.  I just know that a little bit of sewing therapy will do me worlds of good right about now!

17 comments:

Tamera said...

Oh my goodness! I wondered what had happened. I thought you were just busy getting settled in.

I am SO glad that your husband is okay! What a miracle that his tumor was all encased.

I hope that he recovers quickly.

Thanks goodness for quilting to give you the outlet you need...it keeps you sane, doesn't it?

tami said...

I am so happy that your husband's prognosis is so positive. I hope things even out for you so you can settle in.

Doodlebug Gail said...

Oh Evelyn - (((HUGS))) for you and prayers that everything will settle down now. So sorry to read about your DH's tumor, how fortunate that all the results are clear. Hope that his recovery goes quicker than expected.

Your quilt is lovely - treasures from 3 years ago ..... are there any more nice surprises to show us.

Unknown said...

Wow, what an ordeal, and in a foreign country no less! So glad to hear the test results were good and that they got all of the cancer. Sending good thoughts for your entire family.

Gail said...

OH, Evelyn!! What a time you have had. I went through something similar when my oldest was 2, but it was not in a place where I didn't speak the language. How awful. I'm so happy to hear that the outlook is good for him. Be strong, take care of yourself, too, as you are the glue that holds everything together while he recovers!

Fiona said...

So sorry to hear of the stressful time you have had but relieved to hear that the outlook is good. Having a member of your family in hospital is stressful enough when you do speak the language, never mind when you don't! Get on that sewing machine - it's got to be the best stress reliever ever. Best wishes, Fiona

Lindah said...

Seeing your name on my reader list always brings a smile to my face and happy anticipation as I click through to open up your post.

Reading this post leaves me aghast! Dear blogger friend, what turmoil you have been through. But Praise the Lord! that your DH has had such good care and all his reports are good ones!

Definitely, some sewing therapy is in order for you. Your quilt top reminds me of a beautiful tile floor that I have seen. Can't think at the moment where it was. I just remember how pleasing it was, and so is your top.

Take care. The housework will keep. Just revel in a hubby returned to you.

Melanie said...

Please share the quilt pattern. It just looks cozy. I save a pic of it on my har drive.... Great job.
My prayers are with you... God works miracles every day.

YankeeQuilter said...

What a trying time for you! Your Dh will recover much faster at home...

Lori in South Dakota said...

So glad to hear that your husband has had good news and is on the mend. what a trying time! Sewing therapy--now that's a good idea!

Darcie said...

Oh my, Evelyn! You have been through so much...and still I can hear your *smiles* through your post. I will place all three of you in my prayers.

I know that you're in Europe...but Happy Thanksgiving to you, from North Dakota. We all have an abundance of blessings to be grateful for!

Paula, the quilter said...

O my. I am so glad that your DH is recovering. How scary that must have been for you.

Granny said...

How scary and stressful for you all! I knew your DH had been in the hospital but had no idea how serious it was. I'm so glad things are looking up and the cancer seems to have been contained.

14th Generation Cape Codder said...

So it was a very good thing we got to sit around on Cape Cod, you knitting mittens, me making tea, before you flew across the pond. Good thing you didn't know what you were resting up for, but girl, you have handled it all beautifully. congratualtions! Love, sis

Katie Z. said...

Many prayers for you and your family!

Hanne said...

Speedy recovery to your DH ! And all the best to you and your family for the Christmas celebration!

Carolyn said...

I'm just catching up with your blog and I'm so glad to read that both your DH and your little one are doing well now. I hope the new year brings continued good health to all!