Tuesday February 12th Dr. Anderson and his team performed a Transhiatal Esophagectomy on dad. Surgery started at noon and ended at 3:30 P.M. Dad was transfered to the SICU. That night was a tough night on dad.
Wednesday, February 13th Dad continued in the SICU. During the afternoon, they had dad sitting in a chair.
Thursday, February 14th Dad continued in the SICU. They had him sitting in a chair in his room for 2 hours at a time. Once in the morning and once in the afternoon. In the afternoon they had dad walking the length of the SICU and back to his room. At 7:00 P.M. he was transfered to a fifth floor room.
Friday, February 15th Dad took 3 walks today around the floor. Doctors continue to monitor his progress. My dad was exhausted today, but you could tell he was really proud of how far he has come since surgery on Tuesday. He is doing breathing excises 10 times every hour. Today they removed the oxygen except when he walks and this afternoon they removed the epideral and needle from his back. He still has the use of the pain pump and he has the nose drain tube. He is now two days on a nutrition bag going into his stomach feeding tube.
Monday is the swallow test to check if there are leaks. Dr. Anderson says this is a big day for dad.
The doctors nurses and everyone who has helped with dad have been great. Dr. Anderson told me that we have to take it one day at a time. Dad is 83 and was on predesone prior to surgery. My dad is so brave and strong. He has so much fight in him. I appreciate your prayers and your sharing prior to surgery. I will do my best to share in return. I have attended the noon mass each day at OSF. My prayers are always for the family members who have OC and their families.
Steve