It was a good day for us as family, but Jen had a rough day dealing with pain. Don't get me wrong, she is doing well, it was just difficult for the doctors and nurses to come up with the right doses and combinations to keep her consistently comfortable. Dr. Foster's assessments through the day were all good. Her recovery from here will have a lot to do with her efforts and her body's response. Keeping the pain under control is their number one priority and it will enable her to focus on getting better. As we all know, her mental well-being and determination is as powerful as any medicine.
The successful surgery is such great news, but I have to remind myself that the most difficult part of the battle for Jen is right now. I wish I could give everyone a good mental picture of her current condition, but it is difficult. She is hooked up to no fewer than 4 pumps during the day. She has several tubes draining her body (NG and catheter). And she has 4 IV's in her right now (central line in her jugular, arterial line in the left wrist, IV in her right wrist, and of course her port). She also has an oxygen line in her nose. Although the swelling has gone down, her face was almost unrecognizable last night. She has a bandage on her abdomen covering the incision that went from her sternum to her pelvis. Her heart rate is averaging 130 bpm due to the current pain, the heat of the chemo infusion, and the overall trauma her body endured. The urine draining from the catheter is still tinged with blood. Soooo...that gives you an idea of the starting point of her recovery. Of course I'm not knowledgeable enough to describe what her body needs to do internally to recover.
I don't want to sour the mood, or disturb anyone, that's just what you'd see in the ICU right now. However, she is only 24 hours out of the OR, and each day will bring enormous improvement from the previous. We recited many of the blog comments to her, discussed e-mails and phone calls from her fans, and those all brought smiles to her face. We left her this evening sleeping peacefully and in good hands.
i can't read these blogs without tears coming to my eyes. jen, you are one of the most amazing people. stay strong. my prayers include you every day. chris, you stay strong too, and great job with these blogs.
Posted by: Gabe Hugo | May 04, 2006 at 03:40 AM
Keep your spirits up! You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Posted by: annie | May 04, 2006 at 05:50 AM
Jen, You are amazing, keep smiling. You and chris continue to be in my prayers. the sun in shining beautifully here in Florida and I know it is shining in your hearts also. You guys are great!!!!
Posted by: monica burton | May 04, 2006 at 07:09 AM
The recovery room never is easy, but it sounds like Jen is making progress. Glad the reports are good. We are all with you in spirit and prayers are all around you.
God bless,
Dee
Posted by: Dee | May 04, 2006 at 07:12 AM
I am so glad to hear things are going well. I just began reading this blog last week after my mother sent me the link. She lives in Cape and is a friend of your your grandmother, Blanche. You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Jennifer
Posted by: Jennifer Wene | May 04, 2006 at 07:53 AM
I am practically speachless, Jen & Chris. You are both my "heros" and I thank God that your courageous fight continues. I can just imagine how difficult the post-op is, but God will get you through this just as He did the surgery. I can hardly wait until your return home---what a wonderful reunion that will be with your beautiful daughters and many, many devoted supporters. We all love you!
Peggy
Posted by: Peggy Olson | May 04, 2006 at 07:58 AM
Jen & Chris-
I just read your postings this morning at work for May 3rd and it brought tears to my eyes. I felt pretty silly because I just started with a new department at work and I'm crying in the first week! I'm so happy to hear about the success of the surgery. This blog is so important.
Posted by: David H | May 04, 2006 at 08:35 AM
Looking forward to the blog where the mental picture you will be able to create for us is one of you and Jen laughing and playing with your girls with all of this pain a distant memory. I know it will be soon! Until then, prayers are being said every minute for you guys.
Emily
Posted by: Emily Mahurin | May 04, 2006 at 08:43 AM
Jen you are such an amazign woman! Keep your spirits up during your long recovery! I am praying for you each and every day!
Posted by: Erin Struewe | May 04, 2006 at 09:56 AM
Wow, that is incredible!
You are with me in my thoughts and prayers. I wish you a fast recovery. Stay strong. You are so inspirational~~~
Posted by: Sarah Hunter | May 04, 2006 at 09:58 AM
Jen and Chris,
I am so happy to hear the surgery was a success. From your blog I can see that you have amazing, talented doctors. I am praying every day for a swift recovery. I feel God's presence with you, protecting you and holding you close in his arms. May you both continue to have the courage to handle this challenging time in your life.
Warmly,
Ann Hoffman (Jan Castle's sister)
Posted by: Ann Hoffman | May 04, 2006 at 11:44 AM
Jen,
Awesome news!!! You're a beautiful example of faith and courage. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family!!! May God continue to bless you!! We love you!!
Love,
Tani, David, Ryanne, Kaylee, Taryn, & Kai
Posted by: Tani Miller & Family | May 04, 2006 at 12:00 PM
Jen,
I have not met you, but Chris worked with me (and sat right next to me) at Butler Manufacturing for several months. Reading your story is so inspirational...I have now added you to my daily prayer list. I am in the midst of a career change, leaving Butler and engineering to pursue a Master's in Social Work at the University of Kansas (this will shock Chris). I hope to do family, marriage and adolescent/child counseling. For me, your story of courage has increased my commitment to pay more attention to what's really important in life and pursue even harder the desire to help others heal.
Posted by: Kent Henson | May 04, 2006 at 12:44 PM
I just wanted you to know how happy we are to know that things went well during surgery. I don't know if you remember or not but my first grade at St. John's has been praying for you and we will continue to pray for your recovery. Stay strong.
Amy Schnieders
Posted by: Amy Schnieders | May 04, 2006 at 01:31 PM
Sounds like you have the greatest of
doctors that are making good things
happen for you.....You are very fortunate......Hope good things continue to go your way....Grandma
Blanche and all her exercise friends are
all pulling for you and your family.
Jan Chamberlain
Posted by: Janet Chamberlain | May 04, 2006 at 05:31 PM
Jen, Chris & Family,
I found your site thru Dana's & have been following your journey everyday since Jan. What a strong couple you guys are!!! You all have been faced with some pretty big mountains & have hurdled over them with such GRACE & COURAGE!!! I had never signed before, but on Chris' last post he said how you got a kick out of all the messages Jen so I had to send you some love from KENTUCKY!!! By the way, love the name Peighton. I have a Peyton (boy) myself who is 5. Stay positive & keep fightin' to kick this cancer's BUTT!!!
Love,
Rhonda Lorimor
Posted by: Rhonda Lorimor | May 04, 2006 at 08:19 PM
jen & chris- good to hear that you are doing well.i've been thinking & praying alot lately. i'll hope for a fast recovery. you are in my prayers day & night.stay in good spirits.
with love,
amy
Posted by: Amy Copple | May 04, 2006 at 09:58 PM