I'm goin' home

Well, the moment has arrived. I'm dressed and ready to roll. My beloved Catherine is here and all that awaits are instructions from the nurse and a ride in a wheelchair to the exit.

I have to take it easy for several weeks to allow my wounds to heal, but otherwise I'm in good shape to go home.

I can't wait to get into my own chair, my own bed, kick my own dogs (only kidding, of course) and other informalities of home. What a relief.

Almost free, at last

Dr. Boyer checked in and said things are looking good.

Due to the cuts on my right side, he said, I might never be able to pitch for the Yankees. But aside from that, I'm looking good to go -- possibly by Saturday.

They'll see how well I do eating today before deciding. But the tests all look good and I have a feeling I'll be able to consume whatever food they put in front of me...as long as they give me enough time to eat it.

As for pitching for the Yanks: The Yanks?

I guess he doesn't know I'm a big Mets fan.

But this means I'll have to relegate myself to the minor leagues.

Ah well, another dream deflated.

Canceled: One burger and shake

I've called off the order for a burger and shake. That's because the docs are starting me again on the liquid lunch (not the kind many of you enjoy!) and then a more solid future. So I guess it's Jell-o and chicken soup time in a little bit.

I guess I'll avoid the oatmeal in the morning, though I'm even craving that horrid concoction at the moment. Eeek.

Mmm, chicken broth.

Awaiting the results

It's been a few days and I'm getting quite frustrated but results remain elusive of my several X-rays and the swallow study from yesterday.

Though sources in the X-ray department told me yesterday that the study showed the barium swallow went as one would hope, down past my stomach to areas that looked a little odd on the screen.

So plans today include a hoped-for visit from Dr. Boyer and an accompanying OK to consume food.

But if that does not happen, my plan is to have food nonetheless. I know, ever the rebel. But what can I say, three days waiting for a verdict that doesn't come, in my mind, means I should make decisions about my food intake on my own. I can't see justification for anything less.

Oh, forgot to mention that sometime yesterday the 8,000th view of this site was pulled up by someone. This morning, there's almost 8,100 views. I hope the word is spreading about the blog, but mostly about the message in the blog, which is to get help if you have severe heartburn or difficulties swallowing. It can save your life.

Brightening things up a bit

The flora and fawna of my hospital room.

Still no resolution

This stomach is giving me a different kind of heartburn. More of a literal heartburn than anything physical. It seems there's fluid meandering about the newly shaped stomach, but it's not passing through as one would expect.

So the docs are strategerizing to figure what the problem might be. Right now the consensus is to let Dr. Boyer decide which approach to take. Looks like that will likely be the infamous barium swallow study, but we shall see.

It has been wonderful hearing from my friends the past few days and I plan to keep you all informed as I find out what's going on with my body.

So far, I'm recovering nicely from the surgery. Parts of my back, right side and chest remain numb, but this is not unexpected, the nurses and docs say. As the swelling from the surgical areas goes down, I should regain much, if not all, of the feeling.

The surgical sites are healing well and have led to no complications.

I saw that our company finally has gone private, so let's hope that creates a sense of ownership and security for those of us left to put out the paper. I'm still planning to be back in early February and hope to see you all then.

I'll keep ya posted.