Thursday, September 25, 2008

Hello, from the hospital

I brought my laptop with me when I came to spend some time with my sister in the hospital, figuring to play some big band music I'd put on a CD for her.  Imagine my delight when I realized I had Internet access here!  I created a station on Pandora which I named "Bing Crosby Radio" and added Glenn Miller and similar names to the roster.  As I type this, I'm hearing Bing Crosby sing "On The Sunny Side of the Street".  Maxine isn't hearing much, because she's taking a nap in the chair.

She's eating adequate meals; this morning she was able to stand at the sink and brush her teeth.  So far, so good.

So when she's taking her little naps (usually right after her dose of pain-killer) I've been educating myself on polyps.  I've learned that the procedure she had is called a laparotomy.  I've been instructed on these websites that anyone who has a family member with a history of polyps (that would be my sister) or a family history of colon cancer (one of my dad's brothers) should start having colonoscopies at age forty.  Hmmm, I'm twenty-four years late.  But as soon as we get Maxine home (four to seven days after surgery), I'm scheduling my first colonoscopy.  Once that's over, I'll schedule one for Cliff.  Our doctors have been telling us for some time we should do this, but it's taken this little adventure to really push me into action.

So, that's what's up with me and my sister.

9 comments:

Anonymous said...

It's good to hear your sister is doing well and that you are able to visit with her.  As one who loves the Sunshine, I'm glad you are listening to the THE SUNNY SIDE OF THE STREET.  'On Ya' -ma

Anonymous said...

I am happy to hear her surgery went so well. Both my parents have had the colonoscopy done. Nothing found thank goodness. I hope yours will go smoothly also, and it wont be too uncomfortable, and same goes for Cliff. I know your sister is glad to have you there with her. Its always comforting to have someone you love there with you, even if you are napping. :) Kelly

Anonymous said...

Colonoscopies, like mammograms, are a necessary evil.  :::sigh:::  Glad to know Maxine is up and moving about and that you have internet access.  

Anonymous said...

I am glad that your sister seems to be doing ok. I have had five colonscopies done. Three times with polyps and the last two were clear. Good luck to you and Cliff. Helen

Anonymous said...

Wait until you see the action you get during the prep!

Anonymous said...

I hope your sister continues to do well.  Sounds like you & Cliff are doing the right thing.  I'd rather be safe than sorry.

Hollie

Anonymous said...

I'm so happy to hear that Maxine is doing so well and had the best possible outcome to her surgery.  She  must be so happy to have you there. Nothing like having family around to make you feel better,   Vicki

Anonymous said...

Glad your sister is doing well. I put mine off for years but when I finally had it I wondered why I had put it off. Paula

Anonymous said...

I'm so glad you are there with her and listening to that wonderful music.  I haven't had a colonoscopy either.  That's on my list of "must do's"   Anne