Day 1

Let’s see, such a busy day for Justin.

Last night was rough, holy cow. Justin was really chatty till about 10:30 PM when he got his first dose of muscle relaxers. With this surgery, much of the discomfort and pain is from the neck and shoulder muscles being irritated by surgery and adjusting to the new norm. He slept pretty soundly till 1:00 AM when the nurse (a.k.a. bull in china shop) brought in his pain pump, steroids, and heavens knows what else. I mean, I understand she has a job to do (a very important job, mind you), but dang, she was loud for daytime hours. For playgrounds. For sports arenas. For prisons. Cripes.

Interruptions were about every hour from then on out till morning. Justin however, didn’t go right back to sleep each time. After the nurse would leave he’d want to talk about vacation, or the casita he’s building, or the pecans … it was like he was dreaming, but needed my comment after every statement.

I think one of Justin’s biggest hurdles right now is psychological. He’s very afraid of moving his neck … like, at all … understandably. He needs to learn to trust the brace and his new “hardware.” It’ll be a lengthy recovery, but one we’re all in on! Please send him your support, it really does lift his spirits!

Justin sat up and took a walk with physical therapy first thing this morning. He did well and followed it up with a couple hours in the recliner.

Since the surgeon was unable to safely remove all the tumor, and truly for best practice, Justin will need some follow-up radiation treatments to hopefully nip this thing in the bud. The radiation oncologist was able to stop by today and work out a tentative plan. Again, great doctor and I very much trust him with Justin’s care.

Justin is currently snoozing away. Snoozing so hard in fact, every move I make gets me the side-eye. LOL! I ordered him dinner before the kitchen closed. Hope he’s in the mood for chicken fried steak and mashed potatoes!!!

Pretty sure I’m staying again tonight. The nurse said she’d bring ear plugs, but I know foamies won’t stand a chance against BicS (bull in china shop) (sorry, can’t capitalize china)(and yes, with offense).

That’s a wrap for today! We appreciate all the prayers, they DO make a difference!

God bless, Christina