I'm now recovering from my lymph node biopsy. Dr. Reichman performed the biopsy to remove a lymph node in my neck, or at least a portion of it. I am not sure what he actually did because I didn't see him afterwards. The idea was to get more tissue samples to see what kind of Hodgkin's lymphoma I have. There are so many different subtypes that can change what kind of treatment I will actually get.
I arrived at the Rose Surgical Center, which happens to be in the same Founders building as the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. I was starving because my surgery was at 2pm and I wasn't allowed to eat or drink (even water) since 12am the night before. The night before, a bunch of us met at BW3's and scarfed down a bunch of wings. But that didn't stop me from being hungry this morning.
After waiting for about twenty minutes, I was led to the pre-op area where they got my vitals. I put on my beautiful surgical gown and laid down on my gurney. My nurse tried to put in my IV. First try was on my left wrist. That didn't work. Second try was on my left hand. And that didn't work. At this point, she gave up and asked another nurse to do it. They finally got the IV line in on the bottom of my forearm. I am pretty much sick of being poked with needles. I feel like a pin cushion. Thank god that this was the last time I have to deal with it for a long while.
I met with the anesthesiologist Dr. Louis and with Dr. Reichman to go over the procedure and to sign some paperwork.
They wheeled me into the surgical room where, after I switched from the gurney to the operating table, Dr. Louis started the anesthesia. I felt sleepy at first and then I was out like a light.
I woke up about an hour and half later. After a few minutes, I was about 3/4's awake. A little groggy, but good enough to ask for some apple juice. I guess my color was good enough because the nurse allowed me to have something. After about twenty more minutes, I was awake enough to leave.
Now, I'm still a bit sore in the neck and still require some pain pills to make it more comfortable. That makes me more groggy and makes it hard to write this blog. I'm just sitting in front of the TV relaxing, so hopefully tomorrow, I'll be better.
I arrived at the Rose Surgical Center, which happens to be in the same Founders building as the Rocky Mountain Cancer Center. I was starving because my surgery was at 2pm and I wasn't allowed to eat or drink (even water) since 12am the night before. The night before, a bunch of us met at BW3's and scarfed down a bunch of wings. But that didn't stop me from being hungry this morning.
After waiting for about twenty minutes, I was led to the pre-op area where they got my vitals. I put on my beautiful surgical gown and laid down on my gurney. My nurse tried to put in my IV. First try was on my left wrist. That didn't work. Second try was on my left hand. And that didn't work. At this point, she gave up and asked another nurse to do it. They finally got the IV line in on the bottom of my forearm. I am pretty much sick of being poked with needles. I feel like a pin cushion. Thank god that this was the last time I have to deal with it for a long while.
I met with the anesthesiologist Dr. Louis and with Dr. Reichman to go over the procedure and to sign some paperwork.
They wheeled me into the surgical room where, after I switched from the gurney to the operating table, Dr. Louis started the anesthesia. I felt sleepy at first and then I was out like a light.
I woke up about an hour and half later. After a few minutes, I was about 3/4's awake. A little groggy, but good enough to ask for some apple juice. I guess my color was good enough because the nurse allowed me to have something. After about twenty more minutes, I was awake enough to leave.
Now, I'm still a bit sore in the neck and still require some pain pills to make it more comfortable. That makes me more groggy and makes it hard to write this blog. I'm just sitting in front of the TV relaxing, so hopefully tomorrow, I'll be better.
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