Monday, April 22, 2013

A Day of Firsts

Well today is a day of firsts at the Highland Hospital. It has been 8 days since my surgery and a whole lot has gone in to try to cope. As our friend Barbara would say " Hang on Sloopy!"
I have gone from a few days of  wicked confusion  from lots of morphine to trying  to communicate without without my voice, to trying to a avoid tube feeding at all costs.

But today there is a lot to celebrate in Mudville. This morning my trach tube was removed and shortly after the feeding tube was removed from my nose and  I am again able to drink liquids again . This seemed like an  impossibility last week. I can actually communicate with the outer world again!! We are hoping to go home either tomorrow or Wednesday but the sooner would certainly be the best. All the nurses have been fantastic even when I swear that I am at a hospital in Oswego!! And yes, sleep has not been easy to come by which made things a little tricky.  We can see our time here slowly coming to an end and it sure will be great to spend a night at home!!!

This surgery is every bit as challenging as it is amazing. At some point a little further along we'll post a pic of this face. Oh my, not winning any beauty awards that's for sure. But today is a good day for celebrating the little things we take for granted like talking and eating. Here's to many more good days and my oh so patient wife and  and kind friends who have passed on the strength and endurance to fight yet another day. You will never know how much it all means!

As you can see from the lack of  italics, Dan is back to posting himself, but I will admit to doing some hefty editing. I asked Dan if he thinks I missed my calling and should have become a nurse.  He said, "Hell no!"

13 comments:

  1. Sounds like progress to me! Hooray.

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  2. Great news Dan...so good to hear from you again (although, Peggy did a great job of writing & easing our minds!) Just remember, inch by inch.......�� Continued positive thoughts are heading your way.

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  3. Dear Dan and Peggy,
    Heard about your blog from Tom yesterday at NEFFA. So good to discover that you are already on the mend and will be going home sooner rather than later. Bennett and I send you both our love.
    All best, Lorraine

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  4. You just can't keep a good man down!
    Sue Brown

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  5. What a great world we live in, that has the technology to harvest parts from our bodies and make us whole again. It is so good to hear from you and know you are on the road to recovery! Your courage, your strength and your spirit are amazing, and are a never-ending source of inspiration. I wish you continued healing, a fabulous homecoming, and all of the chocolate pudding you can eat! Take good care of yourself and your wonderful wife. All the best to both of you.

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  6. Glad to read this from both of you. You are in my thoughts every day. Tom

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  7. Wow!! Fantastic! Nice to hear "your voice" in your writing again . . . thanks for editing Peggy!! Won't normal feel nice?
    Peace & Love to you both always,
    J&T ❤

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  8. There's pie in your future once you get through this challenging time! Strawberry, blueberry, et al. That's right, by the jeez, you can et 'em al!

    Love to you and Peggy,

    Tommy

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  9. So good to hear from you Dan, even edited. I do look forward to the return of the unexpurgated Duggan.

    Love to you both,

    - George

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  10. So good to hear your incredible spirit in your words! And great that Peggy kept us filled in, in the "meantime"! We send positive energy your way and hope that you will be home soon. Jack is waiting...You're in our thoughts and prayers.
    Nancy Schreher

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  11. Dan, I have been following your progress since the surgery, and am so happy to hear of the many large steps you have recently taken. I am sure you will be going home soon! It never ceases to amaze me, how far-reaching and unpredictable the effects of cancer treatment can be. I'm just glad that they figured out what was wrong and how to fix it, so that you can feel better and keep on doing what you love to do.

    Blessings to you and Peggy.

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  12. Dan and Peggy -- We're thinking of you both often during this tough time. Looking forward to seeing you up and bouncing around soon.
    John and Cathy

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  13. Dan & Peggy,
    Wow! Posting for yourself, huh?? That's AMAZING!!
    Once again, the Duggan family courage, strength, undaunted sense of humor, and ceaseless love have carried you through!!
    The blessings keep coming, and all of us following your amazing journey (the BOTH of you!) are joyfully cheering for your every baby-step back to good health and music!!
    You KNOW what particular food from me awaits your return home!:-D
    Love and ((hugs)) to you both!!
    Marcia <3

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