March 30, 2022
Not much sleep for me (due to bowel prep 😬💩), we were up and out around 4:45AM. Arrived at the Gold Valet at Moffitt Cancer Center on Magnolia Drive by 5:00AM! Not as glamorous as it sounds, lol. 😎
Preop went with ease. Met with Dr. Zemp who would be placing the stent in my left ureter so it could be avoided. From my latest CT images he didn’t think it would be involved, yay! Met Dr. McDonald who is the resident that would be first assist during surgery and then of course with Dr. Felder my colon surgeon. He answered our last minute questions and his hair looked particularly good today. Funny, right? I gave both Dr. Zemp and Dr. Felder Doctor’s Day gifts. What a great day for surgery!
Funny no pic of Dr. Felder. Must have been distracted by his hair! Haha
Anesthesia came in. We discussed the epidural I had asked for. Andy gave me a kiss and had to go so they could place the epidural (something Dr. Felder doesn’t normally order). I would find out why later😬. This time I was awake briefly in the OR and was able to meet more of the team. They were happy and joking around. It was nice. Off to sleep I went…
I woke up in PACU (post anesthesia care unit) in excruciating pain. On a scale of 1-10 I told my nurse, Ditpha, I was a 22!! Not fun. Now I know why Dr. Felder doesn’t like to use epidurals.
Sometimes they don’t work so great for this type of surgery. We assumed it would since it worked for my liver surgery on February 3rd. 🤪 Never assume! This experience has given new meaning to me for the phrase “Be careful what you wish for”. After several plus hours (normally 45 minutes) and much tweaking of my pain meds, I was on my way to my regular room on 4 south.
Both Andy and my mom were able to come up this time as COVID restrictions had relaxed. They once again were troopers waiting for me all day during surgery while fielding texts from friends and family. I’m sure it couldn’t have been pleasant to learn that I was out early (only 4.5 hours) and then not to know what was causing me to be in recovery almost as long.
The Outcome
•Surgery was shorter than predicted due to the sigmoid (last part before your rectum) coming out with less difficulty than expected.
•There was space between colon/tumor and my ureter so no resection/reconstruction was needed.
•No spots of cancer were visible anywhere else. Super yay!
•The big surprise – my left ovary was somewhat adhered. Too close for comfort! Dr. Felder took it as well as the left Fallopian tube out. Who needs that ovary anyway 😂!!!
Resting comfortably in my room. Perfect cocktail of pain meds.🍸 Was already up and sitting in the chair last night. Ready to walk today!!
Thank you to each of you for your love, prayers, and support! I couldn’t do it without you!!😘😘
GET YOUR COLONOSCOPY 💩
So glad you got through this. Sounds very positive. What a trooper you are.
I LOVE YOU SO MUCH! YOU ARE A WARRIOR AND WE ALL KNOW YOU’D MAKE THIS BIG JOURNEY. My hero 💖
Wonderful news all around. Keep getting better.
Awesome news!!! Rest up and get better soon! 🙏🙏
So relieved and happy to hear it went so well! Love you! 🤗💗
What a trooper you are! And yay for such a great outcome – ovary. You are fine with one, they took mine too.
Best wishes for quick recovery
Wow – you are a true Warrior. Great news just keeps coming !!!!!
So happy the worst is over. I hope this is the last operation and you have beat the cancer! Now it’s time to rest and on to a speedy recovery! Praying for you daily. 🙏💕😊
Fan – F—ing-Tastic, Angela! good for you, and your team!
So you’ll be back to pickle-ball, soon!
yaaayyyyyy!
Fantastic news! God is good.
You are so amazing! So happy everything went so good. I am so proud of you, sharing your story, and you positive attitude! Keep smiling and I was thinking and praying for you yesterday morning. Soon you will be home and feeling even better!
Great to see this update with photos!
You are strong. You are brave. . You are a warrior!
So happy for you! What a great success! Continued prayers 🙏 and love ❤️ your way! Love the 🇺🇸 Flag in the window! 😘🤗❤️🙏
Amazing!!!
Much love & prayers..
May you have a smooth speedy recovery!!
God bless you all!!
You are so loved!!!
Such good news. I am glad your pain is being managed and you are on your way to recovery!!!!
Great news except for the pain issue. Prayers for a speedy recovery
God bless you.
Sounds like it was a success.. sorry for all the discomfort .. but in the end (no pun intended) all that matters is the success.. LOVE you bunches. Heal quickly … drinks soon!
So happy for you!
Prayers continue to bring you a speedy recovery!!!
You are such a beautiful woman and brave warrior !!!
PaulaRuisi
Prayers and more prayers 🙏🙏🙏🙏 for healing and comfort while you continue along this crazy path! So thankful they were able to get your pain back under control 🙏❤️ You are amazingly brave and are surrounded by so much love!
Your outlook on this entire journey is truly inspiring! I’m so glad everything turned out well all things considered! Sending lots of prayers and love your way. Speedy recovery
So glad your surgery went well (except for all the pain😭😨)
You will continue to be in my thoughts and prayers.
Keep kicking ass A gela!
Your strength is inspiring. Continued prayers on your recovery. 🙏🏼 You got this!
Your are so amazing with your storytelling of your journey – inspirational, educational and candid.
So thrilled to hear all went so well, and that the surprise was manageable.
Love and hugs to you as you recover!!!🤗😘🤗😘
Ohhhh, “Angel”a , you are something else!!! Thank you keeping us updated – and with wonderful news, nonetheless! We love you!!!!
I know you would do great . Strong women that you are ❣️ YOU got
This !!
Your strength is amazing! I will always remember your journey and how you are handling with such grace. Not to mention, descriptive😳. I really wanted to see the doc’s hair🤣 Kidding aside, our prayers have been answered and your doctors must be angels in disguise. God is Good✝️
Prayers,love and speedy recovery ❤️🩹 a true warrior..
Such awesome news! Keep your positive attitude & spirit & we’ll keep those angels around you with our prayers!! 😘🙏🤗🥰
Oh my goodness , Ang !!!! I am so very happy , in fact I am happy dancing praises to to Jesus for bring you through this journey and being your comforter and your healer!!! When you feel up to it , let’s get together, or if you need anything in the meantime let us know- we will continue to pray without ceasing!! Love you girl!!’