Mike + I pre-op
My husband has a difficult time with hospitals... I do too. But on this day I wanted him by my side more than anyone else in the world. I felt calm. I was ready. I didn't cry until Mike looked at me with his loving eyes communicating to me without words... hence the tissue box on my lap.
I recall being rolled down the hallway, meeting the nurses in the operating room, being transferred to the surgical table and that's it. I woke up in the recovery area. Spent a couple of hours there before being transported to my room on the 8th floor. Which by the way had the most incredible view of Mt. Hood and the entire mountain range.
I kept referring to the hospital as a hotel... take a peek at my view + my room.
I had a fabulous view of Mt. Hood and Prune Hill. This is only about 1/3 of my panorama.
I loved how organized the room was...
The kids and I post op.
MIke and the kids came to see me later that evening. I know it was a bit scary for them to see me with an IV, oxygen tubes, leg compression machinery and lying half asleep dress in my hospital gown. I tried to muster up some energy to chat about all the medical devices, show them I'm ok, and give them some love. Annie immediately wanted to see my chest... of which I declined. I hadn't even seen it yet and wasn't about to mess with the bandages. Wes whispered to me asking if I felt like a boy. No, I don't I whispered back.
I called Mike later to check in... tell him goodnight. He told me that when Annie got in the car she cried. She didn't like the idea of me staying alone and thought I'd be scared.
On Saturday the kids had soccer games so I did my hospital thing... napping + watching chick flicks. I finally got to watch Julie + Julia. Here's the kids visiting during my meal time + taking over my tv. [just like home] This gave Mike and I a chance to walk the 8th floor, see the sunset, and just be.
I was very well taken care of. The nursing staff was wonderful, always being gentle + thoughtful. [I stayed for 2 nights] I appreciated the visits, the flowers, the messages of support. Once my best friend arrived I was ready to be discharged and head home. Of course the kids wanted to sit in the wheelchair before checking out... I drew the line at them pushing me.
