Some Girls Prefer Carnations: Bitter suite

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Bitter suite

Oh my goodness, the suite that my friends got us for the night before the surgery was amazing. The linen upgrade was manifested in the down comforter and plush towels. We had floor to ceiling windows on the east and north sides of our room, yielding lovely views of downtown Iowa City and the sunrise. The decor was ultra hip and comfortable. I wish we could have spent more time there, and under different circumstances. Our thought is to go back in August, just for kicks.

I was discharged from the hospital this morning before 10 o'clock, if you can believe it. I was ready, though. It is impossible to sleep in a hospital because someone is taking your blood pressure or some such chore every few hours. I only got one 3-hour stretch of sleep and several 30-minute naps. Yuck. I was glad to leave and get home to my ladies.

The car ride home was wonderful. I rode with my aunt in an '89 Mercedes Benz, which was quite the smooth ride. I ate a milkshake to soothe my throat. (The breathing tube I had during the surgery made my throat quite raw, but it is managed with applesauce, milkshakes, and ice chips.)

My wound is doing great, although I can't look at it yet. I very nearly passed out when I was trying to help my mom change the gauze. I think I'll just lay down and let her handle that by herself next time. The two drainage tubes don't really bother me in any way.

I'm just taking Tylenol 3 to ease the pain. The wound itself doesn't really hurt; it's the muscles in my chest and armpit that are causing so much discomfort. But again, it's not so bad. Everyone's love helps it feel better.

Time for a good night's sleep. Thanks for checking up on me.

7 comments:

mapmanMarch 8, 2011 at 9:23 PM
Glad you made it home safely! Sounds like you had a lovely escort.
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LoriMarch 8, 2011 at 10:52 PM
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DadMarch 8, 2011 at 11:07 PM
You deservered a classy ride home. Your aunt is a better aunt to you than I was an uncle to her kid. For instance, in the late 90's I made a rode trip to Smiley's farm in Dawson, NE (Brett's graduation I think). Offered up a ride to my niece Anna (maybe 5 or 6 yrs old at the time.) I drove a premier unit from the Asman fleet... a 1986 Cavalier Station wagon that we had paid $300 for. After about 40 miles Anna looked at me and said "uncle Russ, this car is dirty". I said no honey - this aint your daddy's benz. :) Welcome home HK.
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LoriMarch 8, 2011 at 11:47 PM
Here's my suggestion for a song for Heather - she is a blackbelt in cancer fighting karate! So much in this song could be a metaphor for all that Heather, Ian and the Misses have been through. Keep kicking those evil robot butts you guys!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LOpYh30ZN5w
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AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 8:18 AM
Heather and fam - These words from Arlo Guthrie remind me of your journey. "Life has got a habit of not standing hitched. You got to ride it like you find it. You got to change with it." You go, girl! Love, Lucy C
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AnonymousMarch 9, 2011 at 2:45 PM
Your mama took good care of you and your sibs when you were little...lying back & let her do the work is a great idea. You are in good hands. You deserve the break, anyway! Glad you are home with your girls & hubby. Rock On, Heather K!!!!!!! P.S. I remember that amazing station wagon your father is referring to. I had a matching one.
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AmiMarch 10, 2011 at 10:18 AM
Heather -
So glad to hear that you are home already, getting around and doing so great. Hard to imagine that a couple of Tylenol 3's and you've got the pain well managed.

Rest up. We are all looking forward to seeing your smiling face and of course - the stubble!
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THE THIEF OF ALWAYS by Clive Barker "Was there some way...to take back the stolen years, and live them here, with the people who loved him, and whom he loved dearly in return?"
CUTTING FOR STONE by Abraham Verghese "The world turns on our every action, and our every omission, whether we know it or not." Best book I've read in a year

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Tuesday, March 8, 2011

Bitter suite

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