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Friday, September 18, 2009

The surgery

I have been completely overwhelmed by the love and concern of friends and family. I cannot thank you enough for your prayers, fasting and thoughts. It appears that it helped immensely!
We (Ryan's parents, sister and I) came to the hospital around four in the morning. The most difficult part was saying goodbye to Ryan as they wheeled him out the OR. I just didn't know what his state would be when he returned and the Dr's were a little bit doom and gloom. Maybe they are supposed to be that way... to make us feel better when it doesn't turn out doom and gloom.
They told us the surgery could take up to six hours. They were done in three. They removed the tumor (mass) and checked it. It was cancer free so they removed it and sewed him back up. They don't know what it is and they havent seen anything like it ever before. Whatever it is- it is covered in a bad infection inside and out. The Dr. told us we should know by Tuesday what it is. He said he had a lot of theories but can't give us any information until all the tests come back. It COULD grow back. it COULD be this... or that. But I feel peaceful about whatever it is.
Ryan doesn't appear to have suffered any more brain damage. His short term memory is still not good. But after the surgery he has made improvements. He told me he was at U of U hospital. He had never been able to tell me that before. It made me so excited. He's asking me about his job every 30 minutes. "Did you tell my job??" "what did they say?". I think that is probably the question I have answered most this last week. Every 15 minutes. :) Typical Ryan.
The Surgical ICU is closed right now but Im anxious to ask him to see if he can remember the things that were repeated over and over again an hour and a half ago.
Good news- they were able to take his breathing tube out only minutes after the surgery. As long as you keep reminding him to breathe he does really great. I'm feeling very optimistic. I know things can change... but I think he'll pull through this.
He will be here for a week or so. Tomorrow I will try and start the process of disability. Im taking a two week personal leave from work. Its unpaid which sucks but hopefully it'll give me time to sort out this stress and give me the ability to work a lot of hours to pay bills... I need some motivation. If Ryan's able to care for Jayden that will be great- we'll see how he does though.
So Im doing OK. Seeing him alive and not any worse after his surgery lifted a huge burden off of me. Maybe I'll be able to sleep now... Jayden is doing well. A little more emotional than normal. My mom has been such a huge help. Ryan's parents... Im so grateful for friends and family. I can't say that enough. Thank you so much everyone. The ways the Dr's were talking I really think Ryan's recovery is and is going to be a miracle. Hopefully no more bumps along the road.
Faith has been renewed. And my love and appreciation for my husband has increased 100 fold. I feel good about the future. It's going to be tough. But I feel like I will be able to have the strength to handle it.

14 comments:

Anonymous said...

We are so happy to hear that things are looking up, what a tremendous blessing. You two have been in our constant prayers. Please, please call if you need help with Jayden will Ryan is in his recovery. I will gladly look after him for you anytime you need me to.

Michelle said...

I am so glad to hear that things are looking up :) You have been in our thoughts and prayers a lot lately. Please let me know if there is anything I can do. I would love to have Jayden come and play with Macey and give both you and Ryan a break.

Michelle said...

Shelly and I must have wrote the exact same comment at the exact same time. Apparently we think a lot a like. When I began my comment there were zero comments. Apparently a lot of people love you guys and would love to help you out :)

Jackie said...

I am so happy to hear that things have started looking up! We hope that Ryan will continue his recovery and there won't be any more hiccups in the roadway.

Amy said...

Glad to hear you so positive, you're still in our thoughts and prayers and still happy to help any way we can. I'm sure the recovery process will be touch no matter how long it is and we want to do anything we can!

Clement Clan said...

Prayer and Fast have amazing power. We luv you and are so happy the surgery was successful. You will continue to be apart of our daily prayers.

Hubrich Fam said...

Tiffany, we are so glad that things went well with Ryan's surgery. You have been in our constant prayers and we will continue to do so until all he is back and home and doing well. Love to your family.

Gretchen said...

Tiffany, I'm so so so relieved to hear that he came through surgery and things are looking better. I want to thank you tremendously for updating this blog. I know it is probably the last thing on your mind, but thank you. We love and care about you guys so much. You are continually in our prayers. Keep positive, you are so strong.

Rachel said...

Woo hoo! I don't know how many times I checked your blog in the last few hours to see an update. What a blessing and a miracle. Ryan sure is lucky to have you.

Paul*Cat*Hallie*Ty said...

Such good news! We have been so very concerned for Ryan, Jayden, and especially you...thank you so much for keeping us posted on the latest. I can't help but think that Ryan will milk this, he might just get out of teaching Sunday school for who knows how long! We will continue sending lots of love and prayers your way!

Malerie said...

I'm so happy to read all of that! You are so good to update us all! I hope it's only good things from here!! We're still keeping you in our prayers, of course! Ryan is a strong guy, he'll make it through and how lucky is he to have an amazing wife to sit with him through it all. You, Ryan and Jayden are all amazing. You're doing good Tiff, keep the faith and keep positive thoughts!

jamirodana said...

Hooray for good news! I'm so happy for your little family and I will keep praying for a fast and good recovery:)
You are such an example of strength Tiffany.
I hope you can get some rest this week:)

Camey said...

My kids are screaming at me so I have to make this short. But you are in my thoughts and prayers always. I am glad the outcome looks good. Thanks for your updates. They are great to hear. I could feel the spirit in your post..I know that sounds silly, but I could, so things will be good!

April and JJ said...

Tiffany I am just adoring you right now. Your posts are incredible and you are showing what a woman you are. I hate to call it faith, because it sounds more like knowledge that everything is going to be okay is probably what is keeping Ryan afloat right now. Anyway, I hope it doesn't creep you out for me to say that I have SO much love for you guys! I'm thinking about you constantly and all my friends and family, who don't know Ryan, are also praying for you and asking for updates. :) We'll keep praying. Oh, and I completely agree with the comment above mine. The spirit is so in your posts.