Recovery Time

We're still in residence at Hotel SCH, taking recovery one day at a time. Connor and I are in agreement about how good we feel about chemo life. We know the unit, the nurses, the anti-nausea regimen... we are comfortable in that routine. Now we're on a surgical floor with different faces and a multitude of different medications. Pain is a whole new ballgame.

For the most part, Charlotte has been doing well. Her pain is generally below a 5/10, though we have had a couple bouts of extreme discomfort. At the beginning, much of the pain was related to the epidural site in her back. It was hard for her to get in a position on the bed to alleviate any pressure. While she would typically resort to turning on one side, the stiffness of her right leg has prevented her from doing so. The epidural is due to come out tomorrow, which is simultaneously exciting & terrifying. The pain management team has increased the oxycodone dosage so we will be ready to tackle pain without the epidural.

PT began the day after surgery, although the first day was mostly talking through the general plan for movement. We have seen progress with each day - from sitting up in bed, having both legs over the side of the bed, to standing for the first time this morning. She is not comfortable as these sessions take place, but after a few warrior cries and some time in a new position, she settles in for multiple Taylor Swift songs. (Our very professional unit of measurement.)

Oh, and guess what? The NG tube is still in! Charlotte has met her feed goal and is getting nutrition around the clock. Aside from her tumor being removed, the NG placement has been a huge relief.

It's challenging to be in a state where Charlotte can't do much on her own, but we know it is temporary. Connor and I can clearly see she's capable of doing every hard thing imaginable and, in time, we can't wait for Charlotte to see that in herself!