Kay Elam Writes

I just got home from the hospital.

Ma Sue’s Friday surgery went fine. They had to remove her entire stomach, then attach her esophagus to her small intestine. The next hurdle will be to make sure there’s no leakage at these spots. She’ll be able to eat small, frequent meals but not much food at once.

Unfortunately the cancer was more widespread than we’d hoped but until we get the pathology reports back we won’t really know the whole picture. She is in a lot of pain, but has some of the good meds ordered to help minimize that. She is resilient and has a “can do” attitude so I know she’ll conquer this like she’s conquer so many other challenges in her life.

Pa Herb is doing well at home with his daughter taking care of him. Ma and Pa talk on the phone every night before “lights out” as though they were courting. It’s sweet to watch. I only hope she remembers it.

We’ve asked visitors not to come. The room is small and a family member is with her 24/7. If others drop by she’ll pull out her southern charm and entertain them just like her mama taught her. She needs to be resting. So far this request has been respected.

Tomorrow they will do a dye test to see if there is leakage and, if not will start her on soft foods and liquids. They’ll also remove the NG tube that goes up her nose and down her throat. She said she’d dance a jig if they’d just take that thing out.

If things stay on schedule, her two younger sisters will come up from Alabama and Mississippi on Thursday, spend Thursday night and take her home on Friday. I’m sure Pa will be happy to see her and I know she wants to sleep in her own bed.

Thanks for your prayers, support and concern. We are blessed to have all of you in our lives.

~Kay