Time out #2

Time out #2

Not my most glamorous photo- scar plus drain.

So the time has finally come to deal with  the nodule on my parotid gland which if you have read my previous blogs, you will know that I found out about this in mid January and after a lot of visits to various doctors ,I will be having the operation to remove the nodule and even the parotid gland as well. I might have to have a "skin flap" as well I am told but they won't know that until  Dr D. goes in and has a looksie.

The operation procedure is very similar to the thyroid operation and is only considered day surgery but it is done in a fully equipped operating room at one of the major hospitals , Baylor Fort Worth so I have good care. Also because I am now familiar with the procedure at the hospital, it isn't so scary although I must say I shall be very happy not to have to do any more of these kind of experiences.

The thyroid had healed up very nicely in just under a month and there was not much pain from the after effects. I am still waiting to see if I will need medication to correct any deficiencies in my hormones or enzymes but that has to wait until I can track down a doctor who will see Medicare patients ! So far I fee l fine.

UPDATED 3 days later:
So the operation went well. I am now minus a parotid gland but at the present time have a  4inch scar that goes from right in front of the ear to down my neck. I still have a drain bottle and tube attached so fluid won't collect inside the opening. The whole gland was taken out , no cancer was found and I'm patched up as good as new or I will be when everything heals up.
 
Lots of waiting at the hospital but we were well taken care of and we understand with these surgeries the scheduling gets a little bit erratic as who knows what the surgeon may find and have to deal with . Very little pain now and what I have is mostly from the drain tube and the way it pulls at the skin. I also felt pretty groggy as I expelled the medications they used  for the surgery.from my body.

Mike has been an excellent nurse , keeper of the pills,  reminder of office visits and things I can and cannot do and driver. I couldn't have managed without him.
I'm glad it's over and we can get back to regular life again.