Home at Last

Well it's been a long week, but I'm finally home, showered and resting in my own bed. There is no better feeling in the world.

During the last few days at the hospital, I did my best to stay awake, walk some each day and move as much as possible. Not as easy as it sounds with what feels like 20 pounds of tubing and swelling all above the waist. However pain put a big hiccup in things for a bit as it wasn't controlled nearly well enough.  Mom put on her "mama bear" voice on and got me all fixed up. Shev, Owen and my parents did an amazing job learning the things I know but can't help myself with as well as making sure I was never alone and well cared for. I am so lucky to have this core team of support to help me move through all of this. 

 

After a messy discharge we headed home and settled in with mom and dad dealing with supply deliveries, visits from the nurse and respiratory therapist, and not to mention me all night.

We made it through the first night of bell ringing and pain meds and all that all little tired but it was definitely my best night yet since surgery. A nurse came to check on things and seems pleased with how much the hospital taught us before I came home. Now the real healing begins. My tongue is still swollen but I can finally start to close my mouth more fully which is helping with comfort, also my neck incision looks great. The right side of my face and neck and still quite swollen which I'm not fan of but this too shall pass. The area on my left arm where they took tissue to make my new half tongue will be a long road to healing, and maybe end with a new tattoo :). The doctors were very pleased with everything so far for a positive outcome so let's hope that continues!

For now it's time to rest, wrap our brains around the gravity of what has happened, and recover, then back to Upenn next week to hopefully start the next phase of this journey. I know many of you have said you're eager to visit and help, when I'm ready for visitors I'll post, maybe by the weekend or so. If you have ideas for how to support mom and dad with meals or anything that can help throw it out there!

Thank you all for your prayers so far and those ongoing for a speedy recovery. Keep them coming! 

Devin