cut by the knife, recovering like a champ

November 26, 2019 was the first time I have ever been under the knife so to speak. I will admit two things surprised me on this day. First, how nervous I became as I started being prepped. I was as cool as a cucumber at first, but the coolness quickly left. Oh I never doubted God, but I sure wished He had me at Disney World or at a Chinese buffet instead of the operating room. The second thing to surprise me was all the people that came to see me before the surgery.

After visiting and praying with family and friends they wheeled me back in a bed not fit for a king or even a big guy like me with no royal bloodline. However, I do have the bloodline of the King of all Kings, Christ! As we entered the operating room it appeared to be very sterile, well-lit and white. Bless the poor people that had to help maneuver me from my baby bed to the operating table, not one of them needed to go to the gym after that workout.

Before I knew it I was out. Then as if no time had passed, I was in my room  trying to open my eyes, but I couldn't. I heard the voices around me and wanted to open my eyes to see everyone, but as soon as I would get them open, they closed. I heard both, friends and family, but couldn't acknowledge them. I even heard friends making dinner plans without me!

Later that evening, I was finally able to open my eyes and boy was I blessed. Just in time for jello and ice-chips. Sadly, everyone had already left and I don't blame them. It appeared like I was going to be down for the night. The night was long, I wasn't in a lot of pain, but the bed was so small I couldn't get comfortable. I woke up the next day restless, ready to get out of the bed and a little confused. I was confused because I had not used the bathroom or had the urge to use the bathroom.

Pulling the covers back, I realized I had a catheter. I called the nurse, asking if it was working. When she held up the bag I was like, "Wow." Shortly after they ended up removing it. The doctor came to see me, saying, "You know the sooner you get up moving the sooner you might have a movement and can go home." I responded with, "I was waiting on you to tell me I could get out of bed." Once he updated me with quite the humor I might add. He was impressed with his skills (because he was able to do the laparoscopic procedure on a guy my size and with the number of lymph nodes he was able to remove.) When I asked how much colon he removed, he responded with, "Enough." After his comedy show was over I went to the restroom.

I pulled my IV pump rack and my brother into the hall, which looked like a track. Telling my brother Andy to put "Eye of the Tiger" on his phone we started walking laps. Knowing the more I walked the quicker I might have a movement and get to go home. I walked and walked and walked and walked. In between walks I had plenty of visitors, friends, coworkers, former coworkers, family, etc. One of my best friends and accountability partner brought me a piece of chocolate cake from my favorite chocolate cake place! I asked him to hide it in the closet so I wouldn't be tempted. 

Turns out all the walking paid off! Later in the afternoon I had a movement. Excited I called the nurse in and said, "I just used the bathroom and a buddy of mine brought me a piece of chocolate cake. Will you please call Dr. Bullock to see if I can at least have this piece of cake?" Laughingly, she said, "Yes, but can I ask you a question?" I said, "Of course." She then asked, "Who are you?" I guess she saw the puzzled look on my face, because she proceeded to say, "I know your name, but I have never seen somebody get so many visitors." Laughingly I told her I was a pro wrestler, just kidding, I told her I was just blessed to have a lot of people that cared for me. It was a nice reminder though that I have amazing family and friends. 

​When the nurse returned she said, "I spoke with Dr. Bullock and he said you can go on a regular diet and he specifically said that includes your piece of cake!" I decided to save the cake until I had a normal dinner, which was beef tips and rice. Yes, hospital food and it was actually and thankfully really good. I was excited, I mean technically I could've went home had the doctor been there to sign me out. I was amazed at how gracious God was to allow me to have such a speedy post surgery recovery and I was thankful for the doctor he used to perform it. My pain was minimal, I was walking up a storm and I refused to get back in the hospital bed. That night I slept in the recliner in my room.

The next morning, which was Thanksgiving, Dr. Bullock came in to let me know he was sending me home!!! Yes, I know what you're thinking and my friends came through big time. When I got home, various friends brought me Thanksgiving food and I was, (pardon the pun) Thankful.