Caring for My Caregiver Post-Op

On December 27th, my husband, who is my caregiver, had a large cancer tumor removed from his left leg. He was left with 2 wounds one from from the surgery and the second from the skin graft.

Best laid plans

Planning ahead of time, I arranged for him to have Home Health Care for just 1 month. I weigh 90 lbs and knew it would be impossible for me to assist him to the bathroom and help him with his ADLs. Well, post-op, he told the surgeon he was fine and didn't need any help! I have to say I really did panic at first...then I ordered meals from one of those pre-made sites for a couple of weeks and let him manage on his own. He was in a lot of pain and would rant and rave about terrible things.

Then, to make it worse, I got influenza A. I have home health care so they got me through it. I actually thought it was my time to pass but I am so much stronger than I give myself credit for. By last Friday, I was able to attend a birthday brunch for my daughter and a funeral for my sweet friend. I will miss her so much.

Bill is doing great and is getting The Safety Person of the Year Award on Wednesday! There is always hope even when you think you have run out because as my friend who passed used to say, "there is less of you and more of God."

This is a picture of my beautiful daughter Sarah, who calls me every day. She is such an important part of my support system. She just turned 39!