Much better

Staples are out. Surgeon happy. NO CANCER! still waiting for other pathology reports.
Otherwise things are good.

YEA!!

Asher -- HOME

ASHER IS HOME!!
I spent Shabbat in the hospital with Asher. Mostly slept in the chair, but at 2 in the morning I crawled into a corner in his bed and slept a little while. Shabbat morning, Asher was much better. He ate g'fish (thanks Sharon and Stuart), and a little challah. The residents came by, his surgeon came by, his GI doctor came by. And they told us that at 530 he could go home. We had a quiet day. Asher walked around the hospital, tried steps (no problem) and got the IV taken out. He cant lift anything, so I packed up the car, he got wheeled down and I drove him home.
He cant eat sugar, it creates a syndrome called "dumping" . Jonathan made banana oatmeal cookies and I made banana bread (theme here?) Raphi and Susan came to visit - we had home made hot chocolate (not Asher).
AND, best news, we both pretty much slept through the night.
We thank everyone for their prayers. And visitors are welcome!

Asher -- Erev Shabbat

Asher is much better!!! Tubes are gone (except for IV). He showered. and best of all got to drink Rebecca's yogurt shake this morning. Nice visit with Rebecca and Saul. Now we're preparing for Shabbat. We have electric candles and the Yedwabs got me (us -- if he's allowed) food for Shabbat, including cookie s-- good people!!! We're hoping that Asher can come home Sunday morning.

Regular Room

GOOD DAY!!!
Jonathan brought chicken broth (no kosher chicken broth or jello at Micha-el Ha Tzaddik. and he brought Asher his own version of Casey. Earlier the Yedwab's visited and his cousins Suzie and Roger sent beautiful flowers. Later Rebecca and Saul came bearing newspapers and watnots. The visits made Asher very happy.
He WALKED! up and down the hallway several times. And he ate ices and the broth.
Visitors welcome.....
After everyone left I climbed into the bed (Asher was reading in the chair) and I slept for about 2 hours.
Asher got into bed, and I crawled in next to him and we watched Julia and Julie. I loved it - he thought it was cute. Although he told me that I was "detergent to his laundry." Unfortunately laughing so hard was painful for him.

Left near my usual midnight. The front entrance is locked and I have to leave through the emergency room.
(this is for Midge ---) I use to get really sick from the chemo. And on father's day, the kids went to see their father and my folks went to my brother's. I waited until they had all left. but then I called Midge and David. I was very sick and had to go to the emergency room at St Michael's (and hadnt been back until this week - the memories came flooding back.) Midge took me to the hospital and stayed with me (and missed a wedding) meanwhile she was in a foot cast, so she was sitting on the table. I had terrible stomach pains and was happier doubled over sitting on the chair. The doctor comes in and begins talking to Midge and it was a few minutes before he realized that I was the patient. It was all rather comical -- Midge and I described it as Lucy and Ethel go to the emergency room.

So its nearly one, but I cant sleep. Although i've barely slept this whole week, except in Asher's bed. I'm staying overnight at the hospital for Shabbat. Maybe I can sleep in Asher's bed again tomorrow LOL.

Post Surgery - out of ICU

Asher is out of ICU and feeling much better. The surgical cut doesnt look so bad (he's been showing visitors). And he's feeling much better !!!! it seems all my work to get kosher food went awry. So we've put out a request for someone to make and bring us sugar free jello. And maybe Jonathan can get us some clear broth for Asher.
They took away his happy button and now will only get pain meds if he specifically requests it. We're hoping other tubes will get taken out during the day. And they want him to walk. He's eating lemon ices and is very happy about it! I dont know if you can tell from the picture (he's on the phone with BethAnne) but he's looking much better.

Post surgery - 24 hours later

Asher is doing very well. B"H
While he's still in ICU, they are trying to find a bed for him in a regular unit. His color looks good and his tests and evaluations are good. His surgeon and doctor have been into see him and they are pleased.
He had company today (real company -- not just me) and sat in a chair for several hours.
We are very encouraged. We're past surgery stage and into recovery stage.
St Michael's is excellent. In fact, the nursing staff is much more responsive than Mt Sinai. The staff here care.
thank you all for your wishes and blessings
(and chocolate!!!)

Day After

Asher is sleeping here. He was in recovery until 11pm when they finally had an available room in ICU. While in recovery Yoel came out. He was so good with me. I needed the company. We visited Asher for about 5 minutes every half hour and read food blogs while we waited for Rebecca, Saul and some much needed food! We visited a few more times. Then after the kids left, I was able to stay in recovery with Asher. The ICU was exactly what Asher didnt want! Noisy, bright, busy!!! First we had to cover Yashki (his Jewish name). Then Cindy - wonderful nurse - closed the lights, and was planning to close the doors. However, about midnight when it was clear that Asher was actually sleeping, she forced me to go home. Seidel (Asher's favorite niece) was terrific. She talked with me all the way home by phone. I had difficulty sleeping - and finally spoke to the nurses about 6am. They said Asher had a good night. I'll see him this morning. Then Raphi is going to sit with him, so I can go to my office luncheon for an hour. All your t'fillot were wonderful. THANKS

I have a FLAT TIRE! urg