Carcinoid Tumor Surgery: Home & Recovery, Thank You's & Pictures

- May 03, 2017

This is part of a handful of blogs I've written chronicling my experience in going through surgery to remove a carcinoid tumor from my right mainstem bronchial tube.

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I've now been home for over a week and my progress has been substantial. Emily and I drove home on Monday night (April 24th). My pain levels have remained below 2. Often times I'm in no pain at all. I haven't been taking the pain narcotics they sent me home with and I often don't even need over-the-counter meds to get through the day. The biggest challenge I face seems to be my lung capacity at this point. If I move to quickly, talk too much or too quickly or go about life at the pace I was used to previously, I seem to need to breath deeper more quickly and catch my breath. I often have a slight wheeze. I recently followed up with my primary doctor and got a chest x-ray which seemed to show clear healthy lungs. I returned to work on May 2nd, over a month earlier than the doctors prepared me for. We are now preparing to figure out how to pay for our deductible and out-of-pocket maximums for our health insurance. Overall, I'm 'doing well and I'm so grateful for the miracles of modern medicine and the way God can work through doctors' hands and wisdom. I will follow up with doctors at Mayo in about three weeks and have another bronchoscopy (fun fun) so they can take another look at the surgery site.

Thank You's

I would be remiss if I didn't give a shout out to so many people who have stood beside us through this entire challenge.

Emily- My wonderful wife whom I love so much and who has provided such love and care. She's been so strong the entire time and God has given her extra strength and peace in this time of need.
Evan- It goes unsaid. Just another catalyst for my desire to recover. I just want to pick him up again
Bonnie & Al, my in-laws- I've told Emily this numerous times but I'm continually reminded... They're the most generous people I've ever met and their generosity has changed my life. That was clear once again over the course of the past month. They step up so often in every way.
My parents- They put their lives on hold not only to visit over Easter when I was still feeling healthy, but they stayed through the surgery, prayed for us, and continue to so often.
Josh & Jeanette & my extended family- My entire family was able to gather over Easter at our house. We rarely all get together these days but it was a special time for us. My brother, one of my best friends, stood beside me and rallied many to pray over my situation. All those prayers were answered.
James & Hannah Blosser- Hannah watched Evan a few times when Bonnie was on her mission trip, they took in our problematic but loving Chiquita, and James helped tackle a last minute painting project at our rental home.
Dan Raygor & Dan Larson- For stepping up to help with the work at our rental home (twice for Dan Raygor!)
Katie Reitz, The Yoch's & others I may have forgotten (wow, that's embarassing)- A handful of people prepared frozen or fresh meals for us. Although my recovery has gone so much better than expected and I am healthy enough to so some meal prep, this has been such a big blessing!
Gail Davison- Gail and her Bible study group prepared and delivered such a lovely care package.
Cindy Pfingsten & the girls- For an awesome basket of goodies that held us and Evan over while in the hospital!
Lynn Petersen & Edinbrook's quilting ministry- Lynn stopped by the day before we went to Mayo for surgery and delivered hand made quilts for Emily and I, and prayed with us personally. Those got a lot of use at Mayo!
Jason Swartz- My former co-worker at PPM who visited me at Mayo the day after surgery
Carol & Henry Ropella- Emily's cousins who came to visit from Menomonie after surgery
Andrea- Emily's friend who works at Mayo who visited and brought me some reading material
Joel Gregory- Hannah Blosser's uncle who works at Mayo and visited me after surgery to check in on me and pray for me.
Edinbrook Church's leadership- Pastor Bob, and the leadership at our church supported us so much. We were overwhelmed with the group that anointed us with oil and prayed over us before service on April 2nd
Teju & Nelson David- Our neighbors that we have grown to enjoy so much over the last couple years. They're so supportive and willing to step up to help us in many ways.
All those who have contacted us- There have been literally hundreds of people who have contacted us in one way or another the last few weeks showing love and care. We've received cards, texts, emails, Facebook messages, and more from people literally all over the world.