Hi, everyone. After 4 days and 3 nights in the hospital, I was able to go home yesterday after my distal pancreatectomy…and I still have my spleen!

*insert party noises here*

Does this mean I’ll always get to keep it? No. It doesn’t. When the surgeon took the tail of my pancreas, he had to cut off the main blood supply to the spleen. BUT, there are 3 smaller blood vessels still traveling to the spleen, so the hope is that they’ll be good enough. *fingers crossed*

Now it’s time to heal and to understand what each weird pain I feel means. I’m still incredibly bloated from the surgery which is very uncomfortable. I have some pretty major wounds on my belly and a hole in my side that I have to keep changing bandages on…or for? I swear I’m not on any narcotics anymore, but I’m still pretty fuzzy and weak. The pain is all controlled with Tylenol and ibuprofren now. Or mostly controlled. I’m able to eat a little every few hours, but this body needs to discharge, you know what I mean?

Thank you again, for the many well wishes, prayers and good thoughts. Now we’ll just wait and see what the future brings. I raise my cup of water to all of you in gratitude and hope and good health. Cheers to you, my friends!