Going home?

Hi everyone -

Tammi here.  Dr. Leong was by and said Linda might be ready to go home today or tomorrow.  She has 4 goals:

1. Bowel movement (we all know how important that is!)
2. Pain control - she's been on narcotics so far, and they want to wean her to lesser meds
3. Walk - she's been doing well, and they want her to keep up the good work
4. Treatment plan - figure out a plan of care for the next few days.

She will see the urologic oncologist yet today, and that should answer some of our questions, such as when and whether to have the kidney removed.  The neurosurgeon had said they want to see her 2 weeks post-op (~Aug. 18) to have staples removed and check the wound and general progress.
Dr. Green is here now with prelim pathology which supports the previous theory of renal cell carcinoma.  The team will discuss treatment options and talk with Dr. Lam; a urologist will come by and see Linda, treatment may be removal of kidney in combination with chemo.   The surgery might be outpatient, or might involve an overnight stay.    Linda will be set up with outpatient visits w/ urology.  Dr. Green also suggested Linda will probably go home tomorrow. 
Then they devolved into discussions of Broadway plays - Phantom, In the Heights, Rent, Cats, etc. You know how Linda is about Andrew Lloyd Webber!

After a number of visitors (Wally and Aunt Johanna, Kimmie, Steve and Gail), Linda's ready for a nap.  She has an ice pack (again trying to wean off pain meds) and willl relax as soon as the CNA is done with vitals.
That's all for now.  Keep the prayers and love flowing.  Tammi