Paola and Lucas Recovering

I just talked to Paola. She is doing better although she overdid the walking yesterday and is now sore. She's still in pain from the raw wounds caused by removing the tape. Also, she's still anxious to see what her "new body" looks like, but it is still too early to tell because she's still swollen from surgery. That said, it sounds like she's doing pretty well. Lucas is likewise on the mend, having had to go to the animal hospital for two bowel obstructions. Lucas is now home again.

All clear to contact Paola

Hello all,

Paola is feeling better today. Lucas is ill. I did not get an update on Rosie.

If you would like to call Paola, feel free! If you would like to visit Paola, please call her first and see if she's up for it.

Drs are pleased with their handiwork

Paola and her mom spent this morning at the hospital for a post-op check-up. The doctors are pleased with Paola's recovery thus far. They removed the dressing and the drain - a good step forward but a painful one, given the conjunction of delicate flesh and stubborn tape. Paola was in pain from the surgery and is now in further pain from the tape removal process; nevertheless, she has been able to eat and take limited walks, so she is in far, far better condition than after the previous surgery! For a month she will need to wear a tight bodysuit-like contraption. Hopefully she'll be able to get some stitches removed in a week. So, all in all, things look good. She is still not up for phone calls or visits yet. Maybe tomorrow - I'll let you know.

At home

I just spoke with Paola's mom. Paola is at home and had a good night, but she is still in pain. Tomorrow she goes back to the doctor for a check-up.

Heading home

Paola has been discharged, and her mom is taking her home. Paola is tired, in pain, and generally not feeling fabulous. Once Paola tells me she's up for visitors or talking on the phone I'll let you know but for now, please let her rest. If you feel compelled to do something for Paola, send her a card or a note - she'll enjoy seeing them while she's recooperating.

Still at the hospital

I just spoke with Paola. She is still at the hospital but is likely to be discharged today. She has not yet seen her surgeon. The hospital would not allow Paola's mom to stay there last night. Paola is in pain but is able to eat - she had just finished a bagel when I called.

To the recovery room

Paola's mom called me at 10:19 PM EST (June 18th) to report that Paola was awake and had been transfered from the recovery room to room G10.

Out of surgery

I just got a call from Paola's mom. Paola's out of surgery and headed to the recovery room. She'll stay in the hospital tonight, and Paola's mom will remain there as well.

Headed into surgery

Paola just called - she's headed into surgery now.

I'm not afraid, Part 2

Paola and I just spoke. She's at the hospital, sitting in the ambulatory surgery waiting room. Continuing her tradition she declared for the record "I'm not afraid! I'm not afraid!"

Surgery Round Two

As you all likely know, Paola's scheduled for her second round of surgery today. This surgery will focus on breast reconstruction. I am in New York, so I'm facing the challenge of trying to stay up-to-date -- and keep y'all updated -- from afar. Paola's mom, the wonderful Rosie, is with Paola.

Paola's surgery is scheduled for 1:30 PM today. Once I know anything, I'll post it to the blog.

Allie's back!

Just checking in - I'll be updating things while Paola's undergoing this next round of surgery.