Biquette's 2021 Christmas card

Discussion in 'The Bench' started by elagache, Dec 24, 2021.

  1. Chris Lance

    Chris Lance Platinum Level Contributor

    Best wishes for your speedy recovery…..I always enjoy reading your posts and will keep you in our thoughts
     
  2. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    My prayers for you continue, and also my prayers for your doctors and nurses and caretakers at home.
     
  3. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Dear Edouard,

    Just a quick note to say we're thinking of you. Please update when you're able!

    Devon
     
  4. 66electrafied

    66electrafied Just tossing in my nickel's worth

    Wow, just read this thread Edouard, I'm speechless, - all I can say is I hope you get well soon!
    Please let us know how you're doing, if you're able.
     
  5. elagache

    elagache Platinum Level Contributor

    Dear Chris, James, Devon, Marc, and V-8 Buick caregivers,

    I have been conspicuously absent around here, but there is a rather amazing tale to explain it. Surgery #2 was a week ago Tuesday (February 22nd.) The main objective was to restore the cartilage supporting my nose that was lost when the cancer was removed on January 26th. In order to do this, they needed to remove the stitches and gently lift up the skin graph from my forehead to get access to the structures beneath. Alas in that process, they must have twisted or kinked the veins that drained the graph; constricting circulation. After the surgery, the skin graph started to fill up with blood and effectively die.

    The skin graph is a small part of me but just about impossible to replace at this point - drastic and unorthodox measures were in order. From the surgery I went immediately to this hospital's ICU unit were I was treated with (believe it or not) leeches!

    At first, every 2 hours and then tapering off, a leech was allowed to drain off the excess blood and congestion from my skin graph. That removed the backlog of blood and allowed for circulation to gradually be restored. As the veins recovered from the distress of having been disturbed, the leeches became more like vacuum cleaners removing debris that was congesting the circulation in the nose. From Tuesday night until Friday morning the procedures were continued until the skin graph that is my nose started to look more like normal. I spent an additional day and a half in the hospital under observation before finally being discharged Saturday afternoon. It is a curious procedure but apparently increasingly accepted. Here is a quick web article about the use of leeches:

    https://www.healthline.com/health/what-is-leech-therapy

    Yesterday, I had my first follow-up visit with the surgeon he was pleased and relieved. As he put it: my nose was finally back here it should have been at the end of the surgery!

    It has been quite a learning experience. These skin graphs are very fragile and these sorts of restorations are more an art form than science. The nurses had some really amazing stories were leeches had once more been the difference between success and failure.

    I'm back home and trying to get back to normal. Last week was tough and it is definitely good to get back my usual habits!

    Thanks for your support!

    Cheers, Edouard
     
  6. DaWildcat

    DaWildcat Platinum Level Contributor

    Cheers, Eduard.

    Where do I begin?

    I'm not the usual person to highlight the odd, simple and effective stuff outside of usual medicine, but if it helps, YUP. the leeches can be really good under a doctor's care.

    Also very important is your diet, and also being able to get moving. Keep Moving!

    Devon
     
  7. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    You and that sassy Billy goat are becoming more alike in every way.

    Glad to hear you a lot of the hard road is behind you.

    Continued prayers and hopes for an excellent recovery. :)
     
  8. BrunoD

    BrunoD Looking for Fast Eddie

    Hi Edouard, you really went through a lot, surprised that you can take it all in stride.You are a very strong person to be able to talk about it as you have.I guess God does work in mysterious ways, I hope and pray that your recovery is quick and excellent.I will pray for you .Bruno.
     
  9. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Do some burnouts in the wagon, make yah feel better:cool:
     
  10. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    Thanks for the update Edouard,
    I 'm glad to know the better news.
    I'll keep you in my prayers.
     
  11. elagache

    elagache Platinum Level Contributor

    Dear Devon, Michael, Bruno, Mark, James, and V-8 Buick caregivers,

    Thank you for your prayers and kind thoughts! :)

    Well I didn't go quite that far, however, I've found a contraption to allow me to wear glasses without putting any pressure on my nose - so I can finally drive once more! Yesterday, I got my trusty wagon out for the first time since January 21st. I ran over to Orinda Motors to say hi and while there took this photo:

    [​IMG]

    Sure is nice to be able to drive once more!

    Thanks again for your support!

    Cheers, Edouard
     
  12. Mark Demko

    Mark Demko Well-Known Member

    Awesome :cool:
    Sounds like your on the mend!!
     
  13. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    Hooray !! The wagon looks great in the sun !! That Ford looks like an F-2 (3/4 ton truck)
     
  14. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Best of luck on your recovery
     
  15. elagache

    elagache Platinum Level Contributor

    Dear V-8 Buick fans of a certain rascally wagon and owner,

    Tomorrow is the third surgery in the sequence to complete the "transplant" of the section of forehead skin onto my nose. In this operation, the doctor will cut off the graft from the blood supply it has been dependent upon from my forehead. Basically, this is the "make or break" moment when this skin graft has to establish itself on my nose.

    Alas, the proposed circumstances are hardly encouraging. Neither of the previous surgeries went as planned and I'm feeling exhausted from the whole ordeal. The facial plastics team is seriously overworked because they lost a surgeon to a bike injury in February. My 2-3 hour surgery is scheduled for very late in the afternoon. Even so, the plan is to send me home after the surgery and recovery. Given the timing, I might not make it home after midnight tomorrow. Nonetheless, the rules are clear - no food after midnight of the day before. Definitely a kind of "perfect storm" of deprivation. Certainly not the most cautious and conservative path to insure a successful operation.

    Still, it appears that "the show must go on." All I can do is brave the challenges as best I can and let the chips fall where they may.

    I certainly would appreciate your prayers and good wishes as I endure what seems like hardly a path to healed body, mind, or spirit.

    Edouard
     
  16. Nearing

    Nearing Well-Known Member

    Hang in there. Prayers and best wishes coming from Denver.
     
  17. bhambulldog

    bhambulldog 1955 76-RoadmasterRiviera

    My Continued Prayers for You Edouard
     
  18. TrunkMonkey

    TrunkMonkey Well-Known Member

    Edouard, you and "the team", are in my prayers.
     
  19. sean Buick 76

    sean Buick 76 Buick Nut

    Warm thoughts
     
  20. Michael_G

    Michael_G Living the Dream... Fast with Class...

    YOU GOT THIS!!!
    -MIG
     

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