Hello from the Riz Carlton of Recovery Rooms (address included)…
Hey Folks,
I’m out of the ICU and am now in a very nice (fancy schmancy, even) recovery room. Just as an indication, once I was settled, someone from the hospital staff came into my room, announced he was from room service and wanted to know what I wanted for dinner. Unfortunately, I’m restricted to chips and sips (that would be chips of ice and sips of water, though Dr. Cameron said he may start me on fruit juice tomorrow).
I am pleased to announce that all of the various tubes are out of me except for one IV and my foley catheter (and the Foley is coming out tomorrow). The nurses have gotten me out of bed twice for walks around the ICU ward and I am going to do one more time around the recovery ward on which I am staying. Let me say that I am just impressed to the point of awe with the nursing and support staff at John’s Hopkins. I understand that nurses all over are dedicated compassionate people, but the ones I have dealt with here at Hopkins have overshadowed all other experiences I have had.
As for how I am doing, I’m REALLY sort, but it’s manageable with the pain medication phentenol (better living through modern chemistry). I have a huge scar running from just below my breast bone to just over my belly button. My sister in law said in a comment that she was looking forward to comparing scars….I’m sorry Cat, but I got you beat! 
MaryBeth said that several people had requested an address where I’ll be staying for the next week or so. If you were thinking of sending flowers, I would rather you make a donation in my name to any number of organziations (e.g., The Pancreas Action Network; the Northeast Georgia Council of the Boy Scouts of America; the endowment fund of the Unitarian Universalist Congregation of Gwinnett; or a charity of your choice). Flowers are lovely, but I would rather that money be spent on something that will last more than a couple of days.
That having been said, I would LOVE to receive cards and notes, so please do not hesitate sending those if you are so inclined. My address is:
Merle Hamburger, Marburg Pavilion, RM 319, 600 N. Wolfe St., Baltimore, MD 21287
Again, I am humbled by all the well wishes that I have gotten through the blog as well as via Email and phone calls. Thank you all for caring and reaching out to me this week.
Merle