Numbers

Ted's follow-up appointment went well today. He's healing nicely and they took the bandages and staples off. They are pleased with how well he's doing. Ted walked into the Dr.'s office from the parking lot with his walker, walked to radiology for an x-ray, walked back to the waiting room, and then back out to the car without much difficulty.

The X-rays were neat. Ted is going to try to get copies. There's lots of metal in there! Ted panicked a bit when the bandages came off and he saw what the knee looks like. The incision is long, and there were many, many staples. Finally seeing what was underneath the bandages was overwhelming for both of us! The nurse who took out the staples worked quickly, and Ted was a good sport. I was hiding in a corner, trying not to look, and popping xanax.

Over the past few days, the reality of all we've been though is finally hitting me. There are bunches of numbers running through my head.... you might find some of them interesting...



Incidence of Chondrosarcoma: 8 in 1 million
Incidence of clear-cell chondrosarcoma: 2% of all chondrosarcomas

Days since Ted's surgery: 13
Amount of femur they took out: 16 centimeters

First hospital bill (so far): $127, 791.00 !!!!!!!
That does not include the surgeon, anesthesiologist, etc.

Difference in the cost of a priate hospital room vs. a semi-private room per night: $27
Amount we SHOULD be responsible for: $100 (THANK GOD for good insurance!)

Number of physical therapy sessions (so far): 10 (5 at home, 5 in the hospital)
Ted's current range of motion: 6 degrees (almost straight) to 93 degrees (bent)

Number of staples removed today: 45
Length of Ted's incision scar: 12 inches

Number of round trips to Tampa in the past 14 days: 8
Number of $80 tanks of gas put into in our SUV in 2 weeks: 5

Number of nights our guest room has been used so far this month: 13

Number of times my mother dragged me to Beall's this week: 3 :)