TOM

Another week has passed and Jane gets stronger each day.

She no longer has the NG-tube as she's been able to use her g-tube.

We take walks around the unit about twice a day so her physical therapist doesn't come to the room anymore. She no longer needs pain medicine so it's easier for her to keep her ground without too much help. She's even gained a pound now that she is able to eat more.

In another week she has to have a small procedure to switch out her current g-tube for one that is smaller. Her current one is a longer tube that we keep taped to her stomach so it doesn't get caught on anything, and the new one will be just a small button that will be flesh to her skin.

Dr. S, Jane, and I, have agreed that it is probably best to just stay in the hospital since her procedure is only a week away and she would have to return anyways. She still was at a very dangerous weight, and still had some weakness so they would rather just to keep her and work on those issues. You have yet to go home overnight, but you were finally comfortable leaving her in the afternoon to go and tend to a few things at home.

You two were taking your last walk of the night, you helped her push her IV pole down the halls. You looked down at her often to make sure she wasn't struggling. "Tom, I'm ok. Don't look so nervous." She teased.

"I'm sorry love, I just want to make sure you are comfortable."

She doesn't say anything else, just shoots you a smile and continues walking. Her pace get's a little quicker each day, you didn't have to slow down much for her anymore. You couldn't believe what a difference a week has made in her condition. Ben and Chris still checked in, but not daily anymore now that she's been up and around.

Once back to the room she slowed, her exhaustion from the day finally hitting her. You help her to bed and call the nurse so she can come to set up her overnight feed.

Jane lean back, and gave a little sigh.

"Everything alright, dear?"

She nods, speaking quietly as if she were already half asleep.

"Tom, are you sure you're still ok with sleeping on the cot? I'll be ok if you want to start going home to sleep again."

You could see the uncertainty in her face and you just give her a small kiss on the lips. "I'm fine. I get more rest here knowing you're beside me than I do at home by myself."

It was true. Over these last two weeks you had grown used to the beeps and the whirs and the nurses coming in and out. A quiet lonely house seems unpleasant, even if the bed was much more welcoming.

The nurse comes in and begins setting up her feeding pump. You've been learning some of the steps, though some things would change once she got her new tube. It was fairly simple. Simpler than you had first anticipated at least.

Jane was already fast asleep by the time she was hooked up. The nurse did a last check of her vital signs and left the room, shutting the door quietly behind her. As much as you wanted to go home in just a little more then a week, you were nervous. She's been provided with such excellent care these past three weeks, you hoped you would be able to keep providing her with what she needed. Especially once you went back to work.

You change into some sweats and then give her a kiss on the forehead before tucking her in tighter and turning off the lights. Settling in on your creaky cot, you fall asleep to the familiar hospital sounds, almost like a lullaby to you now.

JANE

It seemed as though the last week has just flown by.

You were sitting in pre-op in your large gown, covered in blankets and holding Toms hand tightly. You couldn't help but be nervous considering how you woke up last time.

You were promised it was a very mild procedure and that you would not wake up that way again, they probably wouldn't even use the hardcore anesthesia.

Tom was more calm this time around it seemed. Unless he was putting on a brave face for your benefit.

His smooth voice brought you back from your worries. "Darling, please try to calm down. Everything is going to be fine, they've assured you multiple times that it is a much easier procedure. This is a step forward, not back. You're going to come out, and by tomorrow you'll feel fine. We will learn how to properly care for your g-tube and then we will finally be home." He gives you a kiss on the cheek and then the anesthesiologist comes back to take you away.

You hold back tears as you give Tom a hug. "I love you."

"Love you, too. I'll be here when you wake up."

And then you're being wheeled through those familiar heavy doors.

You felt far away.

Darkness was everywhere and you tried desperately to find something, anything, familiar.

"Jane... Jane, dear."

You knew that voice. Where was he? Things were still dark. You couldn't find him.

You felt a sudden squeeze on your right hand and the voice was speaking again.

"Jane, can you open your eyes? You did wonderful. Please just open your eyes for me."

His voice got louder and the pressure on your right hand continued. You were feeling more. A cool hand brush against your forehead. A dull ache in your abdomen. Things were clearer.

"My love, I'm here."

You felt back in your own body. You struggled to open your heavy eyes. You decided to squeeze the hand that held yours. It was a weak attempt, not sure if it even registered to him.

"Well hello darling. Can you open your eyes for me?"

You tried again, desperately wanting to see him. Your eyes fluttered, searching until you find him. Not far from you, you saw him. Smiling at you gently. A slight shiver ran through you and a hand was on your forehead again. You opened your mouth to speak, but nothing came out. Your throat still sore.

Tom looked away from you for a moment, talking to someone you couldn't see. "She feels a bit warm."

Another voice was talking now. You turned your heavy head to find the woman who was talking to you. "Hi Jane, you're in recovery. Things went well. Now, can you answer a few questions for me?"

Trying to speak again, you manage to croak out a "ok".

"How is your pain?"

You think moment, concentrating on your abdomen. It was still just an ache. Much better than last time. They doctors were right. "N-not bad. Just s-s-sore." Your voice was hoarse and quiet. It sounded foreign to your ears.

"Good. You're on a low dose of pain medicine so I'll give you a little more for that ache and your throat, too. Are you chilly, hon? You've got a shiver."

You hadn't noticed, but the first shiver you had was now almost a constant. You nod, and then a thermometer is being placed under your tongue. After the beep you look up to the nurse who now wears a slight frown.

"101.4 you got a little fever from the anesthesia. I'll get you another blanket and some tylenol. I'll be right back."

You look back to Tom who was stroking your hair with a little grin on his face. "The surgeon said you did great. You should be mostly pain free by tomorrow and then the day after we should be discharged. This tube will be much more comfortable for you, too."

You just nod as another shiver runs through you. Exhaustion creeping back in. Your eyes shut. The last thing you're aware of is the warmth of another blanket and Toms whisper. "We're going to take you back to your room now, love. Just rest."