Dear Friends & Family,
They always call the day before surgery to remind you of the dangers of tomorrows surgery. "Please email all of your medical clearances, and medicine lists, and sign these waivers". "Do not take your medication in the morning, and by all means do not eat after 8pm tonight, not even water". No wonder I need a port, they insist on dehydrating me before any of these procedures. It is a very dry 110 degrees, I feel like I'm evaporating. The installation of the port went well. I am convinced that this additional surgery will make the next portion of my treatment easier to endure. When I went in for the neck resection on June 2, the Anesthesiologist Dr. O'Bern slips me the "mickey"(verced & some other stuff) as we are heading down the hallway to surgery. I let him know that I'm aware of this and follow up with " Celine Dion walks into a bar, The bartender says "Hey Celine Dion" Why the long Face? The anesthesiologist really got a kick out of that after the ER nurse explained the joke.
Traveling in the current circle has brought me some insights that I have heretofore been blissfully unaware. I have accumulated a ton of medical history over my lifetime. (Heart history, family history, current medication, EKG's, CT's, Ultrasounds, MRI's, Current Bloodwork) That medical history, and the living will, and the durable power of attorney, needs to be made available to all of the various specialists that are working on my case. Beth & I have begun to scan our records, so that they can be sent to all the requesting physicians. We also carry a file box with us to the various appointments. That way we can provide info, and take copies of our records from the attending physicians office.
Most of the attending health care professionals have been very gentle, and caring. Beth & I like to bring some form of gift(candy) to the people caring for us. Very few are just punching a clock. The current tour of Medical facilities has included a full range of facilities. We have been to big, old, new, and boutique hospitals. The level of care has been above average, to excellent. My physicians seem to have been drawn to me in a way that I would describe as spiritual. The right professional has been referred, or suggested. We were troubled early on with the avalanche of choices that were to be made. The suggestions to get additional opinions were all around us, and everyone had a friend who had the exact same cancer. I should go to a major cancer center, I should get a 2nd opinion, consider a holistic approach. I should get a lobotomy. The noise in my head began to drown out my sense, and intuition, that all of this is happening for a reason.
I know that everything I have ever needed in my life has been drawn to me, and this cancer is included. I am uniquely qualified to go through this challenge. Life was given to me, and I was able to interact with my environment naturally, and gradually. I did not teach myself how to see, I did not teach myself how to deal w/, gravity, or hearing. I was gifted w/ the ability to exist and blessed with an environment, and intellect which allowed me to apply the immutable laws of nature. I was nourished physically, and spiritually from the very beginning.
Tomorrows(oops Todays) only appointment is with Dr Umar, who installed the feeding tube. That hi-tech apparatus(it's a short quarter inch piece of flex tubing w/ a crimper, and a cap) is working like a dream. I run 60cc's of water through it about 3-4 times daily. It is conveniently located smack dab in the middle of my stomach about 3 inches above my navel. The trickiest aspect of the feeding tube is keeping is securely fastened to my abdomen. I tape it to my chest which is gradually becoming hairless.
I hope that you guys can tolerate these incessant ramblings of mine. I will not be offended if you ask me to remove your name from the distribution list. I have been challenged to add photos, and music links. You know who you are. The guy at the Apple Store has helped me transition to the Mac Book, but I have a long way to go. I hope that these writings help me stay centered during the difficult days ahead. My navigation of this process cannot be done alone. I rely heavily on a God to provide me w/ the strength necessary to stay on course. You and the rest of my support network, are an essential element to my recovery. I have received a ton of prayers, and best wishes, which I can feel as I go into stressful procedures. I appreciate the feedback, and enjoy reconnecting with so many important people in my life.
That's all for now.
Much Love,
TJH
No comments:
Post a Comment