Day 4/2-11

Day 4/2-11

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The last 24 hours have been tough. I was supposed to get my Hickman Port yesterday before noon. I didn't eat or drink anything in preparation for surgery. Finally, at 2:30 in the afternoon a nurse took me down on a
stretcher to the OR. The nurse left my stretcher in the hall outside the OR and said she'd be right back. I sat there for an hour and a half.
Unfortunately, an emergency came in and they couldn't get to me right away. At 4 P.M. the doctors decided they would have to insert the port later so the
nurse started to return me to my room. Halfway to my room the nurse was paged to bring me back. She brought me back, put me in the OR, began
prepping me for surgery, when I said, "I have radiation at 5 P.M." Oops...I can't be sedated so close to a radiation treatment because I am required to
stand up straight and still for 30-45 minutes. So I was sent back to my room and headed for radiation. I still haven't had anything to eat or drink since last
night. The radiation treatment went well. I got back to my room thinking
they will do the Hickman tomorrow. I'm all set to eat and drink and the
nurse runs in and says,"They'll take you in the OR for your Hickman now." So
they whisk me away on a stretcher as I wave goodbye to my visitors whom I've
been unable to visit with...Michelle, Tanner, Brad Robinson, Papa (Michelle's
dad), Doug & Nathan Hostetter, and my mom and dad. The procedure went well
though. I ended up getting an exceptional surgeon to place the Hickman. The
toughest part was coming out of anesthesia. I was nauseated, confused, and
tired. Once I got back to my room it was 9:30. I basically just hit the
sack soon after and did have a nice sleep. This morning I did radiation at 8
A.M. before I ate. I experienced my first nausea from radiation today. It
must have been associated with last night's anesthesia. I didn't throw up
though. I concentrated hard on positive things. Riding my bike down a long
country road, camping with my family, or being with Michelle. My blood
pressure is low...104/64. The doctors think it is because I am dehydrated.
So I am pounding the fluids through IV and orally. Fruit punch Gatorade is
my hydration drink of choice. Perhaps it won't be after this transplant.
After yesterday it is clear this whole experience will have ups and downs. I
just need to be strong through them. All of your prayers and support really
helps. When I was nauseated during radiation this morning I was listening to
a song by Jars of Clay called 'You were there when I needed you." I
definitely need the support of family, friends, and my Lord. I focused on
that during the treatment. It got me through. Today at 4:30 is my last
radiation treatment. Yeah...getting it done. On Saturday I will be getting
chemotherapy (medicine given through an IV). Special thanks to Tim and
Denise Haish who came by in the afternoon. I really had fun visiting with
them. Made the day much better. Last night Tanner (6) and Michelle (my wife)
stayed over night. Tanner snuggled me at all the right times. He was my
best medicine. This morning I had a nice visit with my pastor and his wife.
We shared Holy Communion together. It was uplifting. Thanks again to all
of you who have sent me e-mail and cards...you are so kind to me and it means
so very much. This is a journey no one should have to take alone.

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