When we had our Snoodle (a dog that is part Schnauzer; part Poodle) named Riley a mobile groomer came periodically to our home. I would put Riley on a leash and the groomer would take him to her self-contained vehicle set up to wash and cut his hair.
When the groomer was finished with Riley she would return him to me smelling fresh and clean. He always had a new, colorful boy-dog bandanna tied around his neck. Girl-dogs got ribbons in their hair.
I'd pay the groomer-lady on our door step. Riley avoided having to stay in a wire cage for the long wait until his turn at a pet grooming shop or until his owner came to pick him up. I didn't have to take him, leave him, and drive back to get him. It was a win-win situation for all three of us.
Because Doug has been bed-ridden for some time he hasn't been able to go to his groomer. Usually he has his hair cut every few weeks to get his hair so it lays just so. In the hospital there was no mobile groomer. No one offered to wash or trim his hair. Besides have you ever had your hair washed in bed?
So today he not only showered and washed his hair. Kevin and I played "barber". The fact that he let us shows he is getting better but still is not well!!
I started first very cautiously. Kevin came in to inspect and took over. After all he has had more experience with men's hair than I have. My role was to work the vacuum cleaner, something I do have experience with. It was a team effort.
Having hair on his head needing to be cut while under going cancer treatment is not something Doug or his family has taken for granted. It was a real pleasure for us to see hair fall on the floor while some remained on his head.
He, however, refused the boy-bandanna for his neck!
~Carole
Sunday, December 30, 2007
Saturday, December 29, 2007
He's Home
Have you ever slept in someone else's bed for 10 days and nights? If so you know how happy Doug was to sleep in his own bed in his own room with no one coming in to wake him up to ask how he feels and to take his "vital" signs to see if he is still alive. Who thought that idea up anyway?
Kevin and I went to the hospital around 8 p.m. to gather up Doug and his personal belongings and to wait until the discharge nurse put together all the paper work. The time between when one knows one is going to be able to go home and when one is actually discharged gives another meaning to the word patient. Doug knew yesterday morning that he was going to be able to go home that day. He was escorted to our car by the hospital staff at 8:45 last night.
Kevin took his dad home to settle in and I went to the pharmacy to get the 2 new prescriptions filled.
All Friday, in preparation for Doug's arrival, I had scrubbed, dusted, vacuumed rugs, bleached sinks, wiped down door knobs with Clorox wipes, disinfected counters, and felt a lot like Bridgette!! By 11:00 p.m. I had distributed his new medications and tucked him in for a night of uninterrupted sleep.
This morning the phone rang. It was a nurse from the home health agency that has been assigned to help. It was a male voice who indicated that he had been asked to come to visit us today to admit Doug into the program and do the initial evaluation. I was thrilled it was a male nurse. There is just something about man-to-man communication that I cannot provide!!!
He arrived in the afternoon as planned, paper work and computer in hand. Would you believe he is both an R.N. and a D.C. as in Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic medicine? Talk about blessings. He sees patients in his office as a D.C. week days and works part-time for the home health agency as an R.N. He was on-call this weekend and told us he will be Doug's case manager.
He ordered a physical therapy consult from their agency as well which will help Doug get back on his feet. It was music to my ears to hear one of the goals of home health is to provide services in our home that will prevent Doug from having to return to the emergency room or to sleep in someone else's bed at a hospital anytime soon.
~Carole
PS The Christmas tree is now a New Year tree. It sits on the window seat in our bedroom to remind Doug of the reason he needs to do what his Oncologist/Hematologist, his R.N./D.C., P.T.--and wife (Mrs./M.A.)-- tells him to keep him from having to return to the hospital in 2008!!!
Kevin and I went to the hospital around 8 p.m. to gather up Doug and his personal belongings and to wait until the discharge nurse put together all the paper work. The time between when one knows one is going to be able to go home and when one is actually discharged gives another meaning to the word patient. Doug knew yesterday morning that he was going to be able to go home that day. He was escorted to our car by the hospital staff at 8:45 last night.
Kevin took his dad home to settle in and I went to the pharmacy to get the 2 new prescriptions filled.
All Friday, in preparation for Doug's arrival, I had scrubbed, dusted, vacuumed rugs, bleached sinks, wiped down door knobs with Clorox wipes, disinfected counters, and felt a lot like Bridgette!! By 11:00 p.m. I had distributed his new medications and tucked him in for a night of uninterrupted sleep.
This morning the phone rang. It was a nurse from the home health agency that has been assigned to help. It was a male voice who indicated that he had been asked to come to visit us today to admit Doug into the program and do the initial evaluation. I was thrilled it was a male nurse. There is just something about man-to-man communication that I cannot provide!!!
He arrived in the afternoon as planned, paper work and computer in hand. Would you believe he is both an R.N. and a D.C. as in Registered Nurse and Doctor of Chiropractic medicine? Talk about blessings. He sees patients in his office as a D.C. week days and works part-time for the home health agency as an R.N. He was on-call this weekend and told us he will be Doug's case manager.
He ordered a physical therapy consult from their agency as well which will help Doug get back on his feet. It was music to my ears to hear one of the goals of home health is to provide services in our home that will prevent Doug from having to return to the emergency room or to sleep in someone else's bed at a hospital anytime soon.
~Carole
PS The Christmas tree is now a New Year tree. It sits on the window seat in our bedroom to remind Doug of the reason he needs to do what his Oncologist/Hematologist, his R.N./D.C., P.T.--and wife (Mrs./M.A.)-- tells him to keep him from having to return to the hospital in 2008!!!
Thursday, December 27, 2007
O Christmas Tree
December 25 at the hospital.
We’ve had a lot of sympathy (and some empathy) for Doug having to be in the hospital at Christmas time. If you think about it there are worse places that he could have been: in a homeless shelter, in a country at war, in prison, or maybe even in a home where love has been lost.
Yes, Doug was disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to go home. He had plans for what we’d do while the kids were here. Yes, the kids and I were disappointed too but we did our best to make lemonade out of a lemon. Love was not lost!
Some of our friends felt that if Doug had to be in the hospital during Christmas that he must have a Christmas tree in his room. As I understand it the Christmas tree as part of the season’s celebration was brought over to America by German immigrants. Table top Christmas trees were the first ones Americans used.
The fun began when we realized that the tree could be decorated with all manner of medical items being used in Doug’s treatment. Add to that the fact that the trays from dietary added some charm as well. Some of the gifts below the tree ENSURE he'll be coming home soon. You’d really have to view it up close and personal to get the full benefit!
The night before, Christmas Eve, the kids had made up some holiday gift bags. We gave them to anyone who came into care for Doug Christmas day. We also visited the man who Kevin had noted didn’t have many, if any, visitors. He broke into a smile and said, “You have really lifted my spirits.”
We called the family members who were not able to be with us. Many of our extended family called us. After Christmas dinner Doug and I were given another gift of love that is indescribable. In an act of unselfishness on both of their parts, Laura returned to New York alone because she had to work the day after Christmas. Our son Kevin is staying by to help me with Doug until we are both stabilized again.
We’ve had a lot of sympathy (and some empathy) for Doug having to be in the hospital at Christmas time. If you think about it there are worse places that he could have been: in a homeless shelter, in a country at war, in prison, or maybe even in a home where love has been lost.
Yes, Doug was disappointed that he wasn’t well enough to go home. He had plans for what we’d do while the kids were here. Yes, the kids and I were disappointed too but we did our best to make lemonade out of a lemon. Love was not lost!
Some of our friends felt that if Doug had to be in the hospital during Christmas that he must have a Christmas tree in his room. As I understand it the Christmas tree as part of the season’s celebration was brought over to America by German immigrants. Table top Christmas trees were the first ones Americans used.
The fun began when we realized that the tree could be decorated with all manner of medical items being used in Doug’s treatment. Add to that the fact that the trays from dietary added some charm as well. Some of the gifts below the tree ENSURE he'll be coming home soon. You’d really have to view it up close and personal to get the full benefit!
The night before, Christmas Eve, the kids had made up some holiday gift bags. We gave them to anyone who came into care for Doug Christmas day. We also visited the man who Kevin had noted didn’t have many, if any, visitors. He broke into a smile and said, “You have really lifted my spirits.”
We called the family members who were not able to be with us. Many of our extended family called us. After Christmas dinner Doug and I were given another gift of love that is indescribable. In an act of unselfishness on both of their parts, Laura returned to New York alone because she had to work the day after Christmas. Our son Kevin is staying by to help me with Doug until we are both stabilized again.
Kevin is able to continue working in Texas as his craft is done over the Internet. He is a web programmer/designer working on client contracts while the writers strike for film and television remains halting most all production including his work as a cinematographer.
Doug took steps with the physical therapist yesterday (December 26). It is our first sign that his X-rays (for pneumonia) are getting better and better. I better go vacuum the red carpet.
~Carole
Doug took steps with the physical therapist yesterday (December 26). It is our first sign that his X-rays (for pneumonia) are getting better and better. I better go vacuum the red carpet.
~Carole
Tuesday, December 25, 2007
Christmas Morning
December 25
Its Christmas morning and I haven’t called or gone to see Doug yet. I have to tell you that I’m very glad no one has called me from the hospital either. That means I have much to be thankful for this Christmas morning. My husband and best friend of 39 years is alive.
If you happen to have a significant other and are so busy ‘doing’ life you don't have time 'being’ together you don’t want to wait until one of you is in a hospital to realize their importance to you. Tell them every day that you love them. More than that make them know they are your first prioity. As you consider 2008 ask yourself if your work (and the time you spend at it) is more or less important that the ones you love.
On Christmas Eve there were 27 patients-one of which was my husband-on the fourth floor who will be spending Christmas day in this hospital. Our son suggested that he noticed that one man in a room adjacent to his Dad’s room has not had visitors this week except the people on the television which he watches all day long. Our kids want to do something for him today. We’ll take a few things to Doug and the nurses, techs and housekeepers too. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Last year Kevin and Laura suggested that instead of purchasing gifts for them that their relatives give what they would spend on them to a charity of the relative's choice. They would do the same and not mail gifts to us. This year Kristi needed two new tires or funds to assist her in the gift of health at the health club. It has been satisfying for us to see our adult children grow in their sense of what is truly important to them.
I spent one Christmas in the hospital. I told Doug this Christmas it is his turn. We'd both rather have him be home. But the menu for patients and in the cafeteria (I think) looks like a full compliment of a Christmas dinner. I’m thrilled. I don’t have to cook!!!!
That’s another unexpected gift.
~Carole
Its Christmas morning and I haven’t called or gone to see Doug yet. I have to tell you that I’m very glad no one has called me from the hospital either. That means I have much to be thankful for this Christmas morning. My husband and best friend of 39 years is alive.
If you happen to have a significant other and are so busy ‘doing’ life you don't have time 'being’ together you don’t want to wait until one of you is in a hospital to realize their importance to you. Tell them every day that you love them. More than that make them know they are your first prioity. As you consider 2008 ask yourself if your work (and the time you spend at it) is more or less important that the ones you love.
On Christmas Eve there were 27 patients-one of which was my husband-on the fourth floor who will be spending Christmas day in this hospital. Our son suggested that he noticed that one man in a room adjacent to his Dad’s room has not had visitors this week except the people on the television which he watches all day long. Our kids want to do something for him today. We’ll take a few things to Doug and the nurses, techs and housekeepers too. I’ll let you know how it goes.
Last year Kevin and Laura suggested that instead of purchasing gifts for them that their relatives give what they would spend on them to a charity of the relative's choice. They would do the same and not mail gifts to us. This year Kristi needed two new tires or funds to assist her in the gift of health at the health club. It has been satisfying for us to see our adult children grow in their sense of what is truly important to them.
I spent one Christmas in the hospital. I told Doug this Christmas it is his turn. We'd both rather have him be home. But the menu for patients and in the cafeteria (I think) looks like a full compliment of a Christmas dinner. I’m thrilled. I don’t have to cook!!!!
That’s another unexpected gift.
~Carole
Personal Space
December 23
If you’ve ever been hospitalized or stayed to visit any length of time in a hospital, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say having a small private room is preferable to one that is shared with another sick person. It’s hard enough to deal with the interruptions of your own medical staff and visitors. Not that sharing isn’t a good thing….
When one is sick having personal space aids in the healing process if only psychologically. This hospital opted for private rooms when it was built.
When Doug was transferred from ER to his room on the 4th floor he told the first nurse who knocked on his door, “Welcome to my closet”. Doug wasn’t complaining, he was making his own observation. He also had a high fever!
He asked me if the room had a bathroom. It did but it was behind him as he lay in bed. His bed faced away from the small window and filled the length of the room. The doors into both the bathroom behind him and into the hallway in front of him barely cleared so the doors could open. He felt his feet were sticking out in the hallway!
There was one very large chair in front of the window Doug couldn't see and one straight chair by a closet for his personal things. There was a small 3-drawer chest with the Gideon Bible and the phone on top located to one side of his bed and a bedside service area needed for personal care and for when the food tray was delivered.
We would learn later that the bed was brand new (and thus longer) and that this particular floor had just been remodeled with new paint on the walls, new flooring and a bathroom as nice as on any cruise ship we’ve been on. The room soon became our home away from home.
When the kids from New York arrived on Friday we couldn’t fit another chair into the room. I sat on the side of the bed; one of us stood, or in the case of the kids sat on one another’s lap. Someone up above fixed the space problem for us--unexpectedly.
On Saturday I went into the bathroom and there was water on the floor. I won’t tell you what my first thoughts were….but when I reached for a wash cloth to take to Doug, the cloth was already wet. The two wash cloths and two towels hanging over the towel bar were soaked with water. I looked on the wall above them and water was cascading behind the water-proof paint which was trying its hardest to hold the water back and not let it break through. This gave me a clue that I needed to alert someone right away.
You’ve never seen people move into action as fast as the staff did to remove Doug from that room. In matters of minutes he was in a wheel chair with IV pole and me following. He was wheeled down the hall and into the largest hospital room we have ever seen. It has three windows, one which Doug can look out of from his bed and I can look out from “my” recliner. Another adjacent window lets streams of sunshine in that as long as the shades are adjusted so the light doesn’t hit any of his IV bags the sunshine really lifts Doug’s spirits.
From Doug's bed, he can’t even see the door into the hallway. There is a jog in the wall that is almost like a sitting room one would have in a home. There are three movable chairs and one two-person couch. It is awesome!
And for the record, Bridgette doesn’t work on 5th floor yet!!!! It’s under remodel and no patients or medical staff is housed there during construction. We’ll never know who left the water running or what plumber didn't tighten something on the 5th floor tight enough. What we do know is that one family has more space in which to spend Christmas in the hospital Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We’ve logged another lesson about the way that God provides in unexpected ways.
~Carole
If you’ve ever been hospitalized or stayed to visit any length of time in a hospital, you’ll know what I’m talking about when I say having a small private room is preferable to one that is shared with another sick person. It’s hard enough to deal with the interruptions of your own medical staff and visitors. Not that sharing isn’t a good thing….
When one is sick having personal space aids in the healing process if only psychologically. This hospital opted for private rooms when it was built.
When Doug was transferred from ER to his room on the 4th floor he told the first nurse who knocked on his door, “Welcome to my closet”. Doug wasn’t complaining, he was making his own observation. He also had a high fever!
He asked me if the room had a bathroom. It did but it was behind him as he lay in bed. His bed faced away from the small window and filled the length of the room. The doors into both the bathroom behind him and into the hallway in front of him barely cleared so the doors could open. He felt his feet were sticking out in the hallway!
There was one very large chair in front of the window Doug couldn't see and one straight chair by a closet for his personal things. There was a small 3-drawer chest with the Gideon Bible and the phone on top located to one side of his bed and a bedside service area needed for personal care and for when the food tray was delivered.
We would learn later that the bed was brand new (and thus longer) and that this particular floor had just been remodeled with new paint on the walls, new flooring and a bathroom as nice as on any cruise ship we’ve been on. The room soon became our home away from home.
When the kids from New York arrived on Friday we couldn’t fit another chair into the room. I sat on the side of the bed; one of us stood, or in the case of the kids sat on one another’s lap. Someone up above fixed the space problem for us--unexpectedly.
On Saturday I went into the bathroom and there was water on the floor. I won’t tell you what my first thoughts were….but when I reached for a wash cloth to take to Doug, the cloth was already wet. The two wash cloths and two towels hanging over the towel bar were soaked with water. I looked on the wall above them and water was cascading behind the water-proof paint which was trying its hardest to hold the water back and not let it break through. This gave me a clue that I needed to alert someone right away.
You’ve never seen people move into action as fast as the staff did to remove Doug from that room. In matters of minutes he was in a wheel chair with IV pole and me following. He was wheeled down the hall and into the largest hospital room we have ever seen. It has three windows, one which Doug can look out of from his bed and I can look out from “my” recliner. Another adjacent window lets streams of sunshine in that as long as the shades are adjusted so the light doesn’t hit any of his IV bags the sunshine really lifts Doug’s spirits.
From Doug's bed, he can’t even see the door into the hallway. There is a jog in the wall that is almost like a sitting room one would have in a home. There are three movable chairs and one two-person couch. It is awesome!
And for the record, Bridgette doesn’t work on 5th floor yet!!!! It’s under remodel and no patients or medical staff is housed there during construction. We’ll never know who left the water running or what plumber didn't tighten something on the 5th floor tight enough. What we do know is that one family has more space in which to spend Christmas in the hospital Christmas Eve and Christmas day. We’ve logged another lesson about the way that God provides in unexpected ways.
~Carole
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Bridgette
(If you haven’t read “the procedure” read that first or this post will not make as much sense.)
Friday morning after they had taken Doug to x-ray for his procedure I was left alone in his room—or thought I was at the time. My reserves were down. The previous night at home alone was one of my most vulnerable times for discouragement. I’m not proud. I was tired. I had tears in my eyes after I kissed Doug good-bye.
Then she came in. Green scrubs, blue gloves, spray bottle and mop in hand. She excused herself and said she was there to tidy Doug’s room. She stopped, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Honey, you look worried. He’ll be fine. We don’t let any negative thoughts be up on this floor. He’ll be fine! We are all praying ‘fools’ up here”.
I learned her name was Bridgett. She grew up in Germany. I asked her about her faith and how she became a “praying fool”. She told me that in Germany you are either Catholic or Protestant and that she was Protestant but it wasn’t until she came to America that the Baptists really socked it into her. She told me she doesn’t really attend any church regularly because she has to work.
She said, “I don’t work two jobs because I’m pretty.” When she gets done at the hospital she works nights at Baptist Theological Seminary (in Fort Worth). Her house is a mess and she needs money to fix it up. She knows the Lord will provide if she if faithful to Him.
(Note: all this time she is cleaning!)
Bridgette: “Honey, I don’t know all the Scriptures but I know this one. When two are gathered in my name, I’m there with ‘um. Sooooooo I’m here. You’re there. That’s 2 aint it? So God is here. You just claim that because I have. I tell that to my patients all the time.
“I’ve worked here 14 years and 98 percents of my patients go home. Some even come back looking for me showing their numbers and that the cancer is all gone. Then we have a big group hug. Imagine. Me. I’m just a cleaning lady.”
Carole: “No Bridgett, you are not just a cleaning lady. The Lord knew I needed you at this very moment. You have ministered to me in a way He knew I needed you. You could have been cleaning someone else’s room down the hall.”
Bridgette: “Now when I start talking about God I can’t stop. But then I don’t get my work done so I better finish up. But don’t give your negative thoughts over to the devil. That ‘ol ‘dip stick’ is going to get his butt kicked real soon and he’s out to discourage anyone he can. I won’t let him at me. I don’t just ask him to please leave me alone. I don’t say get away from me. I COMMAND him to get the hell out of my presence—excuse my language but that is where he’s headed anyway. I’m just a housekeeper but I’m here to claim healing for all my patients. It sure isn’t the money. I pray for each one on this floor every night. Now I don’t remember all their names but I reason that He does (points to the ceiling) and that’s Who matters. Your man is a good man and God needs Him too. I’ve gotta go. Just call Bridgette if you need me. I’ll be around here all day.”
Just a cleaning lady? Just a housekeeper? Not by God’s standard. Not by mine either!
~Carole
Friday morning after they had taken Doug to x-ray for his procedure I was left alone in his room—or thought I was at the time. My reserves were down. The previous night at home alone was one of my most vulnerable times for discouragement. I’m not proud. I was tired. I had tears in my eyes after I kissed Doug good-bye.
Then she came in. Green scrubs, blue gloves, spray bottle and mop in hand. She excused herself and said she was there to tidy Doug’s room. She stopped, looked me straight in the eye and said, “Honey, you look worried. He’ll be fine. We don’t let any negative thoughts be up on this floor. He’ll be fine! We are all praying ‘fools’ up here”.
I learned her name was Bridgett. She grew up in Germany. I asked her about her faith and how she became a “praying fool”. She told me that in Germany you are either Catholic or Protestant and that she was Protestant but it wasn’t until she came to America that the Baptists really socked it into her. She told me she doesn’t really attend any church regularly because she has to work.
She said, “I don’t work two jobs because I’m pretty.” When she gets done at the hospital she works nights at Baptist Theological Seminary (in Fort Worth). Her house is a mess and she needs money to fix it up. She knows the Lord will provide if she if faithful to Him.
(Note: all this time she is cleaning!)
Bridgette: “Honey, I don’t know all the Scriptures but I know this one. When two are gathered in my name, I’m there with ‘um. Sooooooo I’m here. You’re there. That’s 2 aint it? So God is here. You just claim that because I have. I tell that to my patients all the time.
“I’ve worked here 14 years and 98 percents of my patients go home. Some even come back looking for me showing their numbers and that the cancer is all gone. Then we have a big group hug. Imagine. Me. I’m just a cleaning lady.”
Carole: “No Bridgett, you are not just a cleaning lady. The Lord knew I needed you at this very moment. You have ministered to me in a way He knew I needed you. You could have been cleaning someone else’s room down the hall.”
Bridgette: “Now when I start talking about God I can’t stop. But then I don’t get my work done so I better finish up. But don’t give your negative thoughts over to the devil. That ‘ol ‘dip stick’ is going to get his butt kicked real soon and he’s out to discourage anyone he can. I won’t let him at me. I don’t just ask him to please leave me alone. I don’t say get away from me. I COMMAND him to get the hell out of my presence—excuse my language but that is where he’s headed anyway. I’m just a housekeeper but I’m here to claim healing for all my patients. It sure isn’t the money. I pray for each one on this floor every night. Now I don’t remember all their names but I reason that He does (points to the ceiling) and that’s Who matters. Your man is a good man and God needs Him too. I’ve gotta go. Just call Bridgette if you need me. I’ll be around here all day.”
Just a cleaning lady? Just a housekeeper? Not by God’s standard. Not by mine either!
~Carole
The "Procedure"
I’m late letting you know what Doug has been dealing with but being with Doug at the hospital takes me away from my computer. Here is an update from Friday, December 21:
I arrived at the hospital in time to have prayer and kiss Doug before his “procedure”. Doug was told late the night before (after I had already left for the eveninig) that because he was not responding to the antibiotics, they needed to pass a bronchoscope down into his lungs to take samples to culture.
The camera goes through the nose, down into the esophagus into the lungs. It is done by a lung specialist in X-ray. At least that is how I understood/understand it. Doug feels nothing as his passage ways are numbed and then he is put “under” like when you have a colonoscopy so that day you don’t remember it even happened. (To be frank some of this passes right over my head so you medical people please forgive.) But I have had a colonoscopy so that part is VERY clear to me!!! I was to wait in his room so the surgeon could speak to me after it was over.
It took about an hour from when the nurse took Doug from the room to when he came back. The procedure was to have taken only half of that time as I understood it from the nurse. I was told Doug wouldn't know what had happened most of Friday. I was to watch him to be sure he didn't try to get up alone, etc. etc.
We won’t know the final results of the cultures of the samples they took from his lungs until Monday, Christmas Eve. If the finding is, as they suspect now it will be nothing more serious than pneumonia it will be a wonderful Christmas present. (Pneumonia is serious enough.) Meanwhile they treat him with inhalation therapy and serious antibiotics through his IV. He has been fever-free for the last 48 hours so that is encouraging.
Saturday the pulmonary specialist who stopped on rounds in the afternoon told Doug the Saturday morning x-ray looked better than the original so some response is occurring. Preliminary report is that they found no tumor, no tuberculosis and the cultures will give them a more clear understanding.
I’ve asked if it is contagious and he said that if it were the lab would probably have called by now! It is more common with immune compromised cancer patients.
Doug is on oxygen. I think he’d want me to tell you to not take your lungs or ability to walk and breathe at the same time for granted. I have taken mine forgranted I'm confessing up until now watching my husband’s struggle.
The gifts under your Christmas tree are nothing by comparison to the gift of life. Give thanks right now for your two lungs and your ability to breathe without even thinking about it.
~Carole
I arrived at the hospital in time to have prayer and kiss Doug before his “procedure”. Doug was told late the night before (after I had already left for the eveninig) that because he was not responding to the antibiotics, they needed to pass a bronchoscope down into his lungs to take samples to culture.
The camera goes through the nose, down into the esophagus into the lungs. It is done by a lung specialist in X-ray. At least that is how I understood/understand it. Doug feels nothing as his passage ways are numbed and then he is put “under” like when you have a colonoscopy so that day you don’t remember it even happened. (To be frank some of this passes right over my head so you medical people please forgive.) But I have had a colonoscopy so that part is VERY clear to me!!! I was to wait in his room so the surgeon could speak to me after it was over.
It took about an hour from when the nurse took Doug from the room to when he came back. The procedure was to have taken only half of that time as I understood it from the nurse. I was told Doug wouldn't know what had happened most of Friday. I was to watch him to be sure he didn't try to get up alone, etc. etc.
We won’t know the final results of the cultures of the samples they took from his lungs until Monday, Christmas Eve. If the finding is, as they suspect now it will be nothing more serious than pneumonia it will be a wonderful Christmas present. (Pneumonia is serious enough.) Meanwhile they treat him with inhalation therapy and serious antibiotics through his IV. He has been fever-free for the last 48 hours so that is encouraging.
Saturday the pulmonary specialist who stopped on rounds in the afternoon told Doug the Saturday morning x-ray looked better than the original so some response is occurring. Preliminary report is that they found no tumor, no tuberculosis and the cultures will give them a more clear understanding.
I’ve asked if it is contagious and he said that if it were the lab would probably have called by now! It is more common with immune compromised cancer patients.
Doug is on oxygen. I think he’d want me to tell you to not take your lungs or ability to walk and breathe at the same time for granted. I have taken mine forgranted I'm confessing up until now watching my husband’s struggle.
The gifts under your Christmas tree are nothing by comparison to the gift of life. Give thanks right now for your two lungs and your ability to breathe without even thinking about it.
~Carole
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