One Big Step Closer to Going Home!

Gratefully, Tami stood watch and stayed by your side all night long. Your fever was quite worrisome, resulting in intense chills and sweats. Your medical team was poised to begin blood cultures when your fever broke just before 3 am.  Tami was there to reassure you, get you out of your sweat soaked sheets, help your nurse, and keep us informed.  This day dawned bright and clear along with your shining spirit!

With your fever behind you and the pain more manageable, you keep a cheerful outlook all day long, even though you are "NPO"  (nothing to eat or drink) ALL day until they can finally get you into Interventional Radiology for the placement of your new Central IV line.  This Hickman Line will deliver the high powered antibiotics to you, just above your courageous heart, for the next six weeks.

In the late afternoon, as your gurney approaches the surgical suite where they place this line, your old pal, Dr. McCord, with his entourage in tow, comes out to enthusiastically greet you.  He and his team marvel at your beautiful cranium, your characteristic good humor and of course your gorgeous service dog, Toliver.  Dr. McCord returns your grin, tenderly placing his hand on your shoulder, and tells you that he still has your Team 44 bracelet from last year.  He keeps it on his nightstand where he sees it every day! As they wheel you into the room you can be heard joking and laughing with this team about reggae music!

Although you are safe in the hands of Dr. McCord and Team,
Toliver clearly has his doubts about leaving you!

Tollie and I are escorted by a nurse back to the public side of the department, Toliver with his handsome head down and shuffling his paws.  He's always a bit dejected when he has to turn you over to the surgeons......and admittedly, so am I.   We sit quietly in the common area with Pops waiting for the call to say the line has been successfully placed without complications.   I know this isn't a big procedure compared to all your others, but I am a bit down about it.  I sit wondering how DO you do it?  How do you keep such an upbeat cheerful outlook no matter how many times you face disappointments or new challenges?

Reunited!

Back in your room Toliver is delighted to have you safely back in his care.   Up on your bed for a snuggle, with his tail wagging happily, he offers you his favorite toy to play with.  The moment is precious, so I ask.  You shrug your one good shoulder and explain to me how you do it ... "I just don't think about the bad things that have happened or the surgery ahead of me".  "Mmmmmm, What do you think about when you're facing a painful or scary procedure?" I really want to know.  Smiling your crooked smile, you respond, "I think about all the happy times and the fact that I'm Alive....That's a good thing." True. So True Forrest.  You make it sound so easy.  But I know it isn't.

God Bless you, Darlin' and God Bless all your amazing doctors, surgeons, nurses, therapists, family, friends, prayer warriors, and followers who have made this crazy journey not just possible, but amazing, insightful and empowering.

With an eternally grateful heart, Forrest for your life, your wisdom and your unshakable sense of humor,

Mum