Over the Hump

Every day (actually several times a day) I walk past an area of the hospital with a sign that says Diagnostic Imaging. There is a large waiting area by this sign and the area is always full. As I walk past I have this urge (thankfully it’s been controlled) to ask the entire crowd, “All ya’ll got an image problem you need diagnosed”? Those of you who know me well know my mind sometimes works in ways the normal mind doesn’t. Don’t ask me why that thought goes through my head. I couldn’t tell you. In fact, I’m probably the only one who would find humor in the question.

I never cease to be amazed at the number of people on any given day at MD Anderson. They all are dealing in their own way with the particular cancer they’ve been afflicted with. Every individual is walking through a valley filled with shadows, fears, and sometimes death. I would like to say that all of those people have read and found comfort in the 23rd Psalm during these times but I know better. You can see on the faces of many they are not comforted at all. I thank my Lord and Savior that Karen and I have the promises found in that Psalm.

Karen has experienced some shadows and fears the last day and a half. Karen’s discomfort, discouragement and fears were overwhelming for her. I can say with joy that she is doing much better now. We ended our day together by reading the 23rd Psalm. Our focus is not on the valley but on the other side. The Psalm ends with, “…and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever”.

This morning Karen’s day started with the doctor talking about going home. This sent her into a panic. She hadn’t kept food down yet, wasn’t walking on her leg yet and just couldn’t see how she would manage a four hour flight and being at home. The fact that her heavier pain medications were still working their way out of her system didn’t help. She was still unable to control her shaking and was on overload. The discouragement she felt yesterday continued through the morning hours.

As I said earlier, Karen is much better now. She is on just two medications Vicodin and Valium. The Vicodin is taking care of the pain/discomfort without any side effects. The Valium has calmed the involuntary muscle spasms and has calmed Karen’s panic. She has swelling in her leg from the procedure that will probably be there for two or three months. The swelling has caused some blistering to occur. These symptoms are normal and we were told they would occur although we probably didn’t think about the reality of it. Karen is a plodder though and I’m seeing signs that she is getting determined to work through it. I heard her tell Kaydee that although she wishes she hadn’t chosen to do this, it’s done and she just needs to deal what she has.

Our last visit with the doctor today extended the going home to mid week next week at the earliest. They want to watch some enzyme levels that are elevated and could do kidney damage if they got out of control. This is yet another side effect of the procedure. There is nothing to be worried about at this point. We are thankful that they want to watch and make sure it doesn’t get out of hand.

We cherish your prayers. Thank you. We also thank you for your encouragement through e-mails and blog comments. God Bless you all.