Today began just like yesterday. The converging of the doctors. A new one this time, from gastroenterology. He came to tell us that they would probably be taking Mel to interventional radiology in the next day or so to place a drain in his abdominal wall and hopefully get it right into the hole in the wall of his colon. There are so many doctors, the benefit of a teaching hospital, but it is so hard to remember who is who and who does what. The only two we can remember are Dr. Scott Davis and Dr. Elaine Lam, the hospitalist and the oncologist. We haven't seen our regular oncologist Dr. Flaig yet, because it is his month to do clinic visits and Dr. Lam's month to do clinic visits and take care of hospital patients. We both really like her. She is very soft spoken and very direct.
I spent the day reading and trying to rest a little bit. I feel a little self-conscious sleeping on the cot in Mel's room. I don't feel like I can really undress and get comfortable enough to sleep well. I called mom and asked her to send some sweats with Deanna when she brings Nicole to visit later in the week. At least they are more comfortable to sleep in than jeans and I might sleep better. Trying to shower is something else. I am allowed to shower in Mel's restroom, but that is not such an easy task. I have to try to do it in between nurse's aides visits, nurses visits to give medications and doctor's visits. I don't want to miss any of the doctors who come in because I want to know exactly what is going on.
Mel is getting very little nutrition other than the IV fluids. They are talking about putting a central line in, which goes in an artery rather than a vein. Through this they can give him TPN (total parenteral nutrition). This is where the doctors and a nutriotionist, along with the pharmacy staff get together and decide on what kind of nutrition you need based on your lab values. When they start this, it will run during the night. Another benefit of this is that Mel won't have to be stuck anymore for lab work, etc., they can take the blood right from the central line. I am glad they are going to do that. His poor arms look like pin cushions, and he is understandably, a little annoyed by all the lab tests being drawn.
On a good note, though, throughout the day Mel's creatinine (his kidney test) has started to drop. We were so excited to hear this, thinking the sooner it goes down the sooner Mel can have surgery, and we can go home. I asked them today if we would go home and come back for the surgery, and they said there was no way they would be able to discharge him in the condition he is in and then drive back to Denver. They said we live too far away from the hospital for him to get urgent care if he needs it.
We both miss the kids. Mel wants me to think about going home to see them, but I don't feel like I can leave Mel. It scares me to not be with him. I just want to be by his side in case he needs me. Tonight we prayed together again before he went to sleep. We still believe God is in the business of miracles and that we will get our miracle.
Matthew 14:14 And when Jesus went out He saw a great multitude; and He was moved with compassion for them, and healed their sick.
Please Lord I am only asking you to heal one, the man I love, the father of my children. In the dark, I again spend most of the night just repeating over and over please Lord, please Lord, heal him for his family. I'm not done loving him yet. He has our kids to raise, grandchildren to watch grow. Please Lord.
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