With drain tubes inserted through the body and circling down to an external bulb which catches whatever liquid and dead tissue it can suction, one feels, at least on a small-scale, like a robot. Walking a bit stiff and protective of the bulb, making sure to keep the drains in a position that is not too tight as to pull on the single stitch holding it in place, yet loose enough to collect fluid, it all feels a bit robotic.
You can imagine the delight when I went in today and heard the words “take a long deep breath” while the nurse pulled the final tube, which can only be described like a foot-long snake, from my chest. Surprisingly, it is pain-free with the exception of a tiny sting when she cleans it with alcohol. In fact, it is a relief to no longer have the pressure of the tube inside my body. Now I can focus on stretching and straightening my right arm and shoulder, without the concern of pulling a stitch or infecting my tube. In other words, no more excuses. Time to get to work bringing back my full range of motion.
Finding the best time to go and get the drains removed was a bit of a challenge since driving is still forbidden. Tim had a meeting at 9:30, so we were on kind of a tight schedule. I could have waited until later in the afternoon but didn’t want to take a chance on missing out and keeping this tube for the entire weekend. Of course, as usually occurs more often than not, the nurse was behind schedule. The vitals went very quickly, then I sat in the exam room with enough time to check FaceBook until I ran out of new stories. My oncologist’s nurse came in for a chat, but chuckled when I asked if she would remove the drain. “Oh no, you don’t want me to do that.” Hmmm. I wondered, “Is Misti here?” I was hoping she would walk through the door any minute. “Yes, she’s here. I’ll go find her.” She left the room as quickly as she entered.
It takes two computers to do this man’s job. 🙂
In actuality, Dr. Rourke’s nurse was called out to a “mandatory in-service” at the time we arrived, after she told me to “come in any time” since she would be working at her desk all day. So nurse Barbara stepped in and did just fine removing the drain and relieving the pressure. In the meantime, Tim set up camp in the hospital cafe for his teleconference where I met him after my appointment. He looked very technologically handsome, and reminiscent of a cowboy who sits in the corner with his back to the wall, facing the entire room in the event of an intrusion. It took many steps to walk to him, but the kiss was well worth it. It may be hard to believe we are still in love after all these years. We celebrate 28 years of marriage this month! Needless to say, we are happy to have a bit more normalcy back into our lives. God is good, and He continues to show us His love and mercy at all times. Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever (Hebrews 13:8).
First he was waiting on me, then I was waiting on him. That’s the way marriage is at times. While waiting I enjoyed reading my book by Bill Bryson. In this chapter he shared his trek through the waste-deep snow on the Appalachian Trail. His humor is at times a little off-beat, but it is very funny as he describes the antics of his traveling companion as well as those he meets along the trail. I noticed people glancing at me when I laughed out loud. This happened on more than one occasion. He has a way of describing a scene so you can visualize it, and I am confident he is not stretching the truth. Well, maybe a little.
I think Bill Bryson has been one of my writing inspirations. I first learned of this author when we were traveling to Australia, as we listened to his telling of The Sunburned Country on multiple CDs. He travels to various places then writes about his journey while incorporating interesting facts and points of history. So it’s a learning expedition, while descriptively hilarious as well. That’s akin to what I am doing, although not nearly as eloquently (or funny) as he. Perhaps I’ll work on the humor, but for now, I enjoy sharing my journey with you. 🙂
À la prochaine (Until next time) …