Yesterday (Wed), the staff at Emory inserted a feeding tube into my stomach. This is a preparatory step for nourishment during the chemo and radiation sessions. It is hoped that I do not need it, or can at least use it sparingly. It is very important that one use the God-given methods for eating (open mouth, insert food, chew, swallow) during the next few months. One can lose the muscles and ability to swallow properly due to fear from the pain from the treatments.
Here's a recap of yesterday: After being prepped and waiting my turn, I was wheeled down a hallway filled with doors that looked like classrooms at the high school. Then, the door opens revealing a room that is certainly not a high school classroom.
On the far side of the room was a diagonal glass wall viewing into some kind of control room that is reminiscent of mission control at Houston. There's an operating table in the middle of the room with a bank of six flat screen monitors. Looks like something from the movies, or from an Air Force DCGS location. (DCGS is Distributed Common Ground Station and is a location where lots of intelligence and information flows into for decision-making). On the wall to my left was a huge flat screen TV, likely used for a variety of information. I was hoping I'd be able to watch the procedure but no such luck. I probably would have closed my eyes anyway!
There was a huge arm hanging over the operating table with a big device on the end and a flat surface sandwiching me between it and the table. I asked what it was and they said it was an x-ray. I honestly think it was some kind of teleportation device. (just kidding). There was myriad other equipment and paraphernalia in the room, but they were too busy to answer all my questions.
One particular aspect of the preparation was particularly enjoyable (facetious marks again! and this may be a little gross for some). During this procedure, a small incision is made in the skin and then on into the stomach. A deflated bulb is passed through the incision, then clipped into place and inflated. Well, in order to make the incision into the stomach, the staff has to create resistance from the stomach by means of filling it with air. To do so, the nurse takes a slim, plastic tube about two feet long. A gel is applied to the tube and to the nostril. Then, the entirety of that tube is passed through the nostril and down into the stomach. This was quite a unique sensation!
There were three individuals in the room with me; all very professional and friendly. They definitely seemed to know precisely what they were doing. Of course, I probably wouldn't know otherwise and considering what I was there for, I am really, really glad they were good at their jobs. We chatted and I asked questions. They complimented me on being so pleasant. I told them that's not always the case.
I was awake for the entire procedure, although kind of "twilighted out", so some things got a little vague. I know the doctors came in at some time and it only took about 15-20 minutes (after all the prep) to complete the procedure. I was then taken to a recovery room and subsequently to a hospital room for the night.
It is now about 6:00 am on Thursday and I managed to sleep pretty well. There was quite a bit of pain last evening and now I know what dilaudid is. It works pretty darned good for pain, but I'm not a great fan of how it makes me feel. I will ask for something else later this morning.
Oh yeah, I haven't eaten or drank anything since Tuesday night at 8:00pm! I'm hungry!!
We anticipate being discharged today sometime and will stay one more night in Atlanta to meet with the oncologists again Friday.
With each passing day now, I am a little more prepared for what's coming. This is a mental, a spiritual and a physical process.
In any high risk undertaking we find ourselves involved in, there are preparations and procedures practiced which may never have to be used. But, the methods must be practiced, so we are ready for whatever may come.
I remember the moment in my life I earnestly understood why we practice and prepare for emergency and challenging situations. August 17, 1979, Clark Air Base, Philippines. I was on board an RC-135 ready to take off. As power came up the plane veered hard left. We ended up facing 180 degrees opposite from our original direction off the left side of the runway with the right landing gear snapped off and sticking through the right wing. We heard six alarm bells (just like we had practiced countless times) and everyone got off the plane safely! Our actions became automatic because we were well prepared.
I am getting myself well-prepared. If we choose, God prepares us for the circumstances we confront. He tells us to read and study His word ; to be prepared at all times. And when we have done all we can, then the word tells us to simply stand because He is our strength.
Have a great day everyone!!
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