Back over for the endoscopy. In she goes. 1 and 3/4 hours later they come out to get me, and I'm thinking, "Excellent! Finished early!" WRONG! They never started. The doc looked over her case, and told Dee Dee that he was not on board with the procedure plan as it was laid out. He did not feel that she was slated for the correct anesthesia, and that there was little point to just going in and looking. "What if I see some that are bigger, and in my opinion need to come out?" Since he and Dee Dee's main doc had not discussed her case specifically, he did not feel comfortable proceeding. Her main doc was in surgery, so he could not talk at that time. What did we want to do?
Well, they were able to reschedule her procedure to tomorrow at 10:00 a.m., which will give him time to talk to the primary doc, as well as get the better/easier anesthesia. For that we are thankful. I am also really thankful that the doc today looked at this case with a sense of ownership, a sense of doing the best thing for my wife, and not worrying about less important things. This cost him a procedure (he will not be the doc tomorrow), so it cost him some money. It cost him time, as he spent more time talking to us and coordinating her rescheduled procedures than it would have actually taken to do the procedure in the first place. It was all done for what he felt was in our best interest. We are grateful for these things.
We are also disappointed and Dee Dee is wrestling some emotional demons after today. This adds a bit of confusion to our overall understanding of this condition, and of her risks long-term and therefore treatment protocol long-term. It means that tomorrow is a HARRRRRD day. 6:15 a.m. for the first procedure. 10:00 for the next. Consult at 1:30, then to the airport. Home at 11:00 p.m. Dee Dee is really worried that after having this procedure that has been rescheduled, which usually makes her feel pretty yucky, flying is going to be difficult. This is also the first time in almost 5 years that any docs at Mayo have differed at all in their approach; there has been comfort in the fact that they have all "sung from the same page," so to speak. This guy today did echo her main doc's assertion that Duke's original approach of removing the stomach was outrageous, which was good to hear again. Every once in a while I suspect that a bit of doubt creeps in for my bride.
So, pray. Pray for hearts/spirits/emotions. Pray for strength; she is really pretty whipped right now. Fasting since last evening, with the prospect of repeating again tonight and tomorrow. Pray for a solid unity between docs once they all talk this evening, and that this consensus is obvious tomorrow. Pray that she fares well with the procedures tomorrow, and that there are no lesions large enough to remove. Pray that I am able to understand where her heart is, and meet her there. Pray that we don't miss our plane tomorrow; it is the last flight out of Rochester tomorrow, and staying another night would be BAD. All caps. As my daughter would say, "For realz." Pray that is just all goes smoothly and well, and that we meet each moment with the grace of hope, with the certainty of a loving Father and Savior.
Thank you all.
Tony
8 comments:
Oh, dear people, what a confusing mess to be in today! I am so grateful for internet connections such that we here so far away can know exact needs & desires for which to pray. For though I know that God knows already, and will take care of you, whether or not I pray ... praying allows me to believe that I am helping, in the only way I know how. I am reminded of some of the best advice I ever got regarding making decisions: make up your mind BEFORE you decide that you will be making the best decision possible, given the facts as you know them at the time. If those facts change at some time in the future, making a new decision does not mean the first one was wrong. This has often helped me to not beat myself up over something that I had to redirect.
Anyway, I pray that you will both get some much-needed rest tonight, especially given that tomorrow will be a monstrously L-O-N-G day, with being up at 6:15, and the late night flight. I'll also pray that the flights tomorrow evening will not be anywhere as adventurous as the ones going up to MN.
Remember how much you are loved, and by how many people.
Love you,
Linda Lee
I'm praying, Tony and Dee Dee! Love you!
praying for all that and more - love you both!
Donna
Praying that you feel the arms of Jesus wrapped around you in love and that you will be able to rest in the peace that only He can give.
In Him and on my knees, Kathy Berg
Praying this Scripture promise for both of you right now: "Cast your cares on the Lord and he will sustain you." Psalm 55:22
We love you both!
Dan & Megan
I really hate that all of this happened today, but am also glad that the doctor felt so strong about wanting what is best for Dee Dee. I agree with what Linda said in that you don't second guess your decisions. The decisions made years ago were made with much prayer and peace of mind and if new decisions have to be made along the way, then I know that you all will turn to God for His guidance.
Tomorrow will be a very long day (especially for Dee Dee). I will be praying that everything runs on schedule and that you will be able to fly home as I know both of you are so ready to do.
Tony, you have always been there for Dee Dee in any and every way possible... so I know that you will be now. You are a wonderful Christian husband (father and son) and your love for Dee Dee is so great that your soul just knows what she needs and when.
I had debated whether to call you or not and now I am so glad I did. It was good to talk with you and to know that Dee Dee was getting some much needed sleep. Call me tomorrow after the tests, procedures and consultations and let me know what doctors said and if you are going to be leaving as planned.
love and prayers for you both... Mom
PRAYING (all bold caps!)
Sending up prayers right now, and will continue throughout tomorrow.
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