December 26, 2008

Christmas Eve 2008

Dear Family & Friends,

Today David went in for another Thoracentesis, which is the formal term for the draining procedure. The doctor had also ordered a blood transfusion, but his numbers were still in the safe zone, so thankfully a transfusion wasn't needed.

There were approximately two liters of fluid in his chest cavity, crushing his right lung. Due to the lung being decompressed for so long, as the fluid was being drained it was so painful that the procedure was stopped. It was all I could do to watch David in that much pain, and at first I wanted to push the doctor out of the way, and pull the needle out of his back myself, but obviously that wouldn't be smart, and was my immediate gut reaction to seeing such pain on my husband's face.

However......I kept telling the doctor to stop, because David was looking at me like, 'make it stop!' Finally, the doctor believed me, and pulled the catheter out of his back. I have requested that the OTHER doctor do David's procedures from here on out; I won't let that guy touch David again! So, one liter was all we could successfully drain, leaving over another one in his chest. I immediately called David's oncologist, requesting an appointment for Monday. Due to the cancer that is also in the lung, this is quite normal (unfortunately), and if we don't have the procedure done soon enough, David's lung can collapse.

He is in a lot of pain, drifting in and out, and moaning, which is so not like David. Of course, nothing he does, is 'like David' anymore. We are at a point in the journey where our worlds are becoming separated; David's mind is consumed with his pain, comfort, and sleep, while mine is consumed with making sure that he is taken care of, comfortable and as happy as he can be.

Today is the first time I experienced that kind of pain on David's face, and in his eyes. When the tears finally started rolling down his cheeks, it was all I could do to keep mine in check. Being 'strong' for your spouse when they're in that kind of pain is one of the most challenging tasks ever. God never leaves our side, even through these horrifying moments; I'm a witness to that fact, because I could never do this on my own...

I would like to thank Sean Rierson, a very kind, caring man (and friend) for driving us to Evergreen Hospital today, AND driving all the way back to pick us up! The hospital is not close to our home anymore, so Sean's act of kindness was very much appreciated.

There are some good, loving, caring people in this world, and we happen to have many of them right here, as our neighbors and friends! How truly blessed we are.

Thank you to Ryan Rasar for shoveling our driveway AGAIN! Also another kind and caring man.

And last but not least, thank you to the MANY who dropped off surprises on our doorstep for Christmas Eve and Christmas Day! Thank you Dave Riffe for bringing Kristin's DELICIOUS cookies and candy, and for taking the time to visit with us on Christmas Eve! Bruce & Joan Lavers for dropping off a beautiful candle! The Jonas' for the lovely white Poinsettia! And then there were some gifts that were left without names.

Thank you ALL from the bottom of our hearts,
for your rare, loving kindness!

With Love,
Linda

Seek First The Kingdom Of God