I am so proud of my husband! Rob is working so hard to get better. He walked 4/10's of a mile today, and that was a big achievement, dragging his metal pole-buddy and baggage along with him.
The doctors were able to remove the pelvic drain bottle (the JP) today, and Rob was SO happy about that! Holly and I were, too! Only two more lines of tubing to go.
Today was the liquid diet day, and Rob had a total of about 3/4-1 cup for the day. He's really taking it easy, hoping to keep it all down. We had a couple scares with that, and there's still an uneasy feeling rumbling in his stomach, but as for right now, it's all good. Yay!
Rob wanted to bathe late morning, and although I went in with him again, I told him I would only help if he needed it. As the warm water ran over his hair and his body, the sound of total comfort came out in sigh after sigh, as if this one day, this one action, was the best thing that ever happened to him. With each shower, he continues to wash away the changes, the pokes and prods, the invasion, the hurts, and the fears. Nothing else mattered at that moment other than being washed clean of it all.
We had another ostomy lesson with our angel nurse, Linda. I can't tell you what a blessing she has been to us. She is coming in on her days off to help us, to make sure we understand everything, and are confident in what we're doing -- because with no insurance, there's a good chance we won't be able to have the home care follow-up. But she's been teaching us well, everything we need to know, and still willing to help us whenever we feel a need to call her. I have never seen such loving dedication... ever. She's one in a million!
Holly had to leave today, but only because she knew Rob was doing so well. She teaches Kindergarten in California, and I'm sure her children have been missing her terribly. Who wouldn't? She is a gem, a sparkly diamond through what could have been really dark days. She kept the laughter alive in me especially, and I can't thank her enough for the sacrifices she made on our behalf. We laughed together and cried together, shared sorrows and joys together. She is my sister, in law or otherwise. Thank you, dear Holly... I will miss you deeply!
Rob's surgeon said if Rob does okay with the liquids, tomorrow they'll give him a little heavier liquids/soft diet and see if he can tolerate that. If all goes well, and the 'symphony plays,' there's a possibility we could be sleeping in our own bed TOGETHER on Friday! I like the sound of that. A lot.
The pathology report is not in yet... So we will continue to do what we have become accustomed to, and wait patiently, hoping for nothing but the best.
Did you look outside this evening at sunset? If not, you missed a beautiful show. God is so awesome! He pulled out His brush and painted a sunset that sealed this day in my memory forever. This picture hardly does justice to the majestic view I had from the 7th floor.
So here are a few more thoughts for you...
Step back from the noise of your world, and just take in all the wonders that surround you. Remember the things that are real, the things you can't replace with money. Since Rob and I started down this valley path, we have learned so much. But in it all, I have learned the most from Rob... To appreciate everything, every minute, every experience. To see him savor an ice chip blows my mind. It's a treasure to him. And he is to me.
I'm tired, and it's time to clean up my things and head home. Yes, tired, through and through. But I recharge rather quickly... ;)
Have a blessed Thursday. I'll be back then.
In Love and In Peace,
Cheri
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