We arrived at David and Diane's for a fabulous dinner on Wednesday night. Dianne had made sure they were all Michellie's favorites, and we were spoiled with barbecued chicken, maple vegetables, salad, potatoes and Low sugar Chocolate Mousse pie. Michellie was thrilled. They could not get over how much hair had grown since the last time we had seen them. We had a good chuckle over the wave her hair makes down the back to one side. It was a great evening with lots of laughter and story sharing.
Thursday morning we arrived at day surgery for 8 am. She was scheduled for 9, and they did the preliminary stuff to prepare. At 9:40 she was off to surgery, and by 10:40 she was back in recovery. Michellie reacted to the anesthetic again, so there were tears and hyperventilating. A few ESR's and some Tactile Therapy on her feet and legs helped to calm this down. She was still having some pain, so they gave her another shot of pain killer and then she slept for over an hour. When she woke this time she was in much better spirits. They gave her some Tylenol for the afternoon pain, and we prepared her for the CT scan at 2:00. The Tylenol did not sit well on her empty stomach, so by the time we had her wheeled to CT she was shaking and sick to her stomach. They whisked her in for the Scan, and she began shaking and crying. I left her with the technician and paced the waiting room in anticipation. After the scans, I helped the nurse to take out her IV and Michellie was able to calm down a bit. We wheeled her up to the 6th floor to rest for a bit, and I found our family coordinator to check on the schedule for Monday. After some apple juice and a protein bar, Michellie started to feel much better and calmer. By 3:30 we were ready to leave the hospital.
Michellie and I headed over to Liquid Gold for some of her favorite Olive Oil, and we stopped for some food at the Health Food Store. Michellie started with some dairy free sorbet, this put a smile on her face. I picked up some curry wraps and samosas, as well as an elephant ear. Michellie wasn't too hungry to start, but this changed with the wonderful aromas in the car. By New Glasgow Michellie could not get rid of her french fry craving, so we made a stop at Wendy's for this. We were home by 8 pm with the smell of rice pancakes coming through the window (Michellie's favorite). Dad makes these so well. Sam was waiting for Michellie too, and we were all able to relax for the evening.
This morning Michellie was a little stiff in the neck, but she did not need any more pain killers. With some movement today, she should be ready to get back to regular activity. Math is calling for her, so she does have this to do. David's eye infection was even worse this morning, so Sam and Michellie drove him in to Emergency for this. I am back at work completing some projects this morning. Michellie should have a good weekend to recover, and the scans next week will not be as intrusive or demanding! YEAH!
So, we have reached the point we have all been waiting for - the Port A Cath removal, and the passing of the Healing Bracelets. We all cannot believe that this day has arrived. Seems like forever, and then again, like yesterday when we started this voyage. A year ago we were on route to Cape Breton with a truck loaded with stuff! Once we have David's eyes assessed, we will be able to take a few moments and celebrate this amazing time. Thank you everyone for being with us on this journey and for being such a pillar of strength for us. We could not have done it without you holding us up. Michellie is such an incredibly strong, determined, gifted being and we are so blessed to have her looking at a future full of possibility. Namasthe everyone and thank you!
We will continue to keep you updated about Michellie's journey as she heals and strengthens through the summer. Her next set of scans after next week will be in September. We are looking forward to her Children's Wish to Hawaii in December and then her scans at this time as well. We will share this celebration time with you as well. HUGS everyone and hold your family tight, enjoy each moment and stay present in the moment to allow yourself to live each day as completely as you can.
