Nick had his port put in yesterday up at the U of U rather than at Huntsman - big bummer. Poor guy literally waited for 4 hours in a hospital bed before being wheeled in at 4:00 p.m. (originally scheduled for 10:00 a.m.). But, not much we could do about it; surgeon was great, nurses were great, post-op staff were great; and he was home by 7:00 p.m. with pain meds so he was feeling great.
He had an echo done this morning; met with Dr. Chen next and finally walked down the old familiar halls of the 4th floor. Nick's return had been the topic of the morning with the nurses and we had one after the other come in to say they were so sorry to see him again (with a hospital bracelet). They'd rub his hair as many hadn't seen him with hair before and tell him how good he looks. He has the full admiration of all the clinic nurses and aides as well as the 4th floor staff. Even the housekeeper gave us a big smile and an enthusiastic "Hola!"
He had a pic line put in this afternoon so he can get chemo started today (port should be healed for a few more days). His dad will be with him tonight, although Nick said we don't have to spend the night unless it makes us feel better. I think we'll decide night by night. Aw, who am I kidding: it does make me feel better.
Our area is having a huge snow storm this week so softball has been cancelled for both girls. This is nice so I can focus on packing the rest of Nick's necessities for his stay (cards, Playstation, etc.) We will all bombard him tomorrow with the whole family and lots of friends.
We plan on him being released on Sunday. Nick will have more pictures to post on his skydive jump - looks so fun! He's a little tired today but his spirits are good. He was bossing me in the car when I was parking at the hospital, "there's a truck backing out, Mom", "Look out for that post", until I had some fun with him as I was backing up and stomped on the brakes and I gasped. His hair stood on end and his eyes were huge; I started laughing and fessed up that I was just messing with him. He smiled and said, "That's not funny, Mom, my heart stopped beating. You are going to pay, you are going to pay..." He's wrong - it is STILL funny. It's the little things, ya know?
More to come soon. Thanks to all for your prayers and faith; it makes our journey a little easier.
Love Lori
4 comments:
Hey Nick, after a whirlwind couple of weeks that took us through "Grand Canyon-like" depths of frustration, fear and dispair to over 13,000 feet that brought the exhileration of looking fear in the eyes and conquering it- you finally are at the hospital prepared as best you can be to win the fight. I am so blessed to have been able to spend last weekend with you. Your enthusiasm as you attacked the Navy Seal obstacle course,the fun at the Padres game, and that never ending smile that seemed to be painted on your face after you conquered the fear of flying without wings will be forever embedded in my mind. You are living life now- something that many of us keep waiting for tomorrow.. but tomorrow is not a day of the week, last I heard.
You know that you are not alone on this journey... you have hundreds of friends new and old that are praying and cheering for you. You have expressed many times your sincere gratitude for their company and attention. Even still, in challenging times like this it is not uncommon to feel alone. Only you know what you are going through and when it comes down to it, you are the one that is taking the Chemo, etc.
However, I want you to know what I know and that is that you are never left alone. At this time of year we celebrate the Resurrection and the Atonement. I know that Jesus Christ was for a small moment left completely alone so that He could experience everything that we will ever go through in our lives- so that He could more than comprehend our pains, our struggles, our illnesses and even our lonliness- so that we will never have to be alone. So, those infrequent times when you may feel alone, over burdened or in pain, He understands and He will provide you with comfort and peace.
Nick, you have accomplished much and you will yet accomplish so much more. Thank you for allowing us to learn, to love and to appreciate as we in our own ways accompany you on this journey.
With respect, gratitude and love,
Lee
Nick:
Our thoughts and prayers go up for you in Columbus, Ohio. Stay strong and as Ryan says, "REFUSE TO LOSE!"
Brad Salmons
www.teamsalmons.com
I just found your page through the First Descents/Brad Ludden's blog. We haven't met, but I am a fellow First Descents camper (Ewing's Sarcoma) and I discovered it's a very small world because I am also a nurse on the unit where your friend Ryan Salmons is treated. Sending prayers your way,
Jodi
Dear Nick
I love you. aunt Chris
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