Monday, October 6, 2008
October 7th, 2008
It’s almost 12:00 midnight here. I had my third spinal today. I haven’t figured out what they think of me here yet. Let’s see if I can explain: On treatment days, they put your IV in your hand around 12:00 ( it doesn’t matter what time your treatment is, everyone who’s having a treatment that day, gets their IV (port) at 12:00. Let me tell you, I am a baby when it comes to IV’s, so, I brought (borrowed from Morgan) lidocaine, which is numbing cream. I am proud to say that I have been toughing it out without the numbing cream (okay, okay – not by choice, I’ve pretty much handed it over to two of the children’s parent’s here to share-call me a softee, but I can’t imagine…), the nurses here are very good, they haven’t missed yet…until today. The nurse felt so bad, she kept apologizing. She got it the second time, and was still apologizing about the first! The whole time I’m thinking, hell, I’ve had stitches/novacaine in my head/face 3 times, broke/lacerated my nose bridge, cut two arteries in my leg, along with stitches in two other places in my leg….all in the past couple of years. This is nothing!
Then, at about 1-1:30, they hook up your IV to a glucosa bag (sugar water). When I got here I kept talking about Saline, well, they don’t know what that is…Dr. Bing and I finally figured out, here, glucosa = saline)
I should mention that gloves are not used here. (I think I might have seen the doctors in the OR -spinal room, but I can’t be positive) Call me neurotic, but I have alcohol swabs and anti-bacterial handi-wipes right on my nightstand, and the nurses know what to do with them before they touch my hand (all it took was one charades game at the beginning of our stay).
Then, at your scheduled time, they wheel you off upstairs to the OR. Sometimes they have to queue 1 person up right outside the OR in the hallway, but you are never left alone. Well, I sit up and chat with the staff member assigned. The topic of conversation is always the picture of Morgan & Collin I have with me. Today, Lucy, one of the translators said to me,”You are not at all nervous.” I told her ,”This is what I’m here for, to me, the rest is fluff!” (I still think she’s trying to figure that one out – ha ha)
Thanks to my friend Liz, and my Auntie(s) Ruth and Missy, (and to go without saying, my god sent Angel-Deena), I’m back! I’ve got 1 week , and 1 treatment left to blow the lid off this place. I have a card sitting on my desk at work that has a shark fin strapped to a goldfish in a little fishtank, and it says “Attitude is Everything”. Ain’t it the truth!
Hey Dad, if you’re out there “Can’t Knock Me Down!”
Entry Filed under: mjd,Uncategorized
7 Comments Add your own
1. C J Smith | October 7th, 2008 at 3:30 am
BJ
We know you got attitude, I think you were born with your hand on your hip! I’m sure you will be leaving your mark on the place before you head home, and if you don’t, then I know my Mom will.
I’m happy all the treatments are continuing, because if they weren’t then that would mean something wasn’t right…right?
Did you ever thinkyou would enjoy a Hot Dog? Too funny.
Jason reported the other day that it is so HOT is Saudi Arabia that they are drinking two cases of water a day. He has been reading your blog and wanted me to send along a greeting from him. So………. greetings from J.
Take care you two and BJ don’t wear out my Mom because she’ll need lots of energy to hang with me when she returns.
XOXOX Cindy
2. Alicia | October 7th, 2008 at 4:06 am
Hi BJ,
My name is Alicia. I work with Cindy, who has passed your blog around our department. Before you left, Cindy told us all about you and your endeavor with her mom. Just from the stories Cindy told us before you left, I was intrigued by someone so courageous as to go around the world for treatment. I thought this BJ person must really be someone special from the wonderful description Cindy gave us.
Now that I read you blog everyday I know you are indeed someone very special. The strength & courage & laughs you bring with you into every day, every treatment, and every experience are unique. We all have a lot to learn from you!
So, I wish you continued success with your treatments. I know if this will work for anyone it will work for you. They say attitude is everything. Your sass & positive outlook guarantee success! I look forward to your last week of blogs. Have a great week, and may you find more hotdogs to fill you up in your final days there!
3. Mema & Gramps | October 7th, 2008 at 4:19 am
We can’t wait to read your blog every day. I have to make a copy for Gramps so he can brag about how positive you are and how proud of you he is. You and Mary Jane will certainly have so much to tell us when you come home. The Guiliante clan will be here on the 25th. I’ll keep you posted. Keep up the great progress, get some rest (midnight blogging can be tiring), and we love you, miss you, and continue to keep you in our prayers.
4. Missy | October 7th, 2008 at 5:42 am
Sounds like Beej is back!!! Home stretch, bases loaded and she hits a grand slam!! You make me smile. The courage you show in the face of a needle, hey, take it from me, another big baby!! I’m whining about the concept of maybe getting a flu shot.
Give Mary Jane my love, I haven’t seen her in forever!!
Keep smiling that smile and loving life!!
Love you!!
5. Diana Tashjian | October 7th, 2008 at 8:08 am
BJ, I saw Morgan at school today and she is as happy as ever. Always a smile on her face! She is counting the days that you will be home. As I am. I love you, thinking of you daily. Hurry home and let’s laugh a bit over your China experience!
6. ruth | October 7th, 2008 at 9:27 am
You are one in a million and as far as what Missy said Dito
Love you lots———————–
7. Judy Dell'Anno | October 7th, 2008 at 10:56 pm
BJ
We are all thinking about you here. Sounds like you are getting it done!!!! I’m saving the treadmill next to me for you when you get back. Keep up the good work.
Judy Dell’Anno
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