The Big Week - Part 1

For the past few weeks Kim's cancer has been an abstract thought. It's only manifested itself as a diet change or reading about meditating. Sure, we've been keen to more fully embrace life but there's been no real impact on Kim or any of us. Today, the abstraction became an actuality as Kim entered the hospital to have an implanted venous port surgically placed into her upper chest. This would be more than foregoing a sweet treat or pizza slice. And the gravity of the procedure, with it's full meaning, weighed on us over the past few days. We had some frayed nerves for the first time in many weeks.

But before we get to today's procedure, I gotta get on the soapbox for a moment. If you've ever considered the efficacy of a no sugar, no dairy diet, I can tell you it's the real thing. Kim has undertaken a low-glycemic, no sugar, no dairy, no meat, no alcohol diet in preparation for her chemotherapy program and she's become razor sharp. Physically, she's been in good shape forever, but she's really toned up and gotten stronger. Even her posture seems improved. Her mental acuity is also sharpened. If nothing else, folks, stop eating so much sugar. Kim is tuned up and ready to enter into this process with a strong body and a sharp mind.

I met her at the hospital today at 12:30, her procedure was scheduled for 2:30. Check in and paperwork wasn't all that bad and we barely waited in the surgical waiting room. You see a lot of other people in that room and each one of their faces tells a story of stress and concern.

Kim had surgical staging bay #5 with stylish gown and cozy slipper socks. Best of all, she had an inflatable, warm air blanket and pressurized leg sleeves. The sleeves promote circulation and prevent blood clots but for her it felt like a leg massage. About an hour prior to surgery, and once all the questions and forms are filed out, Kim was given a Valium. She seemed pretty smoothed out after that.

She was visited by everyone involved in the procedure, all to double check her condition and confirm the procedure for the day. Really incredible people. Of course, her anesthesiologist was a super handsome dude. As we neared her scheduled time, Dr Johnson checked in with Kim and she was all kitted up in her surgical gear including a hair net. Despite all this, she is the most elegant, stylish woman you could imagine. She gave us hugs, reconfirmed the procedure, and then "initialed" the location of Kim's surgery. All the other doctors use their given name initials but Dr Johnson petitioned the hospital to allow her to use a double heart signature. She drew it in purple and we talked about Prince songs we liked. A few moments later they wheeled Kim away from bay #5 to the operating room. I snuck out for a quick lunch and to contact family.

Kim recalls very little from surgery though there's one element of Dr Johnson's practice that all patients remember. She sings to them as they go under. Kim says it was "My Favorite Things" for her today. Dr Johnson, I love you and I hope Prince visits you tonight and sings to you in your dreams.

The procedure didn't take very long, perhaps 45 minutes, and I was visited by Dr Johnson in the waiting room where I was watching the US men's volleyball team lose to Italy. Stefano, if you're reading this, congratulations.

Kim was in bay #26 for recovery and when I got to her she was sleepy but still in a very chilled out mood. She slept a bit while I cruised Instagram and texted family. About 90 minutes later she ate some applesauce and had some water, her first food in nearly 22 hours. Another 45 minutes and she was ready to go home. The nurse wheeled her outside and I met them with the car at the door. Kristen brought Kim a soft pillow to place between her chest and the seatbelt for the ride home.

The port itself is pretty small and is completely under the skin. It is a Power Port brand catheter and will be used for her chemotherapy sessions and other procedures rather than an IV going into her arm. About the only thing I've seen Kim flinch at was the IV today in her hand and I sure understand why. But, damn it, that woman is tough and she hasn't said a peep in complaint yet.

And so here's another odd thing to deal with. I had to admonish the boys tonight for not following some directives I'd given them about today. Kim has simply not shown any fear since her diagnosis and has lived fully. I get a feeling that they don't get the gravity of the diagnosis. Even today, we'd been warned that she would be nauseated from surgery and likely very fatigued. Sure, she's a little sleepy and sore but no complaints at all. She wants to ride this weekend and she'll be going to work tomorrow. I'll keep an eye on her and make sure that she doesn't push it too far or too hard but, for now, I'm letting her do all that she wants.

Back to food, Andrew made lemongrass soup last evening with tofu and carrots. It was fantastic and it really brightened us all up. The mental effect it had was tremendous. Kim and I some leftovers tonight and it really put us back on track. Kim and Andrew made homemade ginger syrup last night for a ginger ale they garnished with frozen grapes and mint leaves. Ginger, it's magical.

Thursday is chemotherapy #1. Let's get after it. Feels good to have gotten this process underway.

To everyone who has commented on this blog or sent me notes, thank you, I am so thankful for your positive thoughts and I'll be back in touch soon.

-CD

The Big Views Diet is the best diet

We watched Pee-Wee's Big Adventure under the stars over the weekend

Homemade ginger ale

Andrew's Lemongrass noodle soup

This sign in the surgery waiting room seemed a bit odd to me

Um, the opening goes in the back...

Inflatable warming blanket liner

Dr Johnson's initials

Kim all hopped up on goofballs

Not an easy view to take in, folks

Recovery room

Power Port