BACK IN THE SADDLE... FR. TONY'S BLOG THIS COMING WEEK Tomorrow we return to the Oncologist for a visit. We’re not quite sure what will transpire… but, one can probably count on the obvious… the vampires WILL take more blood! Maybe the oncologist wants to see if we’ve survived a week of post-diagnosis stress? Aside from the wicked crick in my neck, I think we’ve managed. Tuesday we return to the hospital to have a PICC Line inserted. What is a PICC Line? Lasty, we wait! ...Sigh... Hopefully the pathologists are making their way through all the tests they’re performing on the 5 lymph nodes extracted from Tony’s neck. BTW, he’s got about a 3 inch long incision on his neck. Ewwwww! Off to watch a film with my darling hubby. Will report in after we visit with the oncologist.
Some of you may not be aware, but a few weeks ago Fr. Tony was unable to get beyond the first reading, during the early service. He’s been away from the altar since. This past week he was determined to return to that thing he does best!
Fr. Tony was very warmly received by everyone. It was especially nice to hear the children's choir singing. Tony made a point of thanking all the children for the many cards they've sent, that now line our living room walls. The toughest part of the morning was being unable to hug and shake hands with everyone wishing him well, especially the children! For the time being, we’re keeping folks at a bit of a distance, to try and ward off any possible infectious diseases.
Thank you all for your continuing support.
PitterPat
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Our Tony was back in the saddle this morning, and OH, how good it felt for him to be behind the altar, after a few weeks away.
I suspect there will be many things we shall all learn during this journey down the cancer road. Although we try not to think of the "worst case" scenerios, and avoid the big "D" word... while taking the service this morning, Fr. Tony realized that if worse comes to worse, he'll at least be able to teach his parishioners, and those of you "in the loop", how to depart with dignity. Over the years, we have had the honor of meeting several wonderful people who've shown us this very thing. Our fondest memory of all is sharing in the final months of Grace VanHorn's husband, Van, who, till his final hour, was showing so much grace and dignity.
In spite of being physically invaded by surgery, Tony has been doing quite well over the past few days. His appetite is good, and he's resting well. His only frustration is the waiting.... waiting... waiting....
Fr. Tony is also in the process of contributing to his own blog. It’s been a couple of weeks since he sat down and let some of his pearls of wisdom fall from his brain to the keyboard. So, do check it out.
A Peripherally Inserted Central Catheter, or "PICC line," is a thin, long, soft plastic tube that functions as an intravenous (IV) line. A PICC line allows your nurses and doctors to give you medications and fluids on a frequent basis. A PICC line can remain in place for as long as you need IV therapy.
Fortunately, our Tony was raised by a very formidable nurse midwife… as his cousins will attest to! No one dare get ill, or they may have to face the bedside manner of NURSE CLAVIER! He’s taking all this poking and prodding with the time honored British “stiff upper lip”. I must admit, I would get very tired of all the needles coming MY way, were I him!
(BTW, if you want a list of DUD movies... I'm accumulating quite the list!)
