Each morning as I wait for Tony to stir in his hospital bed, I watch the new day's light, stream into our hospital room. If it is a clear day, I can see the ocean from the large picture window just above the leather couch I sleep on. Here on the 6th floor of UCLA Medical Center, there is a beautiful view, day or night.
The nurse and care giver come through the door sometime between 7:45 and 8:15 and they write their names on the white board just to the left of the entrance. Tony and I eagerly await the posting of "his numbers"...ie., white blood cell count, platlets, and hemaglobin count. These change each day, and give us some indication of how well the chemotherapy is working. So far, so good. If we are blessed with either Young or Robert as our care-giver for the day, we know Tony will be well attended to. Nurse
Kim and Michelle are favorites too.
Soon after breakfast, teams of doctors visit and give us reports on Tony's test results, progress and any new drugs they have ordered. Each day brings the Onocologists, Cardiologists and Neuro Team. Physical Therapists and Occupational Therapists usually work with Tony in the afternoon. The Lift Team also comes on a daily basis to pick up and move Tony into different
positions. So far we have been blessed with NO bed sores.
Just today Tony told me that he has taken one step out of a hundred......with 99 more to go before he will be in remission. Neither one of us has truly accepted what has happened, and are still in shock regarding this cancer diagnosis. If I allow myself to really "feel" it, I become overwhelmed with fear and sadness......so I just keep moving.
I try and remind myself everyday what my husband has always said to me during difficult times....."just deal with it, Patrice, it's temporary and will pass......adapt". I'm trying.
And you usually (try to) take that advice, right? No time to change tactics now, Patrice. Listen to Tony and keep in mind all your friends & family who hold the Frisina's up in prayer. Hugs to you all.
ReplyDeleteC & H
LOVED this post Patrice, particularly the description of "our" hospital room. A possible new mantra for the Frisina family: the family that convalesces together, stays together!
ReplyDeleteAs always, love to you all.
The Rappas
"In my distress I cried to the LORD and HE heard me." -Psalm 120:1
ReplyDeleteKnowing that the Lord hears our petitions, we continue to lift you both in prayer. Love you so much! Stay strong for each other!
Tell Uncle Tony to get better, and we will drive down again for his birthday! =)
Tony,
ReplyDeleteI love the WARRIOR in you - along with your keen sense of humor and humility. These the ingredients that have made you the man that you are and the leader that we have come to love and respect in Homebuilders.
Fight on!
Love,
Dan and Joni
Love the two of you. I can just see the ocean as you described it. You are in our thoughts and prayer. We would love to come and see you. Tell us when.
ReplyDeleteBlessings
Glen and Lynn