Sep 6th, 2009
September already…
It is September already and not much has been going on. Well, that is a big fat lie. I have started chemo again, I had a 250cc fluid buildup drained from my abdomen and I lost my job. But other than that every thing is just honky dory.
So what the heck is honky dory even mean? Well since I could find no humor in my medical life at the moment, I decided to give the web a shot at cracking the mystery. It turns out, as reported by www.urbandictionary.com, the mystery is not so deep – bummer.
Well, now that that mystery has been solved, I have not much to say, except this, and you can quote me on this – If you ever have a medical situation that involves more than one doctor or tests, buy yourself an iPod Touch. Mine has saved my butt several times now. I keep all my appointments on it and even have pictures of my tumors and MRI on it. I went for the fluid drain and the nurse said that there was a problem, they never received the data from the lab. I gave her my iPod, a quick overview of looking at pictures on the iPod and sent her to show the doctor who required the information. The nurse practically danced back into the room! We continued on with the procedure, which involved several large needles lots of syringes and bags to hold them. Prior to my drainage procedure, I showed the MRI pics to both my surgeon and oncologist (it was a busy week – again – thank the Lord for my iPod Touch). Both doctors used words like “too cool” and “wow” and “I gotta gitt me one o’ those.” Okay, I fabricated the last quote, but you get the idea. It was just one more thing to prove once again, it is good to be a geek.
One last thing – does anyone have any tips for lubricating an ostomy bag for easy emptying? I hate it when it gets all gunked up, such a mess! I know they have bag lubrication liquid I can buy, but it is expensive and now that I don’t have a job, I suspect money will get tight eventually. Someone suggested dish soap – anyone recommend a brand? I know Palmolive is gentle on your hands, but I wan to keep those clear of the contents of the bag.
P.S. I am still working on my “life clutter” project – almost done, then I will post some pics!
The only thing that springs to mind for lubrication is something that was used when I had a bile drain, and the contents had to be fed into my stomach every day through a nasal-gastric tube – Olive oil. Seemed to work pretty well.
Hmm. That was 30 years ago now. Time does seem to fly past!
Sounds like you could do a bit of techy consulting for your doctors
Anyway, good to hear from you. Have been thinking of you.
thanks for sharing, Rick. You’re in my thoughts ALL the time. Sending love and anything else I can supply that might help!
Thanks for the update– it’s always good to know how to pray…
“The eternal God is your refuge, and underneath are the everlasting arms.” Deut.33:27
love to you, my friend…
Will keep praying for you.
We’re praying for you, Rick. I don’t have any experience with this but olive oil sounds good to me. I’ve used it to cook and I’ve also used it to quiet squeaky hinges in the house.
That sucks about the job. If ever you need an affirmation that we are simply numbers in an equation and see to be people to corporate America this would be a prime example…and I’m not even one of those ‘the man is out to get you’ type of people either.
Didn’t know about the job-loss…hopefully the severance pay was “more than” adequate — since that’s exactly what you gave to your job over the years!
Prayers continue to be with you as the chemo “kicks your butt” (sorry for the analogy) for those few days… hoping that the after-effects pass quickly and as easily as possible (aka that you’re able to sleep through the worst of it!)
Thinking now of the “Footsteps in the Sand” …. “During your times of trial and suffering, when you see only one set of footprints,” … “may He carry you”