Donnie’s port was removed yesterday in interventional radiology.  They cultured the wound and the port (and his blood).  So far, no growth.  They were able to sew the port site closed which is a praise, as it is very angry (red and swollen).  He came back to the room after the port was removed, waited a couple of hours, then had a PICC line placed for his IV antibiotics.  Having a PICC line is another big praise, as he was stuck for IV’s 8 times the day before.  Chemo has made his veins friable, plus he is getting Vancomycin IV, which is also very caustic to veins.  It was a long day of procedures for him.

The port site was really hurting him after the lidocaine wore off.  He took Dilaudid twice.  He did sleep pretty well, and said his old port area hurts like a “2” on a scale of 1-10.  Yay for improvement!!  We were discharged this afternoon, and are so happy to be home.

All the wonderful staff on the oncology floor were pretty amazed at how good Donnie looks, as they have been on this journey with us for over a year.  He is feeling so much better these days.  He has energy, he is very talkative, singing some, and of course, always cutting up.  These days are pretty wonderful!!  The good days all started the weekend of his birthday.  What a blessing!!!!!!  When we came home from the hospital, he pulled the dirty clothes hamper out, and started washing a load of clothes.  He has not felt like doing something like that in 6 months.  It is so encouraging.

He will not get chemo for 2 more weeks.  This gives him a month break from chemo.  His hair is growing again.  He has no nausea.  He is eating really, really well.  Today he wanted tacos, and ate them.  It’s so great to have him like this again.

Romans 12:12  “Be joyful because you have hope.  Be patient when trouble comes, and pray at all times.”  Thank you for your fervent prayers on our behalf.  God has blessed us beyond measure!

Love,  Donnie & Tina