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I spent Thursday at MGH getting my stent replaced. It was successful. The doctor said it went very smoothly, taking a total of about seven minutes to complete. The other 5 hours I spent there consisted mostly of me laying in a pre-op bed waiting for my doctors to finish a much more difficult and time consuming procedure before they got to me. Spending so long sitting in the ward, watching the constant flow of patients being brought in, prepped, and sent out for their procedures, reinforced the positive feelings I've had about all the care I've gotten at Mass General. In almost a year of weekly (sometimes daily) interactions at MGH, I have not had a single negative experience. The nurses across the board have been skillful and thoughtful, and the layers of oversight and professionalism on display has been impressive.
The thing that bothers me the most is being stuck with needles. Every visit requires at least one or two blood tests or IV's being set. I disliked needles before I got this illness, and it has now grown to dread and loathing. Yesterday I got hit three times...
On March 26th, I'll finally get the intraoperative radiation operation. I have two weeks to strengthen myself physically and mentally, and, hopefully, two weeks without needles...
good going,
ReplyDeletesigned esteban negro.
Hooray for two weeks without needles!
ReplyDeleteAm looking forward to Saturday and the gallery.
i hate needles too! love you dad glad it went well yesterday!
ReplyDeletexoxo A
Thanks for being so brave, David, needles and all. So glad it went well. God bless.
ReplyDeleteRebecca
The pictures you have chosen to accompany your narrative over the weeks and months have been lessons full of unspoken words in themselves. They have added unexpected depth -- and insight into your heart and mind -- thank you for being so open, so sharing. It's been a privilege to travel with you on your daunting journey, Dave.
ReplyDeleteGood to know about MGH. Good to know about YOU.
Courage and good fortune....
XX
Sue & Tom
I am glad the Stent replacement went well. My experience at MGH has been equally positive (also with the same dislike of all the needles). Hang in there and get strong for the 26th. We are all praying for you throughout every step of this journey. Stay strong and positive. You have handled yourself with such grace. Looking forward to your next post,
ReplyDeletePaul & Robin
I had what turned out to be a benign tumor when I was in middle school. I'm usually very tolerant of medical procedures including needles but the poking and prodding finally got to me. One day I flat out refused to go into a doctor's appointment. My poor mother had to go in and explain to the doctor what was going on. Even though they told me no needles this time I still wouldn't budge. The doctor finally did the checkup in the car. Hope you don't give them as much trouble as I did but I know what you mean.
ReplyDeleteI've just (quite belatedly) heard through the Concord grapevine (no pun intended) about your health struggles, and through the power of the internet and your own diligent, thoughtful blogging, I am thankfully able to catch up on how your treatment is progressing.
ReplyDeleteI just wanted to offer a short message of support and affection from one of the many former CCHS students who were lucky enough to 'have photo with Prifti'. If ever there were someone whose constant optimism and good spirits could serve him well going through an ordeal like this, it's you.
I'll keep watching the blog for updates on your progress, and please know that my thoughts and best wishes are with you as you prepare for, undergo, and progress on from your upcoming surgery.
You are one of the teachers I remember most fondly as being creatively inspiring and always having an encouraging word for everyone's best efforts. I only hope that my little message of support here and the promise of all my positive thinking can give back a tiny piece of a fraction of that fondness to you.
Much love,
Rachel Ropeik (CCHS class of 1999)
Hey, Buddy! Sorry to hear that you are feeling like a pincushion. We hate needles too, but hope that each one is bringing you more healing. Glad that Friday is coming up. With love from snowy Alaska, Donna Rae and Iceman
ReplyDeletehey! spring now. operation soon. weirdly looking forward to both equally. how did that happen? 4 days (more like 3 right?) and counting.
ReplyDeleteHi David,
ReplyDeleteEna (Charlene) has told me of your illness and I'm glad to see the positive news and hope that is offered with from your upcoming treatment. I want to wish you and Monika all the best of luck. My thoughts will be with you.
Chrisx
i share your disdain of needles and find it one of life's cruel ironies that i get stuck at least once per week - but I consider it (at age 55) a sign of real maturity that i've not tried to bite the person administering the needle in years - that was my modus operandi (sp?) for years - real signs of growth! on a more serious note, blessings on the 26th - good strength and energy - Jan
ReplyDelete