One SIRT procedure down; one to go
Back on the table again...
Yesterday I spent the day at University Hospital, where I had a hepatic angiogram, basically a scouting expedition to make sure I was a candidate for Selective Internal Radiation Therapy (SIRT).
I thought I’d be in and out of there in four or five hours, but it turned into 13 hours! I didn’t leave until 10:30 p.m. My procedure started two and half hours late due to delays and then I had to lay in recovery for six hours keeping my right leg still because they could not plug up my incision.
I was told I was “too skinny” for the device they use. I was so happy to be told I was skinny, that I almost didn’t mind waiting. I haven’t been called too skinny since the time when I was home from college and my mom and dad woke me up demanding I get on the scale! I was a normal weight then, but you’d have to know my mom. But I digress.
It was kind of surreal being wheeled around the hallways instead of rushing around them as an employee. I was feeling a little nervous right before, but then Cindy Gleason, manager of the Radiology department, came up and gave me a big hug. Minutes later I discovered my nurse was best friends with my friend Tracie Metzger, president of Pink Ribbon Girls. She was administering the drugs, so I was glad to have that connection!
Actually, the procedure was painless and I feel absolutely fine today. I was awake but “happy” during the procedure and felt very confident with Dr. Ristagno and team. Because they couldn’t “plug me up” after it was done, one of the residents, Dr. Fisher, had to apply pressure to the incision for 20 minutes after they were done. When I asked him if this was boring to him, he told me he was using the time to pray. I found that extremely comforting and amazing!
Another comforting surprise happened when I came out and saw my friend and former University coworker Kate standing with my husband.
So overall, it was a very long experience, but I’m glad I had it done. The actual SIRT is scheduled for Sept. 16. Stay tuned for more details.
Brenda Coffee says:
These little “unplanned procedures” have a way of adding up. I’ve long since lost count of how many I’ve had. So awesome you had a doctor who prays. Dr Peter Ledoux, my breast reconstruction surgeon is a man of God and prayed with me before each surgery.
Stay strong sistergirl,
Brenda Coffee
Darlene Gant says:
Rock on girl! I am sooooo happy for you with the SIRT … many blessings coming your way and love and light and OF COURSE prayer! God heals!
Love ya!
Sherri says:
Happy for you. Good luck with this next procedure. Oh – and… I totally get the story about your mom
, but. now I’m digressing….
angie mickey says:
Thanks for your update!!! How encouraging to know God is always with us!! How awesome was it to know your surgeon was praying!!!! I can so relate to the skinny comment. When I lost 17lbs. people were saying I was too skinny and I loved it. I kept saying finally I got something good out of all this
You are such a encouragement. THANKYOU!!