Ben Update

Originally, they had fit him on to the emergency surgery schedule for about 7 PM. Then they called and moved it up to 6 PM with check-in at 4 PM. We had taken Ben to IHOP for brunch since he couldn’t eat after 11 AM. We finished up there at 10:55. We’re rule followers when it comes to hospital stuff.

When we arrived at 4 PM, the nurses told us that he probably wouldn’t go into surgery until 8 PM. My mouth was getting ready to blurt out “So why did you have us come extra early?” but I decided against it. Ben had his DSi to play so he ultimately didn’t care about waiting. His main gripe was about being hungry.

The surgeon came in to explain what he’d be doing. His original plan was to go through Ben’s back to get to the mass but he decided after further review to go through Ben’s side. Plus, he would be able to do a laproscopic procedure, which is much less invasive. One of the main problems would be that they would have to partially collapse his lung to get to the mass. This is where my brain started doing that super loud humming. Yes, I heard what he said, but there was a tremendous amount of feedback that was hurting my ears.

Finally, at about 8:30 PM, they were ready for him. They gave us “bunny suits” to wear down to the OR. Unfortunately, I did not capture this Kodak moment. With the two of us playing wingman, we steered Ben’s bed down the hall. He didn’t seem overly nervous because Dad was making him giggle the entire time. The OR was extremely bright and the staff was ready to go (and Heather, just for your reassurance, he was NOT in “OR 8”). Ben climbed over from his bed to the operating table without any fear. He told the anesthesiologist that he wanted his mask to smell like “Skittles”. They placed the mask over his sweet little face, started asking him questions about his pets, and within seconds he was out. Actually, he was trying to tell the doctors that his dog, Stella, was not black. What he actually said was “Stella is not bla…bla…bla…bla….” Then total Z’s. With a peck on the cheek from each of us and a couple of extra prayers thrown in, we left him in capable hands.

Out of solidarity for Ben, we hadn’t eaten since 11 AM either. So we left the hospital to grab some Chinese nearby. When we came out of the restaurant it was raining. I am always soothed by rain. I’m sure I’m one of the only people in the world that says “YAY!” when it rains. So, I was thrilled to feel the drops on my head and the sensation as it ran down my skin. God was telling me something: to relax – that Ben will be OK – that the Rockies would make it to the World Series again… it was something positive. And I sincerely appreciated it.

Back at the hospital, we delved into our own electronic gizmos to pass the time. When the surgeon came out to tell us that they were all finished, it was such a relief. Ben had done well. They had placed a chest tube in during the procedure but they’d already taken it out and after they completed one more chest x-ray we’d be able to go back to see him. YAY! He was so stinking cute when we got back to PACU. He was awake but very groggy. He was holding a juice box that was slowly tilting to the side. I grabbed it before it fell over completely and spilled any further. They asked him if he knew who I was and he said in his sweet little voice, “That’s my mom.” Oh, I just love this kid.

They moved him to room 910 rather quickly since he was doing so well. We got upstairs around midnight. Ben was sleeping comfortably thanks to copious amounts of morphine. I cried a bit more (my eyelids are actually chapped from crying so much) and finally fell asleep a couple of hours later.

Ben had a bit of nausea this morning, which is not surprising since he’d had anesthetic. After a few episodes of throwing up, he was just fine. My dear friends Barb and Carol came to visit. Matt was with Ben as he was getting another chest x-ray and I was still asleep when they came in. Opening my eyes to these particular visitors was a gift from God. They hung out for a little bit, brought Ben a gift, and brought me so much comfort. Thank you, ladies. I love you both so much.

As for the rest of you, I am amazed by the amount of outreach you’ve exhibited over the last 48 hours. I’m completely blown away by the love, prayers, and offers of support. My plan is to not need anything out of the ordinary. I know you’re all praying for that. However, it is more than comforting to know that you’re all out there, ready to jump in. It’s a true gift from God.

As I’m typing this update, Ben is downstairs resting. He’s watching cartoons, has eaten his dinner, and just told Matt “I wish I didn’t have to go through all of this.”

Me, too, my beautiful son. Me, too.

I’ll give updates as I get information.

So, there you have it. No matter what the results are, I will continue to update this particular site. If not with Ben Updates, then it will be my National Holiday stuff. Maybe I’ll combine them. Writing is the best outlet for me.

Ben has decided that he wants to take over his old website as well as post videos that he’s taken with the video camera he got for his birthday. I’ll let you know when that’s up and running.

I’m planning to sleep a lot tomorrow so in case I don’t get to it, tomorrow is “Cheer Up the Lonely Day”. Do your part.

More soon. 🙂