Day 260 - GOODBYE PORT
DePORTation day (as it's known in the cancer world... har har) has finally arrived. That horrible and wonderful device that's been embedded into his body for 6 months is finally coming out. I can't find the right words to express how much relief we feel to get it out, but it's coupled with a lot of fear. We've grown comfortable in our measures of control that allow us to know how he's doing, and give him what he needs quickly. Letting go of the port is... letting go. Loosening our grip a little more and trusting that we are one step closer to remission.
Right now we are sitting in another cold hospital room. Second coffee in hand, waiting for that phone call that tells us the surgery went ok.
Frequently we've had to split up to attend appointments, each of as assuming a single parent role, but this time both boys had sleepovers with good friends, and their wonderful parents are feeding our kids breakfast and keeping them happy and distracted for the day. This gives Brian and I the calm and the space to be together for this.
This is our fourth pediatric surgery we've been through together. It never gets easier. Preventing them from eating, pinning them down for poking and prodding... trying our best to keep them distracted with glove balloons and general ridiculousness, always reaching that point of no return when the tired and hungry takes over and we are left holding a screaming child. Breaks us a little. Every time.
This surgery should be brief and event-free, with up to two weeks of recovery. They've asked us to make sure he takes it easy and doesn't bump the site. Right. Sure. Piece of cake.
Another update when surgery is done!
Comments (20)
Sending lots of love and strength your way. Redden is amazing!!
Happy he will be port free. Praying everything goes well with your sweet little guy. Being home with him as a family will be the best medicine of all. God bless you all!
Wow that is great news the PORT is coming OUT! Hurray! So happy for the little guy....he is so stinkin' cute! prayers for a fast recovery and continued health.
Ya gonna gave a Deportation party!??!! Maybe with some stuffed PORTabella mushrooms...and a smooth PORT to wash it down...? Had to go with what you started...;) so happy to hear about this! So happy to see that smiling face in the pic!! Need to pop over and see y'all soon! Much love and PRAISE!!
Thinking of you guys. Hoping for a happy post surgery rapPORT.
I know your sweet boys will take care of little Redden and keep him from bumping around too much :-) Prayers never stop for your family.
Adios PORT, we are looking to the future full of opPORTunity! So glad ya'll can all be together today. Praying for speedy healing for Redden and easy recovery. Love and prayers sent your way.
Adios PORT! Welcome opPORTunity for a full-recovery, healthy, amazing beyond all measure future! Glad y'all can all be together today. Prayer and love sent your way.
....continue to uplift your family in earnest prayers for strength and healing! jgd
Love you Reddy-Bear! Oh yeah, and you guys as well. ;)
Happy he's getting rid of his port! Nasty ole things! Another milestone on this journey you have been on. Blessings are sent your way!
So excited. God is blessing. May you be able to let go of all the little niggling doubts. I am trusting he is healed in Jesus name. Love ya Red.
Another step forward. Hang in there you two. Im always thinking of you guys. Lots of hugs!
Redden and the two of you are in my continual prayers.
Hi, Thanks for the update. Will be waiting for surgery to be over and good news AGAIN. Love, Peace, Strength, Courage and Patience.
We hope everything goes well, and everything goes smoothly taking the port out. Good luck!
continue to pray and send light and love💜🙏
Beautifu picture. Redden's smile is cause for JOY. God's blessings to have such caring friends as well! God bless all.
Redden is the happiest baby ever met! He makes me smile.
What a blessing to have Reddin one step closer to being cancer free. Lean on the Lord…He's got this!!! You and your beautiful family remain in my prayers.