Proton Experience

Friday, January 13, 2006

Words you don't want to hear while in the "pod"


This has been an interesting week, with 30 treatments complete. My treatment protocol was modified beginning with #29 to make the exposure slightly smaller. All of the physical equipment was ready for the changover but there is a data file with the new protocol that would not load on the gantry computer. They had hoped to have it fixed by 9:30 a.m. so I went back to the apartment and had some breakfast. When I got back at 9:00 they called me back at 9:10 for my treatment and got me all set in the pod and then one of the technicians said, "Uh Renaldo, I hit the big red system interrupt button." Let me tell you, these are words you don't want to hear when you're laying there in a very uncomfortable position. They tried to restart the gantry but it took too long and I had to get out of the pod without being treated. About an hour passed before my third and successful try for treatment #29 was completed. This is something I hope doesn't happen again. This morning's treatment went off without a hitch so we should be back on the right road.

We had friends of ours from Wenatchee over for dinner Wednesday night. Their son is at Loma Linda after receiving a liver transplant. Their son came near to death as a result of a toxic reaction to Tylenol. They were recovering from the emotional shock as they had been told over the weekend that their son was likely not going to make it through the weekend. Against all odds a perfect donor liver was found in Ohio and the transplant saved his life. He remains in critical condition, however when we were having dinner the surgeon called to say that a number of vital organs were showing unexpected recovery. We also got to see the look on our friends face as they got to speak briefly with their son over the phone. They have shown courage and heart that I cannot properly describe. The father shared a story of sitting in a conference room while the medical specialists discussed whether their son would live or die. I can't think of a darker day for a parent but yet they persevered and felt that their son had been given a new life. They have a great attitude and stamina and they will need both as their son recovers and adjusts to his new life.

One element of this liver transplant drama was that the son did not have health insurance. The surgeons and hospital administrators made a very difficult decision to do the transplant. At the end of the meeting there was a simple mission statement by the lead surgeon, "save his life". In a world of managed care, HMO's, and more business like approach to medicine these people made a purely humanitarian decision to make the attempt to save his life. It is likely a hospital foundation will fund a portion of the costs, estimated to be in excess of $2 million. I was awestruck by the generosity of Loma Linda Hospital. It forces one to think about your own individual committment to those in need. I have put a picture today of the hospital grounds so that when I look back at this post some day it will help me remember their committed generosity.

This has been a week of shock, reflection, and difficult treatments. However, the sun is shining today and we are headed to San Diego to spend time with our entire family and celebrate a birthday. I am determined to savor every moment of their health and vitality, even if it means I can barely walk into treatment on Monday. My mind is saying I want to do the half marathon tomorrow with the kids, but my wife and my body are giving a little different feedback. Maybe I will join the pasta feed and see how it goes from there.

Thanks again for the kind notes, encouragement to update the blog, and the well wishes. They mean a lot to Ruth and I.

19 Comments:

  • Great stories, Randy. I just got caught up and am enjoying every word. Maybe a worse phrase to hear while in the machine would be, "I can't seem to shut it off."

    Found your account of the other Wenatchee family situation interesting. There was a piece in The Wenatchee World about it this week (maybe 10 inches or so in the Family section) but you offered much more info. They identified the family and had a picture of the son, just so you know other readers might recognize the situation. The whole health care funding situation is certainly a tough problem -- one worthy of your esteemed study and focus with all the new background you are getting. I will look forward to hearing your thoughts.

    Everyone seems to be talking about skiing, but I am skipping it so far this year. Chad Rissman came back from snowboarding with a broken arm last weekend. My son, Terry, is headed to Tahoe for the weekend with new skis (and a new helmet) so I guess he is getting smarter than his old man (never a doubt there).

    Keep up the postings. Know that many people are keeping you in their thoughts and wishing you well.

    If you're over halfway, we're going to start anticipating having you back here. As the days get longer, so will our anticipation.

    Take care,

    Lacho

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 3:47 PM  

  • Greetings, old friend. A bright, sunny day here in the Wenatchee Valley on this Sunday. It's been a week of wild weather in the mountains with a series of rain and snow storms pushing through the state. I heard a news report on Friday that Mount Rainier at Longmire has more than 11 feet of snow already. Despite the precipitation, Curt Carlson's Wednesday report on Columbia River runoff projections showed a 5% reduction. But, it's still at 92% of average.

    As I read your latest blog report from Friday, I recalled our pre-treatment discussion about the opportunity this situation presented you for a period of reflection. I know that you're no stranger to life-changing experiences. But, from all appearances, this may be the most significant of your life. What's unique is the exposure you have to so many other folks who have also stepped out of life's fast track for a face-to-face confrontation with a life-threatening illness. The same tenacity and spirit that make you so successful in business will help you win this battle, too.

    Blessings to you and Ruth.

    Jeff

    By Anonymous Anonymous, at 2:45 PM  

  • Hello Uncle Randy and Aunt Ruth! We are so proud of you and are glad to hear you are halfway there! We are thinking of you alot and cannot wait to visit when you return!

    Love Ryan Shannon and Nikole

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