That's Cool

The abundant sunshine helped me coax Jason out of the house today.  We stopped for gas and Diet Coke before heading to our favorite thrift store.  He leaned back in his seat and took control of the radio after shaking his head at my song selections.  

Jason had an appointment this afternoon at the dialysis center to flush his catheter for the first time to make sure it works.  Even though I'd told him what we were doing, he'd forgotten by the time we pulled up to the center.  His face fell, and he looked incredibly sad as he quietly said, "I don't want to go to dialysis."  When I explained again that we will be doing dialysis at home, he let out a sigh of relief and replied, "That's cool."  In that moment I feel thoroughly at peace with our decision, and grateful the option was available.  The nurse flushed his catheter and changed the bandage.  We are penciled in to begin training the first week of April.  If Jason's labs or symptoms change, we may need to start sooner.  He felt great this week, and has seemed especially alert and happy.  

At Eli's parent/teacher conference this week, he was given a card for a free meal at Famous Dave's. He told me later that he was glad he'd gotten on the A/B Honor Roll instead of the A one this time. He received a free lunch at Applebee's earlier this year after getting all A's...and wanted to eat somewhere different this time, ha.  Since he had an extra-early out today, we decided to go for a late lunch together.  Jason normally doesn't enjoy the noise of restaurants, so we rarely go out as a family.  At this time of day, there was only one other table occupied.  When Jason sat down and put his arm around his son, Eli beamed.

My parents gave me The Tenors cd for Christmas...I find myself turning to this one often for encouragement.

“We who have fled to take hold of the hope offered to us may be greatly encouraged. We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure” (Hebrews 6:18b, 19a).

Surgery

We are thankful to have Jason's surgery behind us.  They placed a catheter in his abdomen so we can do peritoneal dialysis at home.  We will begin dialysis in two weeks, after the site has time to heal.  The actual procedure took less than an hour, and went very well.  We stayed a couple hours after the surgery since he was experiencing some nausea.  He's been in quite a bit of pain since we've been home, and finally just fell asleep on the couch.  We're hoping the pain medicine will at least take the edge off soon. 

Jason was in an especially silly mood last night.  He wasn't able to wear any jewelry during surgery, so took his wedding ring off last night.  He threw his arms up in the air, did a little dance, and exclaimed, "I'm single!"  

We appreciate all the prayers, messages, and texts.  Thank you to Keith, who sat with me while I fidgeted.  We are exceedingly grateful to have so much support.

"But you, O Lord, are a shield about me; my glory, and the one who lifts my head." (Psalm 3:3)

Update

The kidney nurse called this morning with the results of Jason's labs from yesterday.  When she seemed hesitant to tell me, I knew immediately the news she was delivering.  It's time to start dialysis.  Jason has an appointment with a surgeon on Monday morning.  His dialysis port will probably be placed next week.  We will start dialysis about two weeks later, after the surgery site has time to heal.  We covet your continued prayers.
You who live in the shelter of the Most High, who abide in the shadow of the Almighty, will say to the Lord, "My refuge and my fortress; my God in whom I trust." (Psalm 91:1-2)