Crazy Cat

After a long day of endless waiting, the nurse came in to let us know that they were NOT going to be doing Nick's lung procedure today. The OR was so busy they would have been calling for Nick possible as late as midnight, not to mention the fact that the surgeon, Dr. So and So, would be VERY TIRED at this point. Although I am not happy that Nick had to wait all this time and without food (as he had been NPO since 12MN last night), I would rather have them start fresh in the AM! We still don't know the exact time that Nick will be heading to the OR, but, it will hopefully be at a more decent hour. I am also glad that Nick has a little time to regroup as this morning was very rushed and stressful for him.

First the X-ray people came in and woke him up to do a chest X-ray, which sent him into a breathing fit, which is never good. He usually has to have some sedation medication to keep him calm when this happens and it takes him a long time to settle out after this happens. Then right on the heels of this episode the thoracic doctor shows up to try to get a consent signed for the procedure. Of course, he is in a hurry because he is coming up between OR cases and cannot really spend a lot time talking to Nick and/or answering questions! Also, most of these doctors are not allowing enough time for Nick to communicate his questions etc. since he insists on writing everything out on a pad of paper. I am not sure why he doesn't type on the computer, but, so far he has not wanted to communicate this way. Ultimately, Nick signed the consent, but, he does not like to be rushed and likes to spend a lot of time thinking things through and considering all the angles. This is the curse or the blessing of his engineer's mind. I personally thing it is a good thing, but, sometimes too much thinking can delay much needed treatment.
There is definite sense of urgency to everything around here, sometimes justified, sometimes not. The doctors basically want to do most things on THEIR schedule, not ours! Tonight is a classic example. When Nick wanted to wait until tomorrow everyone was jumping up and down on the furniture and nagging Nick about how crucial this was that he do this today....once the consent is signed, then it becomes a huge game of "hurry up and wait!" And I mean wait!! Then irony of all ironies, the surgeon cancels and now all of a sudden it is OK to wait another day!!!

So for tonight I feel like we have gotten another reprieve. Nick has actually perked up a bit this evening. For some reason, he usually feels better in the evenings. They started him on another antibiotic earlier today for a possible bacteria growing in the fluid they took yesterday. Nick's fever has gone away since then!! I was hoping that Nick would have one of his favorite nurse's again tonight, but, alas she does not seem to be here. Of course, he has a nurse who doesn't really know him that well, but, he is a nice guy and he has had Nick way back in the day. I find it is so much easier for me to get out of here and get home to rest when I am confident and comfortable with his night nurse! I hope to be heading home soon and try to catch up on some much needed rest so I will be ready for another day of ramped of stress hormones tomorrow.

Please keep Nick in your thoughts and prayers. It is good to know that we have so many supporters out there ready to come to our aid whenever needed. I hope you all will be ready when we call.