I know that many of you are praying for Rick and wondering how he's doing. He told me I could go ahead and send this update. As you know, his left leg had been getting progressively weaker because of the tumor in his femur. He was able to get an appointment with one of the best orthopedic oncologists in the county (in the Washington hospital) for Thursday. I was supposed to give a talk in New Jersey that night so Alyssa drove him up from Salisbury (thanks Alyssa!). His leg was so painful and weak by the time he got there that they checked him in and planned surgery for Sunday. Angels Alyssa and Alex took care of him until I got there early Friday morning. On Friday he was scheduled for an MRI. As they were transferring him from his bed the femur gave out. Needless to say this was traumatic for both of us (and the attendants) and very painful for Rick. Eventually some great anesthesiologists got him comfortable (down the rabbit hole and into a magical wonderland) and then he spent the next 3 hours in the MRI machine (!). Saturday he rested as comfortably as possible, and Sunday morning at 7:30am was the surgery.
The doctor was very pleased with how the operation turned out. They replaced the top of the femur with metal. A high fever post-surgery was scary, but Rick is doing well now and we are hanging out in a beautiful private room decorated hotel -style with carpeting and couches. Of course Rick has been very kind and conversational with all of the hospital workers and they all love him. This afternoon they will make him stand on his new leg. We will probably be here a few more days and then head back to the 'bury.
Much love to all.....Joan and Rick
Thank God that the surgery went well...Love you guys, and have been praying for you (with everyone else)..Try to get some rest, and know that we are here, for you, if you need us...
ReplyDeleteLove you both, very much..
Mom and Wayne
Rick & Joan, The large circle of friends-family is traveling with you both on this journey to recovery. May it be as quick, and as pain free as possible.
ReplyDeleteThis Bruce Cockburn song has caught my attention lately....
"As I stare into the flame filled up with feelings I can't name, Images of Life appear....love's ferocious eyes, and clear, the words come flying to my ear "Go on- put it in your heart- Put it in your heart".....Heaven's perfect alchemy put me with you and you with me. Come on- put that in your heart. Come on- put it in your heart....".
Over the years lots of folks have stared into that flame with you, and every one of us has you by the hand today, filled with feelings we know well... and images of Time and Life well spent with you. Perfect alchemy does seem to have put us all together, and we are grateful for that chance encounter. Love and Healing to you.... our collective Brother, John & Elaine Rafter