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Tuesday, June 24, 2008

The Worst Pain Ever

I have just experienced the worst pain ever. Thankfully, it is over with. I am currently at St. John's waiting for whatever it is I am supposed to have done next. I am so excited because they actually have wireless internet and I am able to give all of you a quick update. Ryan and I arrived at 9:30 this morning. Upon our arrival, I was immediately put in one of those lovely gowns. I didn't have to wait very long before I was taken to Nuclear Medicine. This is a scary place. I was warned prior to my procedure that it would be the worst part of the entire day. I couldn't imagine how with surgery scheduled the same day. I now understand why they warned me although I don't think anything could have prepared me for the pain I just experienced. Dr. Cavagnol came into to see me and explained that they do not give a local anesthetic because it can interact with the "radioactive dye" that they inject. What am I supposed to do with that information? Obviously I had no choice so we proceeded. The initial stick was not that big of a deal. I mean I did just have a biopsy done two weeks ago. However, when Dr. Cavagnol began injecting the dye, I thought I was going to come up off the table. I'm pretty sure that I was screaming, or at least moaning. I also remember saying that I thought I was going to pass out. In fact, I think I may have said a prayer that I would pass out. Once the needle was out, the pain only lasted a few more seconds (long seconds) and eventually subsided. Now I sit and wait. I will be taken back down to Nuclear Medicine within about an hour for some imaging. After that, it is back to waiting until I am taken to surgery for my port. Dr. Cavagnol and I have decided that for the procedure this afternoon I will be put to sleep rather than just "sleepy." I will have to go to recovery for about an hour, but it will be worth it. I do not want to be awake for anything else the rest of the day.

5 comments:

The Womacks said...

We love you Mel! We're thinking of you and praying for you. Let us know of ANYTHING we can do to make life a little easier for you. Ryan, we're here for you too! Stay tough, you're doing great! :)

Melody said...

Mel, you're amazing. The way you describe that radioactive dye injection reminds me of MY MOST Painful moment in life when my mom took me to my Pediatrician to get some WARTS burned out of my NOSE!!! Yes, warts in my nose...I know.

The doctor had to give me a shot of local in each NOSTRIL to numb the nose before burning the warts off. That sucked.....I still to this very day, would have rather had my nose amputated.....you know.....a nose-ectomy.

Anyways, you're a trooper....and tougher than I am.

By the way, did you notice you spelled you Doctor's name THREE DIFFERENT WAYS in this blog entry? Must have been the drugs....

love ya.
Wasson

Unknown said...

Melanie,
I just want you to know that the entire family is behind you. We love you guys and if you need anything, all you have to do is call. I have been the lucky one in my family and I've not had to go through, what you've are experiencing, but I have lost my loved ones that are closest to me. But deep in my heart, I know this time will be different and you will so this thing who's BOSS!!!
Just to let you know, we lit a candle for you at Relay for Life in Republic on Friday night.
Love you guys,
Amy, Eric, and Jamie

Suzanna said...

Hi Melody! I was the nurse assistant that took care of you today and wheeled you out to your car. I just wanted you know that I am keeping you in my prayers. You seem like an amazing person and you are an inspiration to many. May God bless you and your family.

Megan said...

Mel- Sorry you had such a painful day. I hope you are feeling better soon. I continue to think about you, Ryan, and Charley and pray for you to continue have strength physically and spiritually.