Port-a-cath Placement (July 13, 2010)

Our Luke had his first surgery today. I am beginning this post while waiting for him. They are placing a "portacath" or implanted IV port in his chest, below his left collarbone. This morning was the first time anyone has ever taken Luke away from us against his will. I am concerned about how he will feel about this. I pray that God's goodness is known to him as time goes on. This morning, Luke had good spirits. Very happy and loving. This was also the first time he has gone to the hospital and entered without crying. Prior to this diagnosis of leukemia, I believe I might have said "Luke is a trooper". By God's grace, today, I see this with more depth. "Luke is a trooper. I am thankful to God for that." I believe that we have learned that it is so easy to overlook rejoicing and giving thanks. When we were in the hospital, our brother Robin prayed, and something in that prayer continues to resound. "Through all of this, we pray that we continue to grow to see Your face clearer." We pray for peace and strength for our family and loved ones. At this time, we especially lift up our Luke, God's blessing to us. We pray for no pain and suffering from his procedure today. We also pray for a successful port placement, that can last for the remainder of treatments. Prior to the procedure, Luke donned a hospital PJ set. He was remarkable in great spirits. He was also a little tired, since we were up early. My goodness. No words can describe how we felt when we let them take Luke back to the operating room. When we were notified of the procedure completion, we rushed to recovery where he was already waking up. We are scared and anxious as we start on another path with this implanted IV port. Over the long run, it will probably be less traumatic for Luke. And here's our blessed child when we got home. Ready to eat some chinese moodles and chicken, and listening to Joyce's iPod.

Here's a video, prior to the procedure. Luke is playing with a vacuum. Pay attention to the end, where he credits the 2 people that taught him how to vacuum.