Yesterday morning, Jill and I decided we were on the road to nowhere. A call to Dr. Pippas and an explanation of the depth of my exhaustion and the severity of my pain sent us packing to the beautiful, newly-renovated and improved E.D. (Hint: does stand for emergency department) at The Medical Center. Although I’ve seen photographs of the $25 million dollar renovation project, this is the first I’ve seen it with my own eyes. Even though I was in big time pain, I could see the fabulous work that has been done.
The waiting room is huge, bright and nicely appointed. I like the colors that were chosen. Despite the beauty of the front of the house, the waiting room was just a small taste of the wow factor that appeared as we pushed through the doors to the business end of the new emergency department. WOW! Wide, well-lit halls and a double handful of private rooms with flat screen TVs. I remember the old emergency room at The Medical Center. What an incredible transformation.
It is a good thing we liked the new look, because we were there all day. We were an unexpected part of Dr. Pippas’ day on Monday, so I’m not bitching about the length of time it took to get us into a room. He decided that I needed to be admitted to get a good look at what might be the source of my debilitating pain and to put together a pain management plan to be able to deal with it at home, a place that doesn’t offer intravenous pain medication.
They got me comfortable as soon as we hit our room in the emergency department with IV demerol and something to prevent nausea. Dr. Drew Williams runs the place and he was hands on with us from the minute we arrived. Thank you Dr. Drew! Finally, out of pain for the first time in many, many days. Dr. Gorum and his affable PA, Henry Aucoin stopped by to check on me and to order a CT scan to inspect the results of their very difficult surgery of three weeks ago. After much scrutiny, they came to report that my newly-rebuilt lumbar spine is spot-on and exactly where they left it before the seven incisions were closed.
I got an interesting explanation of my “innerds” as Dr. Gorum called them. I love it when really smart, gifted brain surgeons can be real people and bring their personalities to their job. Dr. Mike Gorum is as real as they get. So talented and I’ll tell you that I’ve seen him in action with a few people I know and also with a few people whom I love and they will all tell you that he is always reluctant to operate. Imagine that, a surgeon who operates only as a last resort. I don’t know about you, but I want that kind of restraint from my neurosurgeon.
As a disclaimer, I want to report that Mike and I are also friends. I’ve ridden quite a few miles of road with Mike Gorum on our bicycles, too. The man never gives up! “Hey, let’s race to that sign up there.” “Hey, I’ll race you to the top of that hill over there.” You know what? I also want that kind of take-no-prisoners competitiveness in my neurosurgeon.
So, Dr. Gorum tells me today that I’m possibly the most muscular patient he’s EVER operated on. It is my psoas muscles. He says I have “enormous” psoas muscles. Henry put it a different way. Henry said I’d have made great tenderloins. These guys crack me up! The psoas is the same muscle as the beef tenderloins. They run down both sides of the backbone of the critters that we eat and also in us humans.
My “honkin'” psoas muscles had to be negotiated during my surgery and the one on my right is angry and inflamed. That is the source of my pain and I am confident after a meeting with my surgical team that it will settle down after the time it needs to get back to normal.
When we got settled in our hospital room last evening, they brought out the big guns. IV dilaudid for pain and ativan to help me sleep. Only one dose of the pain medication and I was given the wonderful gift of 10 hours of sleep. Ensley, the nurse manager on the 7th floor had a hospital bed rolled into my room and Jill finally got a complete night of sleep, too. Her nights of sleep have been cut short lately dealing with me. If they gave out an academy award for spouses, she would win in two categories: Best Wife on Earth and the lifetime achievement award for Most Patient Wife on Earth. Her long-sufferingness has exacted a toll on her that I haven’t taken for granted. I also want every person within the sound of my real voice, my blog voice and my Facebook voice to know that I appreciate every little thing she does to show how much she loves me.
I don’t know many women who could have done all the things she’s done to keep our business on track, and been a perfect mother to our four sons, a great daughter to her mom and a leader in our community and in our church and a loving, long-suffering spouse of a sick, needy man and to have done all of this with such grace. How, oh how, did I ever deserve Jill Tigner? I love you, possum. I hope we get many, many more years together for me to sicken people with my unabashed love for you.
We left the hospital this afternoon with several things accomplished. We have a pain management plan in place that has me taking some high-powered pain killers that are time-released and should provide steady, pain abatement while leaving me clear headed for work and able to go about my daily life until my psoas muscle decides to settle down and stop causing me pain.
Tonight is a first night run at home. I’ve taken the 12-hour pill and I plan to utilize the ativan to get to sleep. I need a homerun of sleep tonight to get back my confidence that I can even get a good night’s sleep at home. It has been two weeks of pacing at night and catching hour long naps in every chair and sofa in our home. I need a good one tonight.
The second thing we got done today is after a long conversation with Dr. Andrew Pippas, we have decided to go back to Emory for consultation with Dr. Stapleford and another likely stereotactic radiosurgery treatment to my spine at L-1 and for an extra advice from another expert spine surgeon Dr. Sandro LaRocca, MD, who saw some additional tumor in that same area in my spine and told us that he felt the radiosurgery was a much better option to remove it than traditional surgery. Again, that restraint. I’m so thankful that my neurosurgeon has the good judgement to know when even his bright mind and steady hands might not be the best thing for their patient.
So, were going back to Emory. Soon. And, Dr. Pippas’ office is helping us put together two files on my case to send on to Dr. Janice Dutcher at Roosevelt Hospital in Manhattan, New York City and Dr. Dan George at Duke University hospital. They are two nationally known renal cell cancer specialists who will weigh in on our future treatment options. I’m especially interested in high dose interleukin 2 (HDIL-2). Google it if you have the stomach for it. It is a brutal regimen of treatment, but it is something I might have to undergo.
I am in this to win it. With my healthcare team, a loving family and a network of friends of epic proportion, we take another step down this scary, but thankfully not lonely road. I’m sorry for the length of this post, but like Jill just said to me, “a lot has happened in the last two days.”
We continue to appreciate your love and your comments to this blog. Jill and I read them together and we know they are a source of so much good for our sons and our parents to know that so many people care for and support us.
Goodnight…and if you see another post from me before the sun comes up tomorrow, I will not be in a very good mood.
Damn cancer. DAMN CANCER! (Thank you, Judy Walsh, for these very direct and eloquent words.) I couldn’t agree with you more.
Carter Seaton says
September 13, 2011 at 10:56 pmDear Mike,
It’s hard to think of anything to say but ‘wow’ about what you’ve endured, what Jill means to you, and what a remarkable team of medical folks you’ve got working with and for you. You’ll beat this damn thing. Just keep fighting. You are an inspiration to those of us with puny complaints.
Carter and Richard
Jan Venable Davenport says
September 13, 2011 at 10:57 pmHopefully you and Jill are on your way to LaLa Land right now !!
I continue to say a prayer for you every night, Cuz….hang in there !
Love ya,
Jan:)
Lamar Johnson says
September 13, 2011 at 10:59 pmHey, Charlie Brown. A man can never ever tell and show the love of his life how deeply he loves her and cares for her. You two are lucky to have each other. Don’t ever change!
Denise Brown Owens says
September 13, 2011 at 11:05 pmMike you are my hero. Jill is truly a saint but hey, she loves you! You two are cut out of some very special cloth.
Beth levi leikvold says
September 13, 2011 at 11:08 pmMike and Jill I am praying for pain-free rest and sleep for both of you! You are both such heroes. Constant prayers dear ones!!!! Love, beth
donna Gafford says
September 13, 2011 at 11:39 pmSo very sorry this already bumpy road has these added potholes. I hope by now both of you are having sweet dreams. In fact, I’m praying for it as are many others.
Sherry Wade says
September 14, 2011 at 12:04 amHope that drug cocktail sends you to dreamland tonight!
Betsy Lawrence says
September 14, 2011 at 12:36 amGlad you have the meds to help you sleep. You are certainly blessed with fine doctors. I never tire of reading of your unabashed love for Jill. Hope your week is filled with good dreams!
Carol Ann says
September 14, 2011 at 12:46 amThe relationship you and Jill share is the perfect example of how to get it right!
I not only look up to and admire your sales, speaking and writing skills, I also look at you two as the perfect example of a healthy, happy marriage.
You are blessed…both of you. God knew just what he was doing when he paired you up.
I’m so glad to hear about and read updates on your progress. We miss you at the office but know that you are in good hands.
Callie has been absolutely wonderful at helping me with most of my questions. She also gives me updates when she can. What a great team you have working at CVM!
Nancy T. Morris says
September 14, 2011 at 1:05 amHugs to you and Jill and wishes for lots of zzzzzzzzzzz’s~
Connie Jackson says
September 14, 2011 at 2:00 amSleep well, my friends.
Tina Ashmore Bowers says
September 14, 2011 at 3:05 amI hope sleep tackles you from all sides, front and back. When you are sleeping your are healing. Prayers continue. Much love your way.
Lorriet Taylor says
September 14, 2011 at 6:45 amI never tire of your gift of words. Your love for Jill and bravery are very inspiring. I pray often for you, Jill and the doctors to fight this terrible disease and be cured of the Damn Cancer. My sister Gay also has Cancer you both are so very Brave and a inspiration to me. Jill you are truely an angle. I pray you both had a good nights sleep and a pain free day.
Rusty Scoven says
September 14, 2011 at 7:10 amI am so glad that you have something to ease that pain. You are always in our thoughts.
Richard Illges says
September 14, 2011 at 7:54 amFight the fight.
Run the race.
Win the war.
And as Churchill said, “We shall never, never, never, never, never give up”
Stength & Honor….
Borden says
September 14, 2011 at 8:35 amThink of you two often. Hope that the drugs are workng better…there is nothing wrong with relying on meds when you need them (but I know how hard it is to give up some clarity) sweet dreams.
Aleta Brant says
September 14, 2011 at 8:40 amMike and Jill,
so glad to hear of some relief from pain and sleeplessness; you’re a special pair, hope to see you both soon. Congrats on your awards, Jill! I know you’ll be rockin’ the red carpet.
Margie Ivey says
September 14, 2011 at 8:44 amSounds much better and I hope and pray you both get the rest you need.
Betsy Covington says
September 14, 2011 at 8:49 amI’m so glad you got some extra help! Pain-free rest is a good thing. Hope it won’t be a long stay in the hospital, but our guest house is at Jill’s disposal if she needs to have a crash-nap. Dr. G must have really ticked that tenderloin off!
Lin Groover says
September 14, 2011 at 9:04 amMIKE & JILL, GOD BLESS YOU.
Ashley Parkman Smith says
September 14, 2011 at 9:23 amMike, I love how much you love your wife! She is a great lady. Prayers for you (and Jill). And I agree, damn cancer!
Dianne Henry says
September 14, 2011 at 9:30 amHope you both had sweet dreams in the land of Nod.
love and prayers,
Di and Johnny
Patti Trotter says
September 14, 2011 at 10:16 amIt’s great that you have such a proactive medical team. You and Jill are such troopers and an example and inspiration to all. I’m still praying for you all through the day.
Love,
Patti
Jim Irvin says
September 14, 2011 at 10:39 amThose sleep drugs sound wonderful! If you have any left over could I have?……oh never mind. You are in my thoughts and prayers daily. Get some sleep and continue the war.
Dusty says
September 14, 2011 at 12:03 pmMike & Jill: Judy and I have you on our minds and in our prayers. Hang tough, big guy. (Yeah, I know … easy for ME to say. But you’re both made of tough stuff.)
Stay in touch. Love, D&J
Gail Matthews Wilson says
September 14, 2011 at 1:30 pmMike and Jill, our prayers are with you guys. Sounds like your plan is a great one, and you are truly blessed with the best “team”, so it sounds to me. I hope you had pleasant dreams during your much needed rest. We will keep up with your progress for sure!
Joey Loudermilk says
September 14, 2011 at 2:56 pmMike:
You are a scream! (Please excuse the double entendre.)
Your comments about Jill remind me that she needs our prayers as much as you do. Glad your pain source has been identified.
Continue to keep us informed/entertained. I don’t know if laughter is the best medicine, but it sure doesn’t hurt. (Uh-oh, another double entendre.) To heck with it, go ahead, have a double!
Joey
Debbie Seeley says
September 14, 2011 at 3:32 pmMissed you at the Medical Breakfast this morning. Larry sent best wishes your way as he was introducing the speaker. He did not mention you by name, but we knew it was you. The topic was on sleep disorders and depravation….something YOU could write a book on. It was good, but I was hoping for more info on why I can’t seem to get 8 good hours….so….can I borrow some meds? Rest,take care and hugs all the way around!
Kathy Gierer says
September 14, 2011 at 8:03 pmSending positive thoughts and prayers to both you and Jill. Bless you for telling the world what a wonderful spouse you have. I know she appreciated it!! Thanks to this blog for keeping your many, many friends up to date!
Robin Trimarchi says
September 14, 2011 at 8:14 pmMike & Jill — thinking of you both and adding my prayers to the many many many many prayers that are being sent to the heavens for you …
Cyndy says
September 14, 2011 at 8:38 pmif the new pain management regimen doesn’t do the job, don’t you think it’s time to start talking about medicinal marijuana?
Kim Giles Jinks says
September 14, 2011 at 10:06 pmLove you both…..what a blessing you both are to our community and more importantly to each other. I pray you will sleep all night long pain free and that your doctors will have the wisdom to do whatever it takes to heal you.
Carol Wingard says
September 14, 2011 at 11:50 pmMike and Jill, Hugs and prayers to you both. I do not know how either one of you does it individually, but I know that the two of you together are an unbeatable team. I am with Cyndy on the topic of medicinal marijuana.
Carol Wingard says
September 14, 2011 at 11:52 pmAnd if your erectile system is functioning as this point, well — you are the MAN! (You went there first.)
Grandin Eakle says
September 15, 2011 at 12:14 amSo if you sarted a band would you call it DC/DC!!!!!? Think about it. I hope you are reading this after a long nights sleep at home. -G
Leah Braxton says
September 15, 2011 at 6:06 amWhat an incredible gift you have to tell a most difficult story. Your strength, your love of God and life in general, your wonderful wife, doctors, friends are a testament to how you approach life. We’re praying for you and know you will fight the fight and beat this DAM CANCER! Thanks for sharing with us, and in such a humorous and detailed fashion!
pat McDougall says
September 18, 2011 at 11:09 amMike…I think without realizing it…you just titled your new upcoming book…”DAMN CANCER” (the inspirational journey of an unstoppable couple). I can see it finished already and a best seller! Keeping you both in my prayers.