Joel

The Port Is Out!

October 31, 2011

Today was like finishing a chapter, perhaps even a story.  I have no idea how many chapters or stories will be written in Joel’s life but today finished off cancer treatment with the removal of his Port-a-Cath (central line).   Joel’s journey is far from over;  he still has a lot of rehab ahead of him and perhaps one more surgery for his eye, but I pray we never have to write about cancer treatment and Joel in the same breath ever again.  We have been told about all the challenges that lay ahead of Joel and about possible side effects so I would ask you all to please keep praying for him.

Today however, we celebrate!

Joel got up bright and early ready to head off to the hospital.  On the way there he asked again just to be sure, “They take my port out?” We once again went through what would happen today.  Joel was in a great mood and actually spoke to one or two people at the hospital (this is extremely rare for him.)  He had specific requests with how he was to be sedated.  He wanted the mask first,  followed by an IV once he was out.   He also wanted to watch a movie as he fell asleep.  They were more than happy to accommodate him.  He was humming a tune as he walked into the OR and helped with getting himself onto the operating table.  He helped to hold the mask in place as he went off to sleep.

Often Joel can wake up from sedation rather grumpy and try and pull his IV out, today he woke up beautifully.  He was quiet as a mouse and waited patiently for them to remove his IV.  He was a little cold and a bit sleepy,  but was happy to get an orange popsicle.  He was a real little trooper once again I am so proud of him!

Tonight Joel has been running around the house and now he is happily watching a movie with his brothers and sisters.  To look at him you would never guess he had surgery today.

Here is Joel after eating pizza, he had to run in to tell us all about the bear in the movie!! Thank you all for your prayers and support we could not have asked for a better day!!

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11 Comments

  • Alexis
    November 1, 2011 at 4:25 am Reply

    I have been the absolute WORST commenter lately, but I've been praying for Joel!! If you remember, I won the Eden String Quartet DVD that you gave away a couple of years ago, and Matty is obsessed with anything and everything with violins. He wants to watch it CONSTANTLY, and every time he says something about it, I think of you and sweet little Joel and I pray for you all. I'm SO glad, so thankful! What a great day!!

  • Leah O
    November 3, 2011 at 4:26 pm Reply

    I am so glad to hear that wonderful news! Praise be to God! God's peace to you and your family today Cheryl and especially to your wonderful son Joel. 🙂

  • Jessica @FoundtheMar
    November 4, 2011 at 9:30 pm Reply

    I do hope that you are celebrating today this well-deserved victory! May the rest of your journey go as smoothly as possible.

  • sarada hyland
    November 19, 2011 at 8:57 pm Reply

    Hi Cheryl, I am Sarada Hyland, Luke's mom. Ironically this is the day that my Luke had his Port put in. I would love to chat soon in person, your tender note has been read over and over since Luke's diagnosis, 3 weeks ago. Blessings, Sarada

  • Anne
    January 26, 2012 at 10:53 pm Reply

    wow. i came across your blog and i was so touched by your story i couldn’t help but cry. im not a big prayer, not that i don’t believe, rather that i think i have it rather good here but on the rare occations when its something very important i find myself turning to god. i can 100% say i will be praying today and Joel will be in my prayers. thank you for sharing his story. i hope everything is going well for you and your family!

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