If you are reading this Monday morning, it means that Steve and I are trundling along in the car with Duke University Hospital in our sights. (Since we had to leave at 6 o’clock this morning, I wrote this post yesterday and auto-scheduled it for this morning.)
Now that the day is finally here, I am excited and scared and anxious and happy, all mushed up together. Today I will find the results of my pulmonary function testing from Friday but more importantly, I will get Dr. Morrison’s initial impressions as to what he thinks might be going on.
I know that there will also be additional information available once the whole group of pulmonologists has their weekly meeting to discuss “new and/or challenging cases.” (I think I fit the bill in both areas.)
But while we’re waiting on the events of today to transpire, I’ll go ahead and share a little bit about my appointment from Friday.
I took a pre-Duke photo before I left my hotel room.
As I was en route to the hospital, I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the contrast between the white snow and the blue sky. I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: God did a GREAT job when He chose the colors for our world. Can you imagine green snow and an orange sky?
As I was walking down the long hall between the parking deck and the clinics . . .
it occurred to me that in sixteen years of Duke-going, this is the first time I’ve ever gone alone.
Although Steve (Eagle Scout that he is) is usually my navigator through large and confusing buildings, I managed to find my way with nary a wrong turn. (Well. Maybe one wrong turn.)
As I was checking in, I happened to glance up and spot this sign. Always sobering to see the word “transplant” on a clinic I am headed into.
I got the pulmonary function testing out of the way and managed to not pass out with all the huffing and puffing that was required of me.
And then came the time for the 6-minute walk where they see how many laps you can do in six minutes while having your heart rate and oxygen level monitored.
And so this serene and sedate pastor’s wife put on her rip-roaring orange accessories (the headband was holding some sort of sensor) and prepared to boogie on down the hallway.
Well, maybe boogie is too strong a word. It might be more accurate to say that I walked at a slightly brisk pace while the tech kept an eye on me for any signs of general swooning or passing out cold, both of which are frowned upon by hospital personnel.
Each time I passed her, she shouted words of encouragement while also taking a gander at the monitor I was carrying.
When the walk was about halfway over she called out, “It would be nice if there was some music to walk to, wouldn’t it?”
I breathlessly shouted back, “Yeah, the Rocky theme song would be especially appropriate for this great showing of athleticism.”
About twenty seconds later, I was surprised to hear that familiar song coming from her cell phone. (I didn’t know she was actually going to play it!)
She stood at the end of the hall chortling over the fact that she had found the song and surprised me with it. She was soon joined by two other chortling colleagues who thought it was a fun way to break up their routine.
As for me, I just continued my sedate but speedy stroll, with the addition of a little grin which hopefully didn’t require any extra oxygen.
When I was finished with all of the tests, I made my way back toward the parking garage. As I walked, I enjoyed the view of the lovely buildings under a blanket of snow set against the background of the aforementioned blue sky.
Back to my car, back down the road, back home by 5:30 p.m. Thankful for a safe trip in my rearview mirror.
And now here we are at a new day, a new trip, a new appointment, a new doctor, and new information. I don’t know if I will leave Duke in tears, whether I will be encouraged, or whether I will be overwhelmed. Regardless, I know that Steve’s support and your prayers will accompany me throughout the day.
Your comments and encouraging words over these past few difficult months have meant so much; I am so grateful for each one of you.
Next stop. Duke!
First of all…I’m still praying!
Those bright colors are just beautiful! We’ve had some pretty skies here, too, but no green anything…too much snow! Hopefully soon!
Also, orange suits you well =)
Blessings!
Krista,
That blue sky against the white snow . . . simply breathtaking, especially when I hadn’t seen snow for a long time. Love the colors of nature.
And speaking of colors, I’m glad to hear orange suits me; it’s one of my favorites.
The colors and crispness in your photos is stunning. And the orange headband coordinated nicely with your top! Anxiously waiting to hear what the doctor’s first impressions and praying for good news and hope.
Sue Ellen,
The tech actually let me choose what color headband I wanted. Amidst the black and gray and the blue, that orange just called my name! 🙂
Praying you got some news today that had you departing happily!
Hope you for answers . I was thinking of you yesterday
Katrina, thanks for the thoughts. I appreciate it!
Gayle,
Yep. It was a pretty happy departure!
Becky, I hope you felt some good energy with all those prayers being said for you.
Mrs. Pam,
It’s always encouraging to know I’m not facing something alone. I had Steve there in the flesh and my Smithellaneous friends there in spirit. What more could a girl want?
Lots of folks in the virtual waiting room, today, Becky, waiting to hear any news, with prayers going strong. One of the first thoughts that popped in my mind this morning was, “Well, Becky’s going to a big appointment.” And now I’ve got that Rocky tune going through my head….
Ann,
I read your comment to Steve while we were driving; I was so touched by the fact that my appointment (and I) popped into your head upon waking.
And yes, that Rocky tune gets stuck in my head, too!
Safe travels both ways and prayers for a definitive diagnosis and treatment plan.
I know how you feel about seeing the transplant sign. My PCP sent me to a liver specialist for elevated liver enzymes. When I got the paperwork, the practice name was Liver Disease and Transplant Specialists. Talk about a jolt!
Phyllis,
Isn’t it crazy how things like that just pop up out of the blue and hit us so hard? Hoping your liver starts behaving itself!
Sending hugs!! It will be good just to KNOW. The uncertainty is the worst. Hoping and praying for encouraging news.
Anne,
You’re right–uncertainty is terrible. Thankful to know something definitively.
Yep, you are/were covered this a.m., knowing you were or were going to be at the doctor’s. March on Rocky!!!
Sharyn,
Just call me Becky “Rocky” Smith! Thanks so much for the prayers.
Prayers for answers, finally! As always, thank you for sharing and I will be thinking about you both today?
Lesley,
Thank you for the prayers and your always encouraging comments. I appreciate you!
Prayers for you today as you receive the information and process what is in your future. May God’s peace be with you both. I know Steve is a great support. Love and hugs. ?????
Ann,
Yes, I am thankful to have my hubby at my side throughout these stressful appointments.
Your words, “As I receive the information and process what is in your future” are so spot on. That’s exactly what I needed for the day.
Prayers for peace during this appointment filled with angst!! Steve will be there with you along the way!
Donna,
Prayers for “peace amidst the angst.” That’s exactly what I had!
The prayers continue…..:)
Thanks so much, Lee Anne.
I appreciate ALL your encouragement through the years.
Prayers for good answers
Patti,
Yes, getting answers is a wonderful thing–just being able to KNOW. Thank you for the prayers.
Becky, thank you for taking us on this journey with you. You are an inspiration! Love you, Kay
Kay,
Thanks for taking the time to leave a comment; you and David are such a blessing to us.
Even though I don’t always comment, I’ve been praying for you and stepped right along side you for many years. Keep putting one foot in front of the other Becky. In our prayers…. Beth
Beth,
Thank you for walking along the Smithellaneous path all these years. I so appreciate you!
Right there with you in spirit! Much love and prayers sent. (with the Rocky song playing inspiring-ly in the background. ?)
Love, Deb
Deb,
Yes, we all need a little Rocky in our lives!