RBM, Rapid Boo Movement

Good early morning, friends. It is 4;15 AM. Boo and I have been up for a while. I don’t usually sleep in the same room as he does, but the three of us are in a hotel room down the street from Mayo Clinic, where Boo will have his surgery in a few hours. He settled down to sleep around 10pm. I turned off the light, but my mind was racing. I spent several hours praying and meditating. I dozed for a few moments. Then, I noticed little noises coming from the next bed. First it was a series of snores, then a loud sigh, then a hearty giggle. Boo was sound asleep, but he laughs in his sleep. I can only wonder what he is dreaming. I am glad he has good dreams. Over time, the noises grew louder and more deliberate. I slipped into the bed next to him and he grabbed my hand. He lay there for a few minutes and then popped up so sign “drink”. I got him some Gatorade which he happily slugged. He then dove back under the sheets like a determined little ghost. Soon, he popped out again to sign for more drink. More Gatorade pacified him, and he lay back down. I decided to take a shower and avail myself of all the nice smelling soaps in the bathroom. Once out of the shower, I could hear Boo happily racketing away. I handed him his iPad, Dapi, and he happily plunged into Word Girl. I decided to give up on sleep for the night.

I am not certain what Ravi understands about the upcoming surgery. I have explained to him that he has an infection in his left arm. I described these to him as “bad germs”. I explained that these germs had gotten into the hardware in his arm and Dr. Houdek would have to take them out. This is where our wonderful oncology team took over. Dr Carrigan and Dr Greengard explained to him that there was a chance that Dr Houdek would not be able to fix the arm. If this happened, they would have to take Ravi’s arm off, and it would not grow back. Through this all, they remained calm and composed. Ravi looked deep in thought. They told him how brave he was and how everyone on his team was praying for him and thinking good thoughts. They told him that they only wanted the best for him. Most of that night, Ravi seemed subdued. In the next few days, he bounced back, seemingly happy just to be at home and not in the hospital.

Yesterday, we met with Dr Houdek. It was a good conversation and Ravi warmed right up to him (insofar as putting his feet on the good doctor’s lap and using him as a footrest). Dr Houdek showed us pictures of other patient’s arms in whom he had replaced hardware. He said Ravi did not have much left of his humerus to attach the rods to, but he would try. He also said that there was a film of membrane around the hardware that he had to clean away, and a pocket of blood that needed to leave. He would not really be certain until he had a good look if he could repair the arm, but he would give it his best try. I was comforted by the fact that he had done this type of surgery before and had pictures to prove it. We left, feeling a bit more reassured. Amazingly, when we got back to the hotel room, we all crashed for a much-needed nap. An entire month of being in fight or flight mode had taken its toll. When we arose, we went out for tacos and some supplies. All was calm until about 3 am when Ravi began his RBM,or Rapid Boo Movements. I really hope this hotel has thick walls because Boo is letting out some of his shriller squeals, hoots, and bellows. For the moment he is pacified with Word Girl, Gatorade, and a handful of snacks. Robert is hiding under a pillow trying to ignore both of us.

We are to report to the hospital at 10am. The hotel has a shuttle that leaves every 45 minutes . We will catch the shuttle at 9:23. It should only take us a few minutes to get to there, but I like being early. My first move will be to ask for some Versed to take the edge of Ravi. I love that the nurses call it “don’t care medicine.” It certainly does the trick! I am assuming surgery will begin around noon. To my surprise, this surgery is only expected to last 4 hours. His original surgery was 11 hours. As the hotel is close and Mayo will text us with updates, we will probably return to the hotel where it is quiet, to wait.

I don’t know what will happen today. I have faith in God, the power of prayer and the good energy of our dear friends. I know that we are not alone as we venture forth into today. I will provide updates as I am able. In the meantime, be good humans. Peace, Harriet.