The arrival of the gifts

Happy New Year to everyone! We hope all you had a very blessed New Year and safe travels. Especially to the Knott family who traveled back to Boston in the height of the “cyclone” blizzard!

The twelve days of Christmas actually begin after Christmas leading up to the arrival of the three Wiseman or the Epiphany.  Since Daryl has been home, rather than doing the twelve days of Daryl, I thought we would focus on the arrival of the Wiseman (Magi) and their gifts

Gold: Precious and valuable

Dr. Mansfield has brought this gift. We had a follow up visit this past week  and he very pleased with Daryl’s progress and partial removed some of his staples. (no not like your staple gun at home, but similar concept). Dr. Mansfield  also brought in a few of his clinical staff to learn about Daryl’s  unique case and follow-up. For me is was interesting as he “quizzed” them on what to look for post surgery. This  brought back some memories, from my days as a nursing student at St Francis. (Teresa I know you can related!) He did show us a picture of the tumor and the painting technique he used to differentiate all the margins. This is similar to  a paint by numbers of all the margins for the pathologist, yellow is thyriod, blue- parathyroid, etc.  This a technique he learned at Stanford an was very cool.  Daryl’s  case will be presented to the Tumor Board on the 8th with input on next steps from various clinical folks. In other words, his tumor will be going to the Golden Globes (not really, but I like the award show and the analogy).  We will find out there recommendations on the 12th.

Frankincense: Whole and giving of oneself

Dr. Barone brought this gift. The continued saga of  Daryl and his feeding tube! The  tube started to leak again and giving him the “hiccup spasms. We went to see Dr. Barone who adjusted the tube and confirmed my suspicions  that the balloon has lost some air and needed to be  reinflate it. He demonstrated how to do this, so now I will be able to troubleshoot this in the future.   We did inquire to how is holiday was and he did share some  Barone family dinner traditions. He actually is the cook of two key element Christmas meal,  Prime Rib and  baked tomatoes.  The legend of his Prime Rib recipe is one he learned  while reading a magazine in a Barbershop when he was 12. The barbershop  also was  gentleman’s club. (we are not judge of where good recipes come from) Dr Barone has cooked this recipe with some “tweeks” every year for his family. Daryl is a great Prime Rib cook, as well, and I think we learned some tips! Truly giving of oneself!

Myrrh: Bitterness and suffering

Daryl has already dealt with this gift, not as Christ would, but in God’s plan. We know the suffering is getting better each day. We are not bitter but grateful that Daryl has the gift of life.

My title has from changed from Director of Communications to Secretary of Health. I arrange  for equipment pick-up, which requires a Dr’s order, speech therapy, Dr appointments, supplies and lab work.  We continue to feel extremely blessed and thankful for these gift and the gift of  prayers an love from all you! Next week we have several follow-up visits. Will update the blog  after we know more.  If any of you have photos you would like me to post on the blog, please send them to my email charlita@cox.net.

Thank you for all your prayers and support!

Love Daryl and Charlotte