The "Pill" Day

Darrell was called by the hospital today about noon and he checked into his room a little after
1:00 p.m. They prepared his room by wrapping everything with cellophone--the doorknobs, the remote control, telephone, faucet in the sink, etc. Everything was set up and several folks kept going over all the details to make sure he understood what was about to take place. Two guys (one with the nuclear medicine division--Frankie and the other from some kind of security/safety division--Cecil) came at about 3:00 today and adminstered the radioactive iodine pill. This pill will only be "taken in" by thyroid cells, whether they are in the neck or if they have travelled to other parts of Darrell's body and "zap" away all the remaining particles of the thyroid cancer and any remaining thyroid tissue.

The radioactive materials in this pill are so strong that no one can be around him for awhile and if so, the radioactive materials could affect their "thyroid", too. So, he can't have visitors. I can go visit him and stand by the door, but to go in the room, you have to put on a gown, cover your shoes, etc. Housekeeping can't even come into the room. The nurses have to "suit up" to come check his vitals during each shift.

I had to leave the room when Darrell took the pill. One guy (Cecil) left the room and the nuclear medicine guy (Frankie) took the pill off of a cart that he had rolled into the room. The pill was in a glass vial that was placed in a heavy lead container. The nuclear medicine guy transferred the pill by a pair of tongs to a styrofoam cup and Darrell swallowed the pill (he said it looked like a grey Advil capsule).

That's all he has to do. They told him to drink LOTS of water and juices. The 2nd guy (Cecil) had a "geiger counter" and he held it up to Darrell's stomach for him to hear. Darrell said it sounded like a machine gun going off. They'll check him several times to make sure the level gets to an acceptable level for him to go home on Wednesday.

Just pray for Darrell that the pill does not make him sick/nauseous and the medicine from the pill will leave his body quickly.

We appreciate all your prayers so far! God has been so very good to us! Darrell's voice is back at about 50% now, maybe even a little better at times. PTL!

Vickey