“I want to go over a few things. When you wake up, depending on whether they can work laparoscopically or not, you can have a few small incisions or one big one. Your belly will feel like you’ve been pulled in a bunch of directions, especially because of the scar tissue throughout your abdomen, your bladder and the rectal stump. You will also be catheterized. And, no way to sugarcoat this, because we know there is scar tissue and because you haven’t used your rectum, we may need to insert a rectal dilator while you’re out. You will feel discomfort there. I promise, we will do our best as you come out of the fog to keep you present. As soon as we see those brown eyes and hear you tell us who you are, you’ll be given adequate pain meds.” Pete placed a consoling hand on his shoulder.
“I really appreciate your understanding.” Troy stared up at the ceiling.
The door opened, and Tim Holland entered. “Good morning. How are you doing?”
Troy laughed. “They teach you to ask that in school, don’t they?”
“It works better than ‘This really sucks, and we’re glad it’s not us,’” Tim said, smiling. “I took report from Tuck. You have a big support team. I got good sleep, so I won’t doze during your surgery. You’re going to be sick of my face. I’ll be at your side every day, and one of the facility directors will be with you overnight until discharge, then I get to come home with you.”
“Thanks, Holland,” Troy offered a small smile.
“No worries. Magic question: name, please?” Tim raised a brow.
“Troy Bremen. Born…”
“You’re ruining my lines. Are you allergic to anything?”
Troy shook his head.
“Pre-op meds. Three pills and a bottle of pre-op drink. Strawberry flavor.” Tim handed Troy a medicine cup with three pills and the bottle of carbohydrate drink.
“I thought I wasn’t allowed to eat or drink.” Troy quirked his brows.
“This is made for pre-op. It will help reduce the stress on your body,” Pete said.
Troy took the meds and sipped the drink. They were joined by a woman and a man. “Good morning, Mr. Bremen,” Elaine Chatfield and Morgan Peete from anesthesia said. “If it’s alright with you, we’d like to get acquainted one more time.”
“Ask away.”
The anesthesiologists went through their list of questions, checked the patency of the arterial and IV lines, and asked him to open his mouth, double-checking all his teeth were his. “We’ll see you inside.”
Tim watched them leave. “We’re waiting now on the bigwigs?”
On cue, Mac Novak, Jayden Humphries, Pat Hedges, Ethan Miller and Beth Bailey came in. “You ready to lie around for a few hours?” Miller teased.
“Am I late?” Hunt Montgomery joined the group. “I need to supervise the company surgeons. We’re here for you.”
“No worries,” Mac said.
Troy looked quizzically at Beth, who was holding a shopping bag. “You went shopping along the way here?”
She smiled. “I bought these. A pair for you and a pair for me.” She pulled out two pairs of climbing boots. “They’re gonna sit right here waiting for us.”
Troy fogged up. When he got sick on a mountain in Afghanistan, Martin promised he’d get him off the mountain. Beth told him the same each of the nights he almost died. And they promised they’d climb a mountain together the day he was flown out of Iowa. “I’m ready, Beth.”
“Last mountain.” She leaned over and kissed him. “See you inside.” The physicians each shook his hand.
“One more thing.” Ethan lifted Troy’s gown and, using a black sharpie, circled the stoma and signed his name. “So we can find it.” The cocky surgeon winked.
“When you wake up, I want to know what the boot thing is about,” Tim said.
Pete’s pager went off. “You’ve got some company outside. I’m going to direct traffic. Tim, his pressure goes up, toss them.”
Ian, Kieran, Martin, Julian and Kip came in first. “You look too healthy for this,” Kip teased. “I won’t overfeed your fish. I have your detailed instructions. This is a piece of cake.” Kip held his hand over his heart and pointed at Troy.
“Mon ami, no worries. I promise, your girl will always be taken care of. You know you’re loved.” Julian repeated the same gesture Kip did.
“I see Beth brought you the boots. You’re almost there.” Martin leaned over and hugged his friend.
