This is a loved man

Jonathan decided he wanted to give a new drug Radicava a try.  It was just recently approved by the FDA for persons with ALS.  It is the first drug in 20 years that has been approved by the FDA.  I am unaware of great success that has come about with the use of the drug, but it is new enough that there are not a lot of people that have used it.  In the clinical trials there was one positive result that indicated it helped to slow the progression of the disease.  Radicava is a regular IV infusion that Jonathan will receive in an on/off cycle for the rest of his life, or as long as he wants to use it.  It is ridiculously expensive, $1,000 a dose.  Insurance doesn't cover the cost, but there is another group that has approved Jonathan to assist with the cost of the drug.  He will have to go to the hospital for his infusions that are supposed to last about 1.5 hours.  When he reaches maintenance dosing I believe he will dose for 10 days and be off for 14.  All yet to be understood entirely.

We went in today for surgery so that Jonathan could have a permanent port placed for easy access for the infusions.  I have never been to a place where more love could have been felt.  From the moment we walked through the automatic doors of Asante Three Rivers Hospital there was an outpouring of love.  Real genuine love.  The people that cared for Jonathan truly love this man.  He has spent 6 years working by their side striving to provide excellent patient care.  He has been among them and garnered their love and respect.  I have often taught my children the boomerang scripture: 

Alma 41:15

"For that which ye do send out shall return unto you again, 

and be restored..."

Never has that scripture been more true than the moments I sat with Jonathan watching loving hands prep him, perform, and recover him from surgery.  There were not finer people to walk the earth than those that cared for Jonathan.  I saw them very clearly wanting to give back to him all that he has spent many years giving to them.  It was hallowed fulfillment of scripture.  

Jonathan is a loved man.

By more than just me.

Dr. Megan Frost placed the port and left her loving mark.  Keith Jensen, the last of Jonathan's true anesthesia comrades that were among the members of the original CRNA group performed his anesthesia.  The best of the best.  The very hands of our Savior could not have felt more loving this day.  There is a goodness to some people that permeates everything.  We are so blessed.

I think there was a little excitement for Jonathan to be on the receiving end of anesthesia.  He marveled at how well he remembered nothing and again was reminded why his job brought him so much satisfaction.  Anesthesia is a funny thing, we know that it works and where it works, but science doesn't really understand why.  Leave it to Jonathan to pick a profession that is close to magic.  I could not love this man more.