On July 29 I was sitting in the ER waiting for admission to the hospital following the revelation of a liver abscess in the CT Scan. What a week it has been!
- We have determined that I have two different types of infections (in my blood and in the cavity left open by the removal of my kidney).
- I’ve had surgery to install a drain (a six-inch tube) in my liver which I managed to completely pull out in the middle of the night.
- I had to have my pic line removed from my right arm in case it contains bacteria from my blood. The Pic line is a line that goes through my vein to the superior vena cava to deliver my nutrition (TPN) and chemo, saline, antibiotics and drugs.
- I had a new Pic line installed in my left arm.
- I had a second surgery to re-install the drain tube.
- I spent 90 minutes in the MRI Tube (who can top that?!)
- I took an ambulance ride to new facility
So after all of that…
On Friday August 5 they moved me to another facility in Temple (by ambulance-what a hoot!) it’s a Continuing Care facility where I can get the same care without taking up hospital bed. I’ll need to be here for 2-6 weeks – still waiting for docs to decide which anti-biotics, etc. that will impact length of stay. I’ll also get physical therapy to build up strength. I have a pca pump which allows me to control my own pain injections. But the big reason for my move is that my current regimen is too complicated and labor intensive for Terry and mom-and impractical for my home health care nurse so this is the best way to care for me.
My dear oncologist, Dr. Frankel stopped by and is on board. His research facility is close by so I’ll likely have more surprise visits from him. I really feel this move was collaboratively decided by team including: interventional radiology who installed my Pic lines and liver drain that will take about two weeks to drain, the hospital pharmacist who is coordinating type of drugs and specific ways to make them work in my condition, infectious disease the docs overseeing my antibiotic strategy, oncology/hematology, Dietition that monitors my blood sugar because I get spikes from tpn and periodically take insulin to bring it down, and nurses who recommended giving me control over my pain meds. as you can see, i have an amazing team, but ultimately all decisions are up to me. unlike last February when I had control, but lacked information. this time I have docs who have been thorough, are obviously in conversation with each other, are knowledgable, and really listen to me!
I have a large room with a view so I’ll read and write a lot. I’m looking forward to it. Dad has already set up the wireless. he’s too cool! So I’m ready to get some reading, resting and writing done. Of course I’d love to read updates from you about how life is on the outside. I’ve got lots of messages to respond to, but I always enjoy hearing from you. Thanks to all of you for you prayers and for your loving wishes.
I love you all!!!
