Well, the fever fairy did not skip our house this time as we had hoped. Last night about 10:30 Ed started feeling really awful - uncontrollable shaking (rigors), chills, nausea and the whole nine yards. I took his temperature and it was 100.4, a few minutes later it was 100.9, a few minutes later it was 101.5 and we realized we were in for it. He really didn't want me to call the doctor, but by a few minutes past 11 PM, his fever was 101.9 and Dr. Menco told us to go to the ER. We packed a bag and left. By the time we drove to the hospital (about a mile away) his fever was 102.9 and of course they admitted him and started antibiotics right away.
They moved him to a room on a surgical floor about 3 AM (we were both sleeping on the gurney so they let me ride too!) and we got settled and then slept for another hour before all the rounds start about 5:30 AM with taking blood, etc. His white count is down to .1 again and his platelets and hemoglobin are also below the threshhold, so this afternoon will be busy with blood and platelet infusions and IV antibiotics. They are planning to move him back to the oncology ward as soon as a bed becomes available (probably later today) and then Dr. Mazur (infectious disease expert) will be in later tonight or tomorrow AM to consult. (Dr. Mazur is playing golf today and Ed is actually pretty stable at this time, so we'll give the doc a break.)
Don't know how long this round of in-patient will be, but Ed has a project to work on this time and I'm at the office gathering the supplies now. He plans to work on a bid/estimating template manual that he's wanted to do for a long time for the business. I'm so happy he has a project - guess I'll keep the crochet hook and yarn for myself. I gotta run cause he wants a Big Mac and fries for lunch after the disappointing (duh!) lunch tray that arrived. Gotta keep his weight up.....and McDonalds is just what the doctor ordered! Really.....it is! Around 4 PM we'll have ice cream bars from the cafeteria! Hopefully his weight gain will outpace mine!
When I know more.....I'll fill you in. Just know he's feeling pretty good right now, in spite of the nasty bacteria that seem to enjoy swimming around in his blood!
OK let me ask a dumb question. If we know the white cell counts will drop, and Ed is very susceptible to an infection, for what reason would you drive a hot rod that every grease monkey at that shop has been working on? (dirt under their nails, etc.) I mean that can't be safe, can it?
ReplyDeleteI'm just sayin.......unless I'm wrong, Liz let me know if I need to come down there and give a good lecture to Mr. Stubborn!
Love you guys, TC
Ed,
ReplyDeleteI'm sorry to hear that you keep having to go back in the Hospital. I know that's got to wear on you. But I am thankful we have the Hospitals to go to, and that they have the therapies and treatment to get you well. I'll see you soon, my friend.
Tom
Sorry to hear that the infection is back...we'll be praying for you to get well quickly. It's been really cute lately since Hope has championed praying for you both and remembers to pray for you every day. Luke has been asking about Chemo and what it's like. Glad to hear that you are eating all my favorite foods for me...makes me happy knowing that Haagen Daz can play a part in recovery...it is a "superfood" after all.
ReplyDeleteSending hugs,
Stacy & family
Geez, Tom sounds like a pretty smart guy - just sayin...and what about that sewer camera episode? Seriously, I'm very sorry to hear about this setback, but know that its only temporary. Liz, you just let me know when its time to fill a cooler with Dairy Queen products and ship it down to you and Ed. Maybe I can write it off my taxes as a medical expense! Love you both and hang in there - jeanne
ReplyDeleteYeah I forgot about the sewer camera episode! That's it; Liz I am sending you up my dusty old ball and chain for your prisoner -- it needs to be put to use! Seriously though, hang in there and get well soon Ed, once you're well you can crawl around any motor and sewer that you want - but not before.
ReplyDeleteLove you guys, TC