Detours and Anniversaries

One month since that last post, and a few things have happened along the way. The night after I posted it I began to develop a low-grade fever, resulting in my going to the ER to get checked out. I was admitted, and blood cultures eventually revealed that I had a staph infection in my blood, probably from my IJ PICC line, which was eventually replaced by a new line on the other side. In the meantime, Nancy came down with the flu and had to stay home. I then came down with it and developed some pneumonia on the side. By the time my 13-day stint was over, we hadn't seen each other for 10 days.

I had been home for 10 days recovering and on an IV antibiotic for the staph when I again developed a low-grade fever overnight. We were reluctant to go to the hospital because by that time COVID-19 was showing up here, but it was that or die at home of sepsis. We were very impressed by the precautions and procedures at the hospital. I was admitted once again, but this time Nancy couldn't be with me because of the no visitor policy. The blood cultures came up negative, and nothing else definitive was discovered. There have been some changes in my kidney function, and tests are ongoing to see if I might be having a rejection episode. I ended up staying 6 days in the hospital and have now been home for three, feeling pretty well.

The scans from a month ago showed no new cancer and improvements in some previously identified areas. The doctor decided to end chemo at this point because of the toll it was taking on me. He has prescribed a hormone suppressant oral medication to further diminish the cancer. We're waiting to see how it works out with insurance, as it could be as much as $15,000/month without coverage.

In the midst of all this, there were three medical anniversaries this month. Friday was the fourth anniversary of the removal of my diseased kidneys. Thursday was the first anniversary of my cancer diagnosis and the beginning of my long hospitalization last year. And Tuesday was the fifth anniversary of my transplant - happy anniversary, D'Artagnan!

We're very thankful to have made it through this so far, and also that our children and their loved ones have been healthy and remain employed. These are strange times, yet we are safe in Dad's care, and pray that you are as well.