Getting the drain out didn't go as planned. The night before I was supposed to go to the office, we had to call 911 because I couldn't catch my breath. Medic came out, took my oxygen level, and promptly loaded me into the ambulance. Went downtown, since that's where I was treated last time. The ER was crazy, folks (including me) lining the hallways. Apparently, the problem wasn't actually the ER, but beds weren't opening up on the upper floors. I guess lots of folks need medical help right now. Had a couple of incidents in the ER, so they got to see what was happening. I had to mainly lie still. The nurse practitioner from the surgeon's office came and told me that she thought the problem was that the tube had drained off the fluid and now I was having chest spasms. The nurse practitioner that worked with the hospitalist saw me and said something similar. Her theory was that the tube was rubbing against the chest wall. Either way, the tube was removed mid-morning. Jim said it was really long. Within a few hours, I could breathe better. I was kept overnight for observation, and the following day given a walk test. My oxygen level never dropped below 94% during the test, so I was released.
On Tuesday, this week, I went for my chemo. I had the new drug. So far, the only huge symptom has been major fatigue. I don't sleep well because of my hip, but I slept a good bit after chemo. I don't have much appetite either. Maybe 2 meals a day and a wee bit of something.
On Wednesday, I finally went to the surgeon's office for my check up. Incisions are healing well. Just given some wound care last instructions and a few cleaning supplies (an antiseptic and some gauze), and told I didn't have to come back.
I have been lying around like nobody's business. I surf from surface to surface. I get up to get meds or use the bathroom, or find a new spot. That's about it. I do walk back and forth across my house for PT. That's all due to my hip. I have an appointment in 2 weeks to see the ortho-oncologist who treated my left hip. It feels like forever away. I'm in a fair amount of pain. Hoping he can help. This can't be good for blood clots. Whatever feels good for my leg hurts my back and vice versa. I just want restorative sleep and to move without constantly analyzing whether this movement will hurt like Hades.
Also, as established with my left leg, the severity of my pain goes along with my mental state, so I'm not in good spirits right now. I cry a lot. Tomorrow, Mosaic Church is having an outdoor service and we are invited to wear costumes. Normally, this would excite me no end! I feel...like I should be excited. I have my Lady Loki all ready. Another instance where I can park myself in a chair outside. I just don't know if I'm up for the energy that costuming will take, which makes me sad. I do have a cute Halloween outfit I can wear, but I really like my costume. I hope it works out.
For Halloween, weather permitting, we are putting the firepit in the driveway (so we can be seen by kiddos and parents) . We have invited friends (some who are also family) to come join us at the pit. I was told I still have to mask outside and not sit too close, but that is a small thing. Whenever I have to be in the hospital, I feel imprisoned. My rooms always looked into a center courtyard. I couldn't see the art, only the walls. I would watch the sun go up and down those walls. I appreciate all who visited me! But I got lonely knowing I was stuck in those rooms. Even going for chemo feels like a getaway. I desperately hope the rain is gone by evening. I want to enjoy some company. My parents stopped by today to drop stuff off for K. Talking with them made me feel better. It was like that after the other hospital visit, too. I am looking forward to seeing people, though I'm sad I can't hug. I AM A HUGGER! Newsflash: Covid still ticks me off.
Well, I guess I'll go now; I need a shower. Ah, the joys of trying to fit my shower chair and myself into the allotted space! Better than a tumble, though. I hope I don't have much to report next time!!
On Tuesday, this week, I went for my chemo. I had the new drug. So far, the only huge symptom has been major fatigue. I don't sleep well because of my hip, but I slept a good bit after chemo. I don't have much appetite either. Maybe 2 meals a day and a wee bit of something.
On Wednesday, I finally went to the surgeon's office for my check up. Incisions are healing well. Just given some wound care last instructions and a few cleaning supplies (an antiseptic and some gauze), and told I didn't have to come back.
I have been lying around like nobody's business. I surf from surface to surface. I get up to get meds or use the bathroom, or find a new spot. That's about it. I do walk back and forth across my house for PT. That's all due to my hip. I have an appointment in 2 weeks to see the ortho-oncologist who treated my left hip. It feels like forever away. I'm in a fair amount of pain. Hoping he can help. This can't be good for blood clots. Whatever feels good for my leg hurts my back and vice versa. I just want restorative sleep and to move without constantly analyzing whether this movement will hurt like Hades.
Also, as established with my left leg, the severity of my pain goes along with my mental state, so I'm not in good spirits right now. I cry a lot. Tomorrow, Mosaic Church is having an outdoor service and we are invited to wear costumes. Normally, this would excite me no end! I feel...like I should be excited. I have my Lady Loki all ready. Another instance where I can park myself in a chair outside. I just don't know if I'm up for the energy that costuming will take, which makes me sad. I do have a cute Halloween outfit I can wear, but I really like my costume. I hope it works out.
For Halloween, weather permitting, we are putting the firepit in the driveway (so we can be seen by kiddos and parents) . We have invited friends (some who are also family) to come join us at the pit. I was told I still have to mask outside and not sit too close, but that is a small thing. Whenever I have to be in the hospital, I feel imprisoned. My rooms always looked into a center courtyard. I couldn't see the art, only the walls. I would watch the sun go up and down those walls. I appreciate all who visited me! But I got lonely knowing I was stuck in those rooms. Even going for chemo feels like a getaway. I desperately hope the rain is gone by evening. I want to enjoy some company. My parents stopped by today to drop stuff off for K. Talking with them made me feel better. It was like that after the other hospital visit, too. I am looking forward to seeing people, though I'm sad I can't hug. I AM A HUGGER! Newsflash: Covid still ticks me off.
Well, I guess I'll go now; I need a shower. Ah, the joys of trying to fit my shower chair and myself into the allotted space! Better than a tumble, though. I hope I don't have much to report next time!!