In the three months since my last blog another series of
unlikely (and life-threatening) events have unfolded. We survived the ‘strep
throat,’ contracted another virus of some kind and survived that (although it
took me a long time). But I kept getting weaker, having difficulty walking, and
having more problems with my bladder clogging up with blood and blood clots. I
was self-catheterizing every few hours, but I wasn’t able to completely empty
my bladder.
Finally I gave in and went to Emergency. After a few scans
and blood tests they found that in addition to needing a Foley Catheter I was
dehydrated, my kidneys were failing and I had extreme anemia. I received a
blood transfusion. No bed was available for me to be admitted so they whisked
me off by ambulance to another hospital where the next day they confirmed I had
a serious blood infection called MRSA. Then, while treating the blockages in my
bladder they discovered a bladder perforation that allowed fluids to leak into
my abdomen. That’s not good. So I was immediately prepped and taken to emergency
surgery.
I spent much of the next two weeks in an Isolation room
because of the MRSA, with teams of doctors from Oncology, Urology, and
Infectious disease coming and going on a regular basis. A lot of this time is
only a blur in my mind. I received more blood transfusions, massive infusions
of antibiotics and other meds by IV, pills, and injections.
After two weeks I was finally discharged into my wife
Carol’s care and went home. In the month since then she has taken care of me
day and night, along with a series of visiting nurses and physical therapists.
During this same time frame my cancer became more aggressive
and metastasized into my lungs. It had been under control for more than 12
years. My oncologist decided I was too weak to start chemotherapy at the time
so I tried to exercise, eat well, and sleep a lot to build up my strength. I also
received another blood transfusion. It worked well enough that I have now
started a regimen of IV chemo treatments; one every three weeks. So far, so
good.
I am still weak and shaky and 45 pounds lighter than I was
six months ago. The MRSA is cured (it never actually goes completely away). The
perforation in my bladder and 30 stitches to repair the access to it have also
healed completely. I get around very well with a walker and short distances
with a cane.
My next challenge is to successfully get through nine more
chemotherapy sessions to stop or slow my cancer growth.
Life can change in an instant. Take advantage of every
minute of every day.
axman
