…And it Gets Worse—Really

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