Saturday, May 14, 2011
Update # 146
Month 53
Greetings,
Let me tell you about the yesterday that became the today.
Friday at the Iowa hospital was the regular routine of antibiotics and normal meds. A nurse came in at 2:20 and said a bed was open in StL. We began packing up our things while waiting for the usual discharge process. Well, we waited and waited and waited. Later a nurse told us the problem was the lady who was to read the final papers had a broken pager so the 70 minutes they tried to contact her, she didn't know to reply.
We were also pleased to learn that Jeff could ride in the car with Meridith and me. The ambulance would transport Jeff to the nearest cancer center which is Iowa City, but then we'd have to pay the cost from there to StL. A $4,000 cost which I'd much rather spend on Jeff's dental work. The infectious doctor had said Jeff was stable so Waterloo doubled checked about Jeff riding in the car and StL said yes. We were all glad to be traveling together.
Jeff had been on oxygen since his admittance on Tuesday so Meridith went to rent a portable unit for Jeff to use in the car. When she returned, a social worker was to sign a prescription for the oxygen. By this time, all the social workers were gone for the weekend. Bless his heart, Dr. Masri walked in at the right time to just say "are you still here?" and wrote the script for us. Finally, out the hospital door at 5:15.
We quickly stopped by Jeff and Meridith's apartment for Jeff to change from shorts to jeans. Tuesday was warm but Friday was cool. So at 6:07 PM, we left Waterloo for St. Louis. We made 2 stops along the way and pulled up to the hospital door at 12:10 AM. Jeff did well since sleeping most of the time kept the cough quiet.
The room on the Leukemia floor was ready and waiting for Jeff. By the time all the initial settling in, nurse/doctor visits, and meds started, it was after 4:00 AM before the 3 of us settled down to sleep.
When Jeff was discharged from here in Dec. 2006, he had C-Diff caused from so many antibiotics. Since this last week has been antibiotics everyday, they feel to further protect Jeff, people gown and glove coming in and we gown and glove going out into communal areas.
Jeff slept most of this morning as the same meds were continued but there was one med already changed by Dr. DiPersio.
At 1:30 today, Dr. DiPersio walked in and said he feels this is a "multifocal pneumonia". He changed all the antibiotics, upped Jeff's Prednisone for a few days, plus added 4 daily breathing treatments. He feels Jeff will be here for a week. Dr. DiPersio is also going to be waiting for the results from the Iowa tests. Rather than worrying about the IV in Jeff's vein, they inserted a PICC line which is easier for giving meds and drawing blood for lab work.
We have noticed a diminished amount of coughing. Jeff seemed a bit more alert late this afternoon. And he ordered a full food tray and ate every bite. So some improvement is beginning.
Meridith will remain here for a couple more days and return home either Tuesday or Wednesday. When Dr. DiPersio says Jeff is free to go, I'll drive him back to Waterloo.
The long Friday has turned into a better Saturday. Your powerful prayers are greatly felt. God has once again graced Jeff with improving health. Hopefully, tomorrow will continue to be another quiet improving day so I may wait until Monday to do the next update. We ask that you continue sending your prayers, love, and support. Thanks so much.
love,
Marcia