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Saturday, April 1, 2017

Another Tough Week

I just spent another five days as a paying guest at Memorial Hospital West.  This is not one of my favorite places to spend time, even though the level of care is excellent.

Monday night I started feeling like I wasn't emptying my bladder completely, but didn't go to the ER because I had an appointment with Dr. Taub Monday morning for my first chemo with him.

At his office we got the infusion going and I noticed I was getting more and more uncomfortable.  Macho Man and I waited to speak to the PA after my infusion, and he told us we had a choice, either call the urologist, Dr. Sherman, or go to the ER.

MM went to get the car, and when I stood up to transfer from the scooter to the car I totally lost control of my bladder. I called Dr. Sherman, and he was out of the office for the day, of course, so off to MHW ER.

It didn't take long to get in the treatment area, 1)  I just had chemotherapy, and 2)  Urinary retention is a medical emergency.  I never thought I would hear myself thanking someone for putting a Foley catheter in me, but I was thankful for that one, let me tell you! And, of course the urine was bloody.

Then started the never-ending tests, this time including an MRI with contrast to rule out metastasis to the spinal cord.  It was negative, thank God.

Admission was to the 6th Floor, where I got excellent care.  The catheter came out Thursday, but they were a little afraid to send me home until it had been out for twenty-four hours.  Dr. Sherman told me to pee in the dark so I couldn't see the blood, and to drink a gallon of water a day.  So, I got home about 8:00 PM last night.

I found out more about my therapy.  I am now getting a biologic agent rather than traditional chemotherapy.  The medication boasts my immune system so that it attacks the cancer.  It is approved by the FDA for the treatment of bladder cancer, and I am good with it.  It has fewer side effects than traditional chemo.

I sincerely hope this is the last time I end up in the hospital, although that is probably too much to ask.  

I am blessed.



2 comments:

  1. Ah, my darling warrior woman.... One day at a time, one minute at a time may be the only way to cope with this ongoing battle. I do so hope that life simply smooths out just a bit for you and MM or has this become the new normal? Love you muchly, keeping you in my heart and soul! Stephanie

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  2. I don't know what to say....I'm glad you are not alone and that you seem to be getting good care...and that the terrible tests have come back positive......I think about you often during the day....we're getting some rain tonite.....hope it will cools things off....feel better......;)

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