Friday July, 19th, my father brought me into UCSD Emergency because of a spiking fever around 102 degrees. I was also having quite a bit of trouble breathing due to the amount of swelling in my chest cavity. To say i was feeling scared would be a gross understatement. I was terrified that this was it- my last and final trip to the hospital. After being triaged and having more vials than i could count drained from the port in my chest, i was moved into rm 24. Room 24 is a private room and one of the more spacious rooms in the ER. I was grateful to finally be in a room with just eric and my dad. After what seemed like an eternity pain medicine, specifically Dilaudid, was brought in and administered. Finally I felt some relief from the pain and suffering I had been feeling all morning. I could tell by the looks I was getting from both my dad and Eric that they were just as scared as I was although they would never show it.
I spent the next ten days having a myriad of tests, examinations and procedures. Two of the more notable procedures were the thoracentesis and my first ever blood transfusion. The first required that a needle be inserted into the plueral space between the inside of my thoracic cavity and my lungs. Then the needle was used to draw out fluid. The doctor doing the procedure was a very nice woman who calmly and sweetly asked if I would like to see what they had extracted. I said yes and she showed me a bag full of what looked to me like cherry 7UP. The doctor said it was 1.1 liters of fluid. Thats a lot when think about it and no wonder i was having difficulty breathing. As soon as it was over i was breathing easier and feeling a lot better. The blood transfusion was also quite helpful. When my team of doctors said that my hemoglobin, red blood cells, hemocrit, and white blood cells were all too low I wasn't prepared to hear what they were going to suggest. A blood transfusion. I thought to myself isn't that for really sick people and I'm not one of them. After crying with Dad and with Eric over the phone both men were finally able to calm my apprehension and fears. Having the transfusion was no big deal especially after going through chemotherapy infusions. I was surprised at how successful it was and how much better I felt afterwards. Whoever donated that blood type A positive... Thank you. You helped me feel better and for that I am grateful.
I started a new chemotherapy medicine on Friday night. I could not tell you the name other than it starts with a B. The difference between this new medication and the old one is that the new medication is administered buy a shot under my skin instead of the long two and a half hour infusion through my port. So far the only side effect from the chemo that I have felt is some pretty powerful nausea. I am not sure whether that was from the chemo or the Del Taco I had for dinner that night, but I'm pretty sure it was the chemo medicine because the burrito was the best tasting burrito I have ever had. I am really hopeful that we have finally found the right medicine. This shot is also used to treat multiple myeloma which is the cancer that my grandfather so courageously fought. While I wish this chemotherapy treatment has been around while he was fighting I know that he is watching from above and smiling down because he knows this new medication is helping me kick cancer's ass like he was never able to completely accomplish. My fight is for you Grandpa.
I finally was able to make my escape from the hospital eleven days after going in. Doctors, nurses, and my family all said I looked much better then when I came to the hospital. Those hardcore antibiotics, early morning pokes and prods, and invasive tests were worth it. I feel much better. Now I plan on working on getting stronger, doing the stretching exercises the physical therapist recommended, and regaining my mobility. I am being sent home with a hospital bed (one of the cool ones that goes up, down, and every which way) and a wheelchair. In my mind, the bed is no big deal, but the wheelchair I struggle with immensely. I can not help crying when I think of my years as a City of San Diego lifeguard or running with friends in college. Where is that Carleton? This new wheelchair bound Carleton isn't the same and dare I say a bit pathetic at controlling his chair.
I will get better at the chair, just as I will get better overall with my health. It will just take time and definitely a lot of love and support. Im at times completely overwhelmed by my current situation but today I am not. I am hopeful and happy that I have such wonderful friends, family, a loving partner, and the best team of doctors working on my behalf. Thank you all. As always take care of one another and be well friends.
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