Back Again!

Mark was discharged last Wednesday a week ago from St. Vincent Medical Center after we were taught how to manage IV antibiotic infusions independently. The first time or two we changed bags was stressful, but we finally got the hang of it. 

How delightful it was to be with family over the Thanksgiving holiday. We hadn't seen some of them for well over a month, so it was a treat! 

Mark had his last dose of IV antibiotic around noon yesterday, and last night he started a milder oral antibiotic. He wasn't feeling good this morning but thought he was just tired and needed more sleep. Unfortunately, that wasn't possible since he had a 9 am appointment with Dr. Taylor. By the time we arrived, Mark needed a wheelchair to go in because he felt so weak. When his vitals were taken, we were surprised that his fever was almost 102! Although he hadn't had chills, the fever could indicate infection. Dr. Taylor didn't want to take any chances, so he requested that Mark be admitted to Providence Portland Medical Center. A hospital bed would be available later in the day, so Mark was taken to a private room in the infusion area of the cancer clinic, where he was given IV antibiotics. Once the antibiotics took his fever down, he felt much better. Although/ most of Mark's labs looked good, there is obviously something amiss. More tests will be done. 

We're so thankful that Mark's fever spiked while we were at the appointment. If it hadn't, we'd likely have had to go through ER again, and that's certainly not our preference! 

Since visitors are not allowed in the infusion area, I went home to pack. Mark was taken to a room on our beloved 7th floor, the cancer wing, by late afternoon. Have I mentioned that Mark has been in the hospital for over 80 days this year, (Oops, I miscalculated--it's only been 75 days so far.) But, of course, that doesn't include the many days spent in radiation and other appointments! Yep, the hospital feels more and more like home, away from home.