*RESULTS: Obviously, this is the most critical. As of today, we still do not have a definite diagnosis. Kidney vs. Adrenal Gland seems to be a toss up these days. As many of you may know, Al developed a case of pneumonia last week and we were in the hospital for 6 days. While in the hospital, the doctors suggested that he have his new biopsy here in Corpus and not wait another week to get to Houston. After thinking about it, it made perfect sense to do that. We have saved at least a week in getting results. Our primary care physician today told us that the tissue slides were sent Fed Ex to MD Anderson Monday. They should be there today. Now, two groups of pathologists can get involved and maybe come up with a majority diagnosis.
It will be at least a week before we know anything further.
* LAB WORK: My poor husband has been poked and prodded for the last two months. It is normally difficult to find his veins, but it is even more so now. In the hospital, we were interrupted every morning at 4:00 am so they could draw blood. The lights came on and they began the process of looking for a vein. At one point, his IV became infiltrated and the only vein they could find was on his upper arm. Poor thing.
Outside of the hospital, we have blood drawn at least three times a week. This is primarily done to check Al's potassium level. Once the blood is drawn, we wait at least 45 minutes to get results so we know whether to change medicine. Today, during the waiting period, we both became irritated with the whole process. I just think it's getting old.
* DR'S OFFICE: Ok, I'm not going to gripe too much about having to wait on Al's primary care physician because we both love him. But, as we all know we ALWAYS have to wait on our doctors, even at MD Anderson. He makes up for the wait by showing special attention to us while we are there. Here's a picture of our very sweet doctor the day before Halloween. Don't judge a book by its cover, he's one incredible M&M!
* TESTS: It blows my mind how long these very sick people have to wait for a scheduled test at MD Anderson. Our week there we had evening tests scheduled. One test was scheduled for 8:00 pm. We began the test at 10:30 pm and left the building at 11:45 pm. We were literally the last patients there. Even valet parking had to bring our car around and park it in front of the building so it would be waiting for us when we got out. Valet parking closed at 10:00 pm.
* CHRISTMAS GIFTS: I thought I'd end this "gripe session" on a high note. Waiting on the delivery of Christmas gifts is not a bad wait, but one I looked forward to all week. While Al was in the hospital and all of you were charging through the crowds on Black Friday, I went online and ordered all the grandkids' gifts. I came home today to find this...YIPEE... something fun to wait for!
Cindy, when he does have to go back to the hospital, insist that they insert a double lumen PICC line instead of a regular IV. They don't infiltrate and his labs can be drawn from it. Love y'all and praying for you!
ReplyDeleteAri
Cindi- Had no idea what you were going through....our prayers and thoughts are with you. My mom and our entire family know first hand what "Hurry up and Wait" is all about.
ReplyDeleteLove- Karen, Pete, Stephen, & Christopher