Saturday Night Fever

Emergency on a Saturday night. Yes, 6 hrs. in emerg. it was. My sister's last night visiting with us, my family all gathering at my house to celebrate birthdays, and we spent the majority of the night in emerg, Ugh! My portacath was the problem. It was becoming increasingly red and tender throughout the week, and upon some very good medical advice it was suggested that it is likely infected and needed to be looked at asap. Seeing as I'm neupogenic, and my wbc is starting to drop following treatment this week, I'm at risk of the infection taking off on me, not a risk that I'm willing to take since that could translate into a hospital stay, and emerg surgery to remove the port.

Most of the time was spent waiting to see a doctor, which took ~ 4 1/2 hrs. When I was finally was seen, they drew blood, and put me on an IV antibiotic for 40 minutes. Once this was completed, the Dr. checked with the medical oncologist on call, and ordered a culture to be taken from the port site, ouch! When all was said and done, I was leaving the hospital more than 6 hours after I got there, returning home to a house full of satiated family. I was so happy to see everyone, and thankful that they held out until we returned around 10:30 p.m. It was great to have Sheila with me, we made the best of it, and loa's off!

The hospital left the saline-lock in my wrist,(access for the IV) since I need to present again to emerg tonight for another IV antibiotic... They said that it won't take as long this time since I will not need to see a Dr.. The med is ordered, and a nurse is only needed to administer it. Here's hoping for a short wait. I will need to see Dr. Max (my medical oncologist) tomorrow for an assessment as he will have the results from the culture, and will need to determine if we continue antibiotic treament, or port removal. I'm really hoping that if it's an infection that the antibiotics will take care of it, as I really don't want my port removed.

Not the way I planned to spend my last night with Sheila, but what can you do? As Sheila would say, "That's how we roll...." I recognize the importance of getting treatment before more damage was done.

As for the title of my last blog, the name of the Bon Jovi song I was referrin to is, "Living on a Prayer"..... I know. (Damn chemo brain! LOL)

Jill xo