Sometimes it goes away entirely, but when my system is immune-suppressed, it starts to come back. Today's scan showed that it was larger than when last checked a month or so ago. The doctors hoped that by this time my stronger immune system would keep the fungus at bay, but that doesn't seem to be the case. I have been taking the drug Voriconozole for a long time, but they are now going to put me on an IV medicine, Ambisome, while they compare the past scans to develop a plan. They are also going to check the "Vori" level in my blood to see if it is absorbing properly.
I had another low-grade fever this morning. Adding this all together, I'm really not sure now when I'll get out. I hope it will just take a few days to figure out what to do about the fungus.
I got permission to leave the floor this morning, so I put on a heavy mask, walked one length of the Pike and sat in a wheelchair in the sun outside at a nicely-landscaped entrance that my mother had dubbed The Riveria. I read the New York Times and enjoyed the fresh air. In the elevator on the way back, however, I got dizzy and felt like I might faint. I knew that my blood pressure had fallen. I made it back to my room, and when the nurse took my pressure (standing) it was 65/54. The episode earned me five hours of IV fluids. Actually after I sat down and had a drink, it already started to go back up.
Now I'll need a new book and maybe a movie to get me through the rest of my stay. Arrrrrggggghhhhhh.
12 comments:
Just started following your blog ... wish you a quick exit from that hospital.
Do they have internet access in the hospital?
Wondering how you are blogging ....
Argh, sorry to hear about that stubborn nodule! Doesn't it know it needs to leave you now? I am sure the super duper IV meds will knock it right out of you for good!
Any good book suggestions? Always a good sign when you are reading. There were times the words would bonce along the page and books made me sick..
Keep on truckin-
Lea
Hi Daria,
Thanks for checking out my blog. Yes they have internet access in the hospital. It's very easy to get on line.
Ronni,
What kind of books do you like to read when in the hospital? Are medicine-oriented books good or bad at this time? I just finished Abraham Verghese's newest book, CUTTING FOR STONE. The writing is fluid, the story engaging. The opening of the jacket says, "...an enthralling family saga of Africa and America, doctors and patients, exile and home."
Maybe I'll blog about this book later this week, to give you more insight into the book.
Another advantage:You'll build up muscles! At 534 pages, it is the longest non-textbook I've ever read. Yet I enjoyed reading it so much I wished it was longer.
With hope, Wendy
Have you read anything by Barbara Kingsolver? She's a wonderful writer I think (though I'd avoid the Poisoned Bible). If you like Science Fiction (oh, where would I start?!) Sheri Tepper is a very enjoyable writer - among so many!
I read a lot, so if you want more suggestions, let us know!
Hang in there. You are an inspiration to all!
Well, let's not have the other Doc (Fellow) do a repeat lung needle thing like the last time!! Even though he was kinda cute :)
I am really enjoying Cutting for Stone - and I heard Evidence of Things Unseen, Marianne Wiggins, is great - dont' know what it's about - will elt you know.
Think about all of the people standing next to you as you peer up the hill - we love you!!
Tami
ronni -- we are following your pilgrim's progress and sorry to hear you are back in the hospital...here's to a quick exit and better days...spring is here, look out your window, daffodils are everywhere.....chip and carolyn
Hang in there, girl. We're thinking about you.
Ronni:
You are so patient as a patient! One step at a time, manage the obstacles and move forward. I hope to see you back in S. Hadley soon. We're just starting to see signs of spring. Wish I had a good book to suggest, but you probably don't want to read Kernberg's Borderline Conditions and Pathological Narcissism, (unless you'd like to understand some old boyfriends). But I do love Barbara Kingsolver.
Love Ya.
Meryl
Ronni,
So sorry to hear that you are back in the hospital. You are such a fighter...I am certain you will beat this darn nodule.
We miss you in South Hadley and hope to have you back here soon.
I am attempting to read all of the new high school summer reading list books. So far I've enjoyed "The Uglies" by Scott Westerfeld. Not one I'd recommend to the book group, but still a good read.
Take care, and lots of love and prayers to you.
Susan
I am having problems with my blood pressure doing this and I hate that woozy feeling. A few weeks ago mine was 69/60 and it felt like I was struggling to keep conscious. Glad you didn't fall!
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