End of Week Report

Yesterday I went in to have my dressing changed on the midline since the ER visit prevented it from happening Tuesday. Today marks 7 weeks it has been in and we have been doing Rocephin via IV. One of  the nurses there, considering what happened Tuesday, asked how much longer we would have the IV. This puzzled me because I don't know what God's plan is :)
She looked in the file and said the first order was for 6 weeks (okay, I was aware of that...) and the second order was for 4 weeks (news to me). She said that places us around June 3. She explained that the concern is the midline is really made to last only 6 weeks. In changing the dressing I noticed 4 little black dots on the catheter. I inquired about them as I had only noticed one before. They are markers.  The catheter has come out some and at some point will need to be taken out completely.  Based on what they were saying, I will feel lucky if this midline is in two more weeks. The last time we met with Dr. Salvato her plan was to put another one in when this one quit working.  We will see what her plan is on Monday.
After having so much difficulty communicating with her office, we were afraid she was "flaking" out like the doctor in Lousiana. I was encouraged when we got the second order for IV meds (though it took an arm and a leg) and I was even more encouraged when she decided to keep going on the Rocephin in light of Tuesday.  I feel she is in this to fight with us. Please continue to pray for her and her staff.
Meanwhile, I wrote Dr. Kolodjski yesterday about the happenings this week.  I found it interesting that Tuesday happened after being taken off the morning shakes which are to detoxify the liver/kidney.  Since I'm not doing the shakes, I have also been challenged and frustrated by trying to find 30 grams of carbs a day that are appropriate. On one hand I'm not supposed to have carbs but on the other hand I need 30 grams of carbs to keep the body from eating itself (using muscle instead of fat for energy).  I have enjoyed this week a piece of toast with breakfast or a tortilla as a breakfast taco or beef taco. But it has been frustrating mentally.  Dr. Kolodjski disagrees with the CT and ultrasound findings from Tuesday and believes what I have instead is a hiatal hernia. So, this further frustrates and complicates things.  He is recommending a liver/gallbladder flush on one hand but also wants me to come in to be checked for a hiatal hernia.  This is easier said then done.  Chris looked up hiatal hernia and feels it would have been caught on at least one, if not both, scans Tuesday night. We have decided for the time being that we are going to meet with Dr. Salvato Monday and then make whatever decisions necessary from there.  Dr. Kolodjski suggested 2 servings of fruit as my carbs instead of bread. So, today I had 1/4 of an apple and boy was it sweet.  The cravings lately have been pretty strong.  With a birthday coming up I am trying to decide to "cheat" on my birthday or not. Either small cheat (just bad carbs) or super cheat (carbs plus cake ) :) Rebecka is concerned that I won't be able to have birthday cake on my birthday. She's looking out for me :)
The last couple days I have felt reasonable. We did, finally yesterday, get all our refills approved and filled so I am back on all meds again, plus the three I picked up this week.  It is crazy. Yesterday and today I am pretty sore/hurting under the rib cage by the end of the day.  When it hurts I do worry a little about a ruptured gallbladder and am just trying to hold out till Monday.  I don't mind it rupturing anywhere other than the car with two beautiful girls in the back.  But, once again, I have a heavenly Father who has it all under control and knows everything and I believe He has me covered and my girls.
Tomorrow night Chris and I are going out with the other pastors and wives to have dinner and than go listen to a choir concert that our music pastor is singing in. I am looking forward to getting dressed up and going out with some adult fellowship.  Short of a ruptured gallbladder I am planning to enjoy the evening out with my hubby.
Please continue to keep us in your prayers as we continue to fight this. I am closing this and updating the "How You Can Help" blog. Have a great weekend!