Until about 1pm I had been doing pretty well. I even spent part of the morning off of oxygen during a student's comps exam on Zoom. Then out of nowhere I felt really short of breath; even on 6L (maximum) oxygen my saturation dipped into the 50s at one point. Leland had the brilliant idea of putting both cannulas (oxygen tubes) in my nose--one from the oxygen concentrator (6L) and one from the portable oxygen tank (5L). That helped stabilize my oxygen level until the ambulance came.
So I'm back in the ICU on high-flow oxygen. :( The doctors are investigating various possibilities, including pneumonia, some other kind of infection, side effects of Tagrisso (my cancer medication), or ??? I'm back on heparin (blood thinner), antibiotics, and steroids. My oxygen and heart rate are slowly starting to improve.
Just this morning I had called the Mt. Nittany physicians group to see if I could make an appointment with any of the 3 pulmonologists in their practice. No openings until late September. Who shows up at my hospital bed? One of the pulmonologists. I guess I went to extreme measures to get an appointment. It paid off to have English translations of my German medical records on my laptop, since I was able to show them to Dr. Vilensky. However, at this point I think I should audio-record my story about the lead-up to my cancer diagnosis and the events that landed me in the hospital on July 28. I have told this story so. many. times. It would be easier just to hit play.
Once again, I did not see this coming. Going back to the hospital hadn't even really entered my mind since I was holding steady and starting to gain some strength back. I'm not sure how long I will be here. Best-case scenario is probably two days. At least I am not 4 hours from home.
Sending along healing and comforting thoughts, Esther.
ReplyDeleteI'm so sorry about these setbacks. However I can help in State College, please let me know.
ReplyDeleteOh damn!!! That’s so discouraging. I’m so sorry Esther. Annyce and I will be in SC on Friday. I’ll follow around with Leland and you but if you’re up for it, we’d love to see you and if you’re not we’ll be keeping you well in our thoughts anyway.
ReplyDeleteThank you. We'll keep you posted on where I'm at.
DeleteAwww, Esther, this is hard! We are rooting for you - praying that good thoughts, words and songs fill your mind and heart as you wait yet again.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Bethany.
DeleteThanks for letting me know. I’ve been walking by your house and hoping to see you, but now I know why I haven’t. I’ll check in with Leland and lily later this week.
ReplyDeletesounds good, anonymous neighbor
DeleteSo sorry to hear this, Esther. We're praying for you and Leland and Lily. Don't understand this at all. But know that you are so, so loved!!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Irene. Batck atcha
DeleteI am sorry to hear about these struggles! I'm glad you had the serendipity to get a pulmonologist at MNH! Sending thoughts of healing your way. - Heather
ReplyDeleteThanks, Heather. Yes, the pulmonologist seems really good. Also, one of my nurses used to work with Dean Monk's son at the Nittany Lion Inn. Yup, I'm back in small-town State College.
DeleteThis news is absolutely heart breaking. I can only begin to imagine how you feel and all you are going through physically and emotionally; you all did not need this additional challenge. Praying for our Holy Spirit to comfort you as you move forward through this storm. You are loved. ❤️
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laura!
DeleteThis is a tough setback. Praying that things turn for the better soon! Sending you love.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nicky.
DeletePraying for you as you face another challenge on your journey. You are doing an amazing job of communicating during this unexpected illness. Laura and Ken
ReplyDeleteThanks, Laura and Ken. If I can't write, then you know I'm in bad shape.
DeleteMy dear Esther I’m so sorry you are going through all of this. Praying for God’s healing hand to move all over you. Dear God please fully restore your daughter Esther’s health. You are loving & will take care of her. amen
ReplyDeleteLeaving you with Psalm 121 v.1-2 I will lift up my eyes to the hills from which comes my help. My help comes from the Lord. The Maker of Heaven & earth. v.7 The Lord will keep you from all harm. He will watch over your life. Much love to you all
Thank you, Alisa.
DeleteArgh! Here’s hoping this is just a temporary setback, Esther! Keep the faith and keep looking forward! -M&M&S&A
ReplyDeleteThank you, M&M.
DeleteOh my gosh Esther, what a rollercoaster. Praying for healing! Geez, you are so obnoxious though getting yourself hospitalized just for attention from the pulmonologists that didn’t have time for you. You have got to stop this nonsense ;) Glad you have family nearby. Big hugs, Henson
ReplyDeleteI know, such a drama queen!
DeleteMy word Esther. Thinking of you often. <3
ReplyDeleteElizabeth P here, didn't mean to be anonymous!
DeleteThanks, Elizabeth.
DeleteI’m so sorry for the continued challenges. Praying for you. - Lisa
ReplyDeleteThank you, Lisa.
DeleteSending you good vibes to get back home soon ❤️❤️❤️
ReplyDeleteSo completely frustrating, Esther! I hope you have clear answers soon and an excellent plan for moving forward. Count Joel and me among the large crew of friends in State College ready to support the three of you however we can.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sarah. More info on meal train coming once we know Lily's vball schedule.
DeleteSorry to hear about the hospital stay, but it probably is a good idea to have some recordings or printed copies to explain things. My mother dealt with lung issues and in and out of the hospital for many years and having things typed up and multiple copies printed (back in the early 2000s) was helpful for those unexpected trips to ER when she was out of breath and couldn't talk and answer questions. Prayers for a quick return home!
ReplyDeleteYou could have a FAQ sheet/pamphlet/booklet, Esther :-)
DeleteGood idea, Chrissie. My backpack still has all the documents I traveled with from Germany, i.e., all the CDs with images from xrays, CT scan, and brain MRI. That has come in handy in Reston and here. Plus my laptop with English translations of 20+ medical documents. And yes, Ruta. I should print my own book. Lily could probably illustrate it - graphic novel.
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