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Back in the hospital

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.

Comments

  1. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 8:10 PM

    Sending along healing and comforting thoughts, Esther.

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  2. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 8:10 PM

    I'm so sorry about these setbacks. However I can help in State College, please let me know.

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  3. KaiAugust 15, 2022 at 8:22 PM

    Oh 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.

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 15, 2022 at 8:27 PM

      Thank you. We'll keep you posted on where I'm at.

      Delete
  4. BethanyAugust 15, 2022 at 8:25 PM

    Awww, 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.

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  5. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 8:37 PM

    Thanks 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.

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  6. Irene & DeanAugust 15, 2022 at 9:05 PM

    So 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!!

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  7. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 9:14 PM

    I 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

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    1. Esther PrinsAugust 16, 2022 at 10:10 AM

      Thanks, 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.

      Delete
  8. LauraAugust 15, 2022 at 9:29 PM

    This 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. ❤️

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  9. NickyAugust 15, 2022 at 9:40 PM

    This is a tough setback. Praying that things turn for the better soon! Sending you love.

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  10. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 10:12 PM

    Praying 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

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    1. Esther PrinsAugust 16, 2022 at 10:11 AM

      Thanks, Laura and Ken. If I can't write, then you know I'm in bad shape.

      Delete
  11. AlisaAugust 15, 2022 at 10:41 PM

    My 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
    Leaving 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

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  12. AnonymousAugust 15, 2022 at 11:01 PM

    Argh! Here’s hoping this is just a temporary setback, Esther! Keep the faith and keep looking forward! -M&M&S&A

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  13. AmiAugust 16, 2022 at 1:32 AM

    Oh 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

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  14. AnonymousAugust 16, 2022 at 2:08 AM

    My word Esther. Thinking of you often. <3

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  15. AnonymousAugust 16, 2022 at 6:21 AM

    I’m so sorry for the continued challenges. Praying for you. - Lisa

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  16. AnonymousAugust 16, 2022 at 6:34 AM

    Sending you good vibes to get back home soon ❤️❤️❤️

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  17. SarahAugust 16, 2022 at 7:25 AM

    So 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.

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    Replies
    1. Esther PrinsAugust 16, 2022 at 10:14 AM

      Thank you, Sarah. More info on meal train coming once we know Lily's vball schedule.

      Delete
  18. Chrissie KlingerAugust 16, 2022 at 8:37 AM

    Sorry 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!

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    Replies
    1. Ruth Prins BorstAugust 16, 2022 at 8:45 AM

      You could have a FAQ sheet/pamphlet/booklet, Esther :-)

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    2. Esther PrinsAugust 16, 2022 at 10:16 AM

      Good 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.

      Delete

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