today’s amusements

Challenges: Val’s port shows has been showing signs of infection. The end of the suture has been a bit puffy and red from the outset, but up to now they just encouraged her to swab it with antiseptic stuff. It’s been bugging her more this week (not to mention the stitch that never dissolved and constantly pokes her), but yesterday’s trip to urgent care yielded nothing useful. Today the skin around the port tubes that run up her neck is also red, so she and Liz headed off to the emergency room. They are doing blood tests (which came back good), ultrasounds and x-rays. If the infection is significant, or there’s a blood clot or something, they may have to surgically remove the port. For now, they are commencing IV antibiotics, because apparently one member of the family sucking down antibiotics like Gatorade isn’t enough. (Cynthia is tired but says she is doing okay today.) They will keep probably Val overnight, so we are organizing slumber party shifts.

A hopeful part: Maybe defeating this infection will give Val back some energy!

Triumphs: I walked all the way around Reed Lake for the second day in a row, and the third time since 2010. I also defeated the Comcast operators in hand-to-hand combat and they conceded that everything is their fault. Now I am eating cashews, to gather energy for more fun hospital times.

Update, 6:00 pm: There is a blood clot in Val’s neck. We await consultation with the vascular surgeon, but we expect they will operate to remove the port. They will keep her overnight. They’ve started her on blood thinners. I’m heading over.

Update, 11:20 pm: Successful surgery to remove the port. Now we see how things go with the blood thinners. Thanks for all the kindness and love.

Update, Sunday morning: No bleeding. Incision looks good. Presumption of infection was abandoned when they discovered the blood clot, although the blood cultures take a couple days to come back. Awaiting various doctor conversations.

xo

D