Day 0 minus 3 or Day 3 of the 100 day process.

 Hi! 

Last night after blogging, Nolan, our 2nd son, came to visit and bring a camping mat and small refrigerator for us to use while here. He brought Chipotle and it was a neat little time together, as always. 

I slept better this 2nd night here. I appreciated nurse Kate trying to cluster things together so she didn't have to wake me as much. I also used a blindfold, which I think helped a lot. 

I woke today with a lot of pain around the new "port" site. I couldn't move my head or raise my arm without an alarming amount of pain. I didn't take anything for it the day before so I was surprised. I must have slept on it weird. They also changed the dressing yesterday which was not fun, so that could have irritated it. They gave me 1000 mg of Tylenol which helped. 

Again, I spent a lot of time waiting around for people the 1st part of the day. After the NP came in to check on me and I pleaded with her to do anything she could to get me retested for MRSA-so I could hopefully have more freedom, she sent me an MA who also functions as a "mobility specialist." She took me on a walk around the halls of floor 11. Whoo hoo! (sarcasm)

Melissa, the NP, came back with the MD later and he explained that the Infection Prevention people (I assume for the hospital) said the test for these infections isn't sensitive to ensure that I don't have any minute lingering infection. If I infected a immunocompromised patient, it could kill them. So I will spend much more time in my room than I expected because the people who can walk me are very busy. Grrrr. 

Andy asked a good question about how dangerous is it for me to possibly have MRSA as they destroy my immune system. Are they worried about me getting very ill?  Dr. Kent said that could happen so they will be watching me very closely to treat any infections that come up very aggressively. They already have me on a prophylactic antibiotic in case of pneumonia and an antiviral to avoid things like Shingles. I am a bit nervous about this because a doctor told me last year that our immune system has to do the work. The antibiotics/antivirals won't work on their own. Oh boy. (sarcasm)

I will be doing a lot to rebuild my gut once I get home, including a form of a fecal transplant. So much fun. (sarcasm). 

A psychologist who works with transplant patients came in today. I met with him during my first chemo when I was in this hospital. Last time he came into my room full of family which felt like just a drop-in to introduce himself and such. My insurance company was billed $600 for that little casual visit. He's nice but doesn't really listen well. I would start to tell him where I'm coming from and why and he'd interrupt so I didn't feel like I got my ideas out. I think I'll stick with Hazel, my therapist for professional emotional support. 

I'm a little grumpy about being shut into my room when I had other plans for fitness. I can do a lot in my room - I am just adjusting to the new reality. 

Sarah, my night nurse and Emilie, the MA just came in to introduce themselves and take vitals. Let's hope it's a good night for sleep tonight. Sweet dreams all!