Frustration all Around

 Last Sunday, March 9th, Murray and I came to Cortez from the park for a quick overnight so that I could attend a dentist appointment to see if I chipped my tooth or just a large piece of plaque came off.  Around 3pm on Sunday, I was not feeling well and checked my temperature.  Depending on where I tested it (forehead, ears), I got a different temperature.  Forehead 100.6 left ear 102, right ear 104.3.  I took a Tylenol, but the paperwork and doctors had said anything 100.6 and above was to the ER or doctor call.  It was Sunday and our oncology doesn't work.  Doesn't even have an on-call.  So, to the ER we went.  We got right in, but they wouldn't let Murray back for a bit.  I think it was because of the questions they asked...do you feel safe at home, etc.  

First, they hooked me up to everything.  My temperature was 99.9 by this point, probably because of the Tylenol.  They drew blood via the port.  They did a chest xray, which the doctor said looked like something was showing in the lower lobe.  They did a CT scan, but prior to doing that they had to poke me again...NOT IN THE PORT!  The nurse tried the left arm in the bend of the arm and blew the vein.  So, then she tried the right arm, which I'm pretty sure I'm not allowed to have anything done in there, but she got that one.  I returned from that and laid in bed for quite a while before they finally brought Murray back.  The doctor said I had bronchitis, but the discharge papers had pneumonia.  With my oxygen sating at 74 on oxygen, they wanted to keep me, but I firmly said no.  I was sent home with an oxygen concentrator and a bottle of oxygen and a bunch of supplies.  I've been on O2 ever since.  And I went back to the ER on Thursday, 13th, which was better.

On Monday, we made a quick trip the Durango for the dentist.  I actually wasn't on O2 but survived.  Although I had spent 30 minutes on the phone with the receptionist trying to set up the appointment last week, I wasn't on their schedule.  Luckily, they were able to get me in and it was just plaque.  The dentist was surprised doctors had said not to floss.  Hey just going by the paperwork.  And he wanted me to come in for an appointment for a cleaning.  Um, I'll wait until this shitshow is over.  

By the time we returned home, and I walked up the stairs, I needed O2.  Again, I've primarily been on it constantly except for a few times when I took it off to see if I was sating any better without it.  I wasn't.  

Today, March 18th, we went to Durango for chemo follow up, chemo, radiation follow up, stems.  The doctor (a sub), who was also too touchy, said it was a no go with the chemo, and I could come back next week.  Devastation is probably a better word than Frustration.  This was supposed to be my last.  FUCK.  And then infusion came in and it was a battled to try to find a time slot, but she finally was able to.  Since chemo was cancelled, we had about 3 hours to kill before radiation.  

We headed off to Frida's for the best Mexican food around.  After lunch, we still had plenty of time left so Murray took Pabst for a walk along the river walk while I sat in the car and moped.  Plus, it was too cold for me.  Any guesses where we stopped next.  If you guessed the 4CRS (aka: river shop), you'd be correct.  But I did get to pet the nicest husky who came right up and said sorry you are sick.  Then the second cuddle I got a nose lick.  

We headed off to radiation appointment and met with the doctor.  He is quirky, but I really like him.  After a lengthy discussion, he decided we would do the stem on April 8th.  He discussed a lot of rare things that could happen during chemo.  ✋was my answer to those.  Considering every other hurdle I've had to jump.  

And then we drove home in a snowstorm with crappy roads and I'm sure my blood pressure was through the roof.  Now I'm home on O2 again and writing this frustrating blog.

Until next time.