Monday, November 20, 2006

Aggravated!

Most of you probably know by now that John is back in the Hospital - Hershey Medical Center.  We had to leave suddenly by ambulance.  We've been here since Friday.

This admission has been so frustrating.  I am not going to go into too much except to say this.  One oncologist believes John's pneumonia is still really bad and wants him to stay in the hospital, the other one insists he leave tomorrow (Monday).  So we will probably be leaving on Monday and getting home Monday night.  The doctor who insists that John doesn't have pneumonia, or not much of it, won't let any tests be run, won't let the other doctor do an x-ray or CT scan, and discontinued John's antibiotics for his pneumonia that was started by Dr. Claxton about a week ago.  You do NOT discontinue a course of antibiotics.  Even if somebody is feeling better they are supposed to take them until they are gone, because the illness can come back.  Everybody knows that, especially a doctor.  I wonder what he is doing.  Why does he keep insisting John doesn't have pneumonia?  He keeps telling him, you must have pulled a muscle or fractured a rib.  Meanwhile, the hospital that sent John up in the ambulance assesed him with an x-ray and determined he still had pneumonia.  Also a week ago on Monday Dr. Claxton took an x-ray, and read it, and said that John had pneumonia and fluid on his lung.  But Dr. E. insists it is a pulled muscle instead.  He told the other oncologist he could run tests in the morning, and then in the afternoon stopped him from doing so, then told him John was going home Monday morning.  So unless something drastically changes, we will be coming home.

Another reason John came up here besides the pneumonia (which by the way hurts him at a level of 8, on a pain scale of 1 - 10, 10 being the worst pain he has had in his life), is the fact that he needed blood again.  But not a little bit.  Four bags!  Yes, four bags in one day.  He was white as a ghost when he got to the hospital.  He had gotten blood one week prior, and he needed four bags instead of two this time.  To those of you who understand counts, his HGB was 6 and his HCT was 17, after getting blood one week earlier.  Folks, that is close to what he was when he was first in the hospital with the Hemolytic Anemia.  And according to Dr. Claxton, he is supposed to be getting better.  So sad.  But the odd thing is this.  On the tests they ran this hospital stay, John IS getting better.  So they can't figure out why he needs the blood.  They can't understand what is going on.  I guess what they checked for is getting better, something else must be going wrong.  Now they have to find out what it is and correct it.  But they are puzzled.

Never ending.  Never ending.

I am a little concerned about John going home, because I don't want him to have to turn around and be hospitalized again in a week.  I am excited though that we may have a Thanksgiving at home, and am hoping to stay home for December and Christmas.  John's parents are coming for Christmas.  And I have so much planned for fun.

John has an appointment with Dr. Claxton in a week from Monday (that's one more week).  So at least he will get the CT scan and maybe Dr. Claxton will give him some more antibiotics, who knows.  I'm sure Dr. Claxton will make a good decision.  I feel much more comforted knowing John will have this appointment next week.

Okay, I am making this entry a little too long.  Oh, one more thing, LOL.  John is receiving an award from our local cancer group tomorrow.  He won't be there to be able to pick it up, but they are going to pick it up and deliver it to him in a few days.  It will be presented during a Thanksgiving dinner.  I wrote something up to be read at the dinner in honor of John and emailed it to the Executive Director of the group for her to read to everybody before the award is given out.  I think I wrote a pretty good speech, LOL.  Anyway, they picked John this year to give it to because he is a fighter and a survivor, and because he has a good attitude.  I am so proud of him!

Okay, got to get off of here.  I just wanted to tell you all to go to There is a Season to see all the Photo Scav Hunt links (for the subject ART).  Also go there to find the Monday Morning Question and the subject for the next Photo Scav Hunt.  My sister Val is graciously doing it for me while I am in Hershey.  She is the best!

Okay, must run, love you all, Krissy :)

 

 

34 comments:

  1. That oncologist is assuming a lot when the xrays have show differently. Makes you wonder why he won't let any follow up xrays be done. I hope no harm is done by him letting John come off those antibiotics to soon and coming back home to soon. Since he already has the antibotics why will he not let him finish them? Hugs, Helen

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  2. Krissy,
    I am so sorry.  Don't give up.  Hugs, LU

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  3. John & Krissy - our prayers go up for you daily.  I'm glad we could talk a bit today.  Love you two with all my heart.  Be blessed in the Lord, Penny

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  4. Sending hugs and prayers.  I don't understand why that DR wouldn't be extraordinarily cautious in this situation. Hopefully they will get together and do the best thing for John.  Thinking of you guys and hoping you WILL get to be home for Thanksgivng.
    Hugs, Barb  

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  5. Boy what a yo yo ride between different doctors assessments...that has got to be sooooooooo frustrating...I agree with you about him continuing the antibiotics...maybe because his body is fighting the pneumonia is why he needs more blood...one thing affecting the other....at least his pneumonia is getting better but with the chest pains at a 8, I wonder if he did pull a muscle...that is alot of pain for pneumonia.....The doctors need to be sure before they send him home...going back and forth is emotional....Sorry you guys have this confusion at the hospital....Its not like you need that too...-Praying, Raven

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  6. My prayers for you all are going up...we must trust and hope and never give up...take care and take it one day at a time.  'On Ya' - ma

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  7. Krissy, I may not comment often enought, but so you know...I do read...and John has been through so much...there is no excuse for one doctor to argue over this issue...they should both agree.  My prayers go out to both of you and especially to John....much love to you both...stay strong Krissy...John needs you!!!
    Hugs and love,
    Joyce

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  8. God bless both you and John.  I can't see how both doctors could be right, I pray that wisdom rules the day!  -  Barbara

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  9. As you well know I too am going through cancer and treatment and I know it's the constant set backs that take the most toll....with me it's like ok I survived this and that and then something else comes along and I need to do battle again....I just wish illness and disease came with vacation time...1 week a month to feel healthy, good and normal.......in the words of Mother Theresa....when she quoted "He only brings you what he knows you can handle and she said, "Sometimes I wish he didn't trust me so much!" I know and live those words for real now! Praying "Normal life" comes and finds you and John soon.

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  10. I'm so sorry. I think John should stay there just in case. I'll be praying.

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  11. Sorry to hear about John  Since there are 2 different drs. disagreeing on his diagnosis, I would get a 3rd consult and go with the doctors who agree.  Yall are in my thoughts and prayers Krissy.  I know what it's like to having a chronically ill hubby in and out of the hospital the last 25 yrs.
    Hugs,
    Dana
    http://journals.aol.com/rainy35/RoadToSuccess
    http://journals.aol.com/rainy35/bamas-country-photos

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  12. I agree with Dana, that you should have another doctor check John out.  The way I see it, there are two doctors right now and both are saying the complete opposite things...one of them is wrong.  Another doctor might be able to help make the decision as to which one it is.  At any rate, sorry to hear that your are back there yet again.  I hope for a speedy recovery, and return home.  Congratulations to John on his award as a survivor, I think he does deserve it for all that he has been through and is still going through.

    Greg
    http://journals.aol.com/radar446/PhotoTrek/

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  13. Krissy, you have the authority to question every medical diagnosis, decision, and procedures.  If you have doubts, then you must speak up.  I would be firing Dr. E's ass faster than he can say colonoscopy!  I know it's not as simple as that, but dammit, it sounds like what Dr. E is doing doesn't make sense.

    Stand up, kick dust up in his eyes, make a stink, and be that squeeky wheel until you are content with John's medical care.
    Judith

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  14. ((((((((((((((((((((((HUGSTOYOUBOTH)))))))))))))))))))))))I aree with the others,I think maybe you should get a 3 apoion for John.I know this must be rusteated for you.I hope and pray it all goes well and John gets back to feeling better soon.Have a nice day.

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  15. I'm praying for you and John. What a battle you all face. So many don't realize that there are often still bumps in the road even when the disease is gone, the treatment has done it's job, etc.

    I pray they figure out what's going on with him and why he's needing so many blood transfusions and why much at a time. You're all in my prayers.

    God Bless
    Christy

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  16.  Honey, you can fire a Doctor and I think I would do that pronto.  Some just hate to have anyone tell them anything, you tell them black, they will say white.  I bet it wouldn't have been the first time he has been fired either.   Congratulations to John for his award.

                 Julie

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  17. Can you get this doc off john's case?  You are probably reading this too late to do anything.  So, can you call me before you leave?  Yeah, probably too late again.  Well, know that I am praying for traveling mercies and for strength and health for you and john.... Call me tonight!  Love, Val xox
    http://journals.aol.com/valphish/ThereisaSeason

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  18. It's not professional for a team of doctors to mess a patient about like that. And if somebody has pain 8/10, that's not just a pulled muscle, IS IT? Hope things get lined up a wee bit down at Hershey, Krissy.

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  19. can you get another opinion???
    Becky

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  20. Krissy you must either insist on a second opinion or report that doctor for negligence. Try to keep John in Hershey whatever.
    Love & hugs
    Sylvia xx

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  21. Krissy, I agree with Jtuwliens that you should speak up to Dr. E and tell him he is fired.  He kinda sounds like a jerk.  Get another opinion on this pneumonia. Three opinions are good.  I hate it that you had to go back to Hershey.  You both have been to hell and back so many times.  I think John will be okay but he needs those antibiotics.  Hope you will be home for the Holidays.  Quite a bit of blood John had to have. That bothers me. I will keep in touch and you know where I am if you need something.  Love to you both                Myke

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  22. I don't like the sound of Dr E, I'm sure Dr Claxton knows what he's talking about, why is this other doctor overriding his decisions? I'd want answers before being sent home. I'm glad John is getting an award, he deserves it 100%, well done John! I hope things go well when you leave Hershey and you don't need to go back for a while. Jeannette xx  http://beta.journals.aol.co.uk/jlocorriere05/Welcometomytravels/

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  23. Gee Krissy- I'm sorry John's still going through all this!  That doctor needs a good swift kick in the... well- hopefully Johns regular doctor will be able to figure out what's going on.    Hope things settle down and go better for the Holidays.  God Bless- Carolyn

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  24. You are in my prayers friend. Check out the new blood count! Tammy

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  25. I would get another opinion, & fire that Dr. Congrats to John on his award!!! WOO HOO, tell John I'm doing my happy dance for him! All 300 lbs of me WHOOP WHOOP!!! YEA JOHN, YOU GO GUY! {{{ }}}
    Praying things go well.
    Big hugs,
    Sugar
    http://journals.aol.com/sugarsweet056/INHISNAME/
    my other journal links are on the side bar

    Ps Got 11 more people to donate blood in Johns name since I last talked with you about it. :)

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  26. I think John's 2 doctors need to get into the same room and agree on something.  Dr E needs a good old fashion slap to bring him to his sences!

    Praying for you both.

    Kathy

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  27. It sounds to me as if you have to schedule a family meeting.  A meeting with all of the Doc's and your family to coordinate the care. They need to have a pow wow together to get it together.  Poor John....going back and forth to the hospital has to be so hard on him, too!!
    Keeping you in my prayers Krissy.
    Pam

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  28. I am so impressed with your ability to have such a good attitude in the face of everything you are going through.  I think I would  be a crazy woman by now.  You are surrounded by positive thoughts and prayers!  Hang in there, sweet angel.
    Hugs,  Kathy

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  29. John and you are in my thoughts and prayers always.  Agree something needs to be done to get all of this corrected with the Doctors, a meeting with all of them and the family.  John's health is the most important thing and the Doctors need to be able to agree on what is the best treatment. Goodness how frustrating and  such anunnecessary ordeal they are putting on John and you. Based on what you wrote, seems like John should stay there for a few more days.  Is there anyhing more horrendous then having to deal with the medical field when not feeling well...they need to get together and come to a mutual agreement on what is best for John. Sorry you and John are going thru all of this....hang in there....bless you. Arlene (AJ)

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  30. omg I cant believe these doctors.
    They should try working together instead of going against each other.
    poor john. poor you!!!

    Ill send prayers your way.

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  31. I can't believe the doctors having such opposite opinions!  Either he has pneumonia, or he doesn't.  If the x-ray shows he does, then, well, he does!  What a run around you are getting.  I hope it all gets settled, and you either go home, or he gets the correct treatment...congratulations to John on the award!  Jae

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  32. So sorry Krissy.   Will continue to pray for you both.      Dawn

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  33. Praying for you... hoping you get a Turkey Day at home and John is feeling well.

    be well,
    Dawn

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  34. OMG!!!!
    make sure you get a patients advorcat for John> They really help a lot.
    Be strong John you are in my prayers always.
    eileen

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