Still At the Hospital
Today is Wednesday, July 15. I am still here at the Cancer Treatment Centers in Goodyear, AZ. I’m not sure how long I will be here. I originally was admitted on Sunday because I had stomach issues and a fever. That pain slowly subsided and by Monday I had a new set of problems with my hip.
The doc ordered some X-rays and I am still waiting to hear the official written report. One of the nurses told me that unofficially there were no fractures. Whew! It must just be the cancer pain. The annoying thing is that now the pain seems to radiate down into my leg and lower back. It seems to be the worse when I am trying to sit up or down and get in and out of bed.
I am back on the pain pump now, which allows me to self-administer pain medication every eight minutes with the push of a button. This is great because I don’t need to count on calling the nurses every time I have pain. On the other hand, they will now have to wean me off the pain pump and the IV pain meds before sending me home.
Today Tera came by to visit and CTCA had hired a photographer to take pictures of patients and their loved ones at no charge. The photographer came to my room and set up lighting so I could have pics taken in the privacy of my room. How nice is that? I guess they will be sending me the photos on a CD or e-mail shortly.
The photographer was nice enough to also take a picture or two on my camera as well. In the picture below, we are holding a pillow that says, “Hope.” I guess there is a lady or group that makes these pillows for patients. I have to say that I have never met so many eager volunteers who truly enjoy the work they are doing and the help or support they are giving to others…all without being paid a dime.
Tomorrow my cousin Julie from California is coming to town to be a caregiver. I feel bad that I am still here the hospital, but at least it’s not as bad as some of the other hospital rooms that the other caregivers have had to endure. I am hoping that I can get out of here and we can at least do some sort of sightseeing or quick day trip.
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Add a Comment4 Comments
Hi Melissa,
Sorry to hear you are still in hospital and the pain in your hip is radiating down your leg! I look forward to seeing the photos that were taken in your room. That was so nice! Great to know you are being looked after well. All the best for the weekend.
July 16, 2009 - 2:15pmThis Comment
Bummer to still be in the hospital. But I'm so impressed with your attitude. I hope you feel better soon.
July 16, 2009 - 2:28pmHey Melissa,
July 17, 2009 - 1:29pmHope you are feeling better today! I saw the pictures on your blog and you look so beautiful!!! Love the "hope" pillow as well!
Keeping you in my prayer,
Angelica
Melissa
Thanks for the update - I'm also sorry you are still hospitalized and hope you get to go home soon.
As usual, I'm so impressed by your writing and how you can put your thoughts on 'paper' so well, not to mention with a fantastic attitude.
July 17, 2009 - 1:59pm