Craig had a fairly rough weekend, to follow a fairly rough week. After running a high temp Saturday and Sunday, I called the medical oncologist for advice, and after a minor discussion with Craigery on the pros and cons of heading back to the hospital (someone needed convincing), we hopped in the Honda and headed due-whatever direction the hospital is, for yet another trip to the ER. Thankfully, Craig’s earned enough flyer miles to be fast-tracked to a holding cell (or patient room, as they prefer). Actually, I think the doctor called him in for us, but it’s fun to think that we’re famous where (and when) it counts. Anyhow, as per usual, we bumped into a not-so-friendly ER nurse, who preferred talking shop – in this case, the latest issue of the Economist -- over patient support. He was quite rude until he saw that I was reading ‘his favorite magazine.' Prompted by an article on the elections, we dove into a ten minute debate on Clinton’s candidacy, etc. Too bad he couldn’t muster that kind of enthusiasm for administering C’s meds on time! Despite telling him that C was on a strict med schedule, the guy would disappear, or worse, chitty chat out in the lobby about other patients (hello HIPA...pssst, sound travels through curtains). Maybe we should have left little Economist treasures outside his room to lure him in.
Oh well, after spending a solid 8 hours in the holding cell – and only after undergoing the standard chest x-ray and urine test (which are performed without fail and despite hefty resistance) -- C was finally wheeled upstairs to the 11th floor. The sad, yet comforting, thing about the oncology ward is that friendships are often made -- nurses bond to patients, and vice versa. The nursing staff here is top-notch, and, by now, they’re all aware of C’s condition, making his treatment a little easier.
He’s doing better after another tough night -- his temp was up to 103, which has been the highest yet. The new medley of antibiotics seems to be doing the trick, so we’re hopeful that he can head home in the next few days. Erin is now here (more on her arrival in next post), and will be undergoing intensive one-on-one training (complete with flashcards and a real-life demo) as soon as he’s out. Emily will also join for the ‘learning-by-doing’ extravaganza. No room for slow learners, no sir, only perfection. (Good thing D’s in Oklahoma…aharhahar. The jibes will keep coming until you figure out how to type....love in my heart, D, love in my heart.) ;)
So, we wait – which is something we’ve mastered. At least now, I have my other buddy here to help pass the time. -- J
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