Last weekend started off like any other. I might have even believed it was pre-covid times. Our first date in eons, meeting another couple at a local winery for live music and dinner afterwards. We had a wonderful time with our friends even if it was a bit cold at dinner.
The cold hurts me deep in my swiss cheese bones. I took my pain meds when I went to bed that night and fell asleep like any other.
Only I didn't wake up the next day.
Or the next. Well, technically I did but it was sporadically, lethargically, and then in the hospital.
By the time I fully woke up, I was told I was in the 3rd room I'd been in since arriving. I vaguely remember them coming for chest xrays and sending me for ct scans. I don't remember the numerous pokes and tests run.
The sleep was one thing. Charlie took me to the hospital when I spiked a 102.9° fever out of the blue. (As a chemo patient, I'm supposed to go in with anything over 100.4°. Clearly this was much higher.) Upon arriving to the ER, my heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen were low. My fever and pain levels were high. So was my blood sugar.
It's been noted on my medical records for the last 5 years that I am pre-diabetic with an A1C of 5.8 or 5.9. At the hospital it was 10! They started giving me insulin and checking my blood sugar every couple of hours. I now have an official diagnosis of diabetes and a whole new protocol for managing it at home.
A ct scan ruled out blood clots in my lungs but showed fluid in one lobe. Pneumonia explains the fever.
The medication I started the beginning of December has a known side effect of raising blood sugar in some patients. My doctor and I had seen the increase in my morning fasting blood sugar, but never thought to check my A1C. We believe a flip got switched and threw me into full diabetic mode. I'm hopeful that the insulin dependence goes away, or that at some point I'll be able to stop the injections. I've been off that medication 3 weeks now and it came as a surprise to even my doctor that I was still struggling to control my blood sugar.
The new chemo I was supposed to start last week has been postponed til next week. I have MAJOR concerns over taking this new drug now since one of the #1 warnings under side effects is that this drug can affect the lungs. Under the recent circumstances, I'm wondering if this is still safe for me. Please pray for wisdom and guidance. My oncologist is out this week so I can't even discuss it with her til 2 days before I'm supposed to start it.
I have to do something and fast. There were exactly 2 weeks between my last ct scan and the one they did in the hospital. The 3 main liver tumors have all increased alarmingly and several new ones have developed as well. Clearly I can't do nothing, but time is of the essence. I need a miracle and I'm not above praying for one. Join me?
The highlight of my week was having 2 handmade Valentines and a Baby Yoda get well card delivered to me. That and my special visits from my friends that work at the hospital. One came to deliver a card from his daughter, another to take me for a walk around the hospital floor. Others came to pray with me. God bless you all. Your familiar faces were a welcome change during my long days alone at the hospital.
Those of you that already knew the circumstances have been covering us in prayer. I thank you for that.
To those that have reached out and offered to go grocery shopping or deliver meals, God bless you for lightening our load.
I just want to add one personal note here. It was brought to my attention that I don't give updates like I used to and was asked to move to another platform for convenience of getting them. While I appreciate the concern and the desire to be informed so you know how to pray for me, please remember that God already knows the details. You don't need an update to pray. I do not need the added pressure or responsibility to give updates, especially for those I do not know. Your prayers are still appreciated of course, but I've got more important things to focus on and do not wish to spend my time in that way. Those who know me personally should know they can reach out anytime. I'll answer when I'm ready and able. Those who don't know me can sign up for email updates through this blog and you'll be notified of new posts.
My dear Tika. Posting your name on my fridge. I need to pray more for you than once a day. Even though that is all that God needs. I need to do this! For a good product for diabetes is: Tumaro's whole wheat tortillas. They are low carb when you subtract the very high fiber content (also high in protein). Love and Hugs!