Day +13

Tuesday, October 22: Again fevers throughout the night; given Tylenol every 4 hours. Additional blood drawn for culture, attempt at a peripheral draw..but unsuccessful so the overnight doctor agreed it was ok to use the draw from the picc line. Potential infection in the picc line, awaiting culture results to determine source of infection. Met with the Infectious Disease doctors to understand the possibilities as well as the next steps. Platelets: 1 Hemo: 7.5. Blood blister on tongue due to chemo treatment, final one given on Day +11, but the side effects are showing up now. Another side effect is trouble swallowing, making it even more difficult to eat, even without an appetite. Learned about a new protein drink which is non-dairy based and is a clear drink. Actually enjoyed it better than my last couple attempts at breakfast or dinner. Also started using “magic mouthwash” to help ease the pain of the food or beverages going down.

Today’s win was learning that they can adjust the hospital bed into the “equator” position so that it is easier to pull yourself up in the bed as your strength and energy have been depleted. Was encouraged to sit up more to relieve some of the pressure on the lungs and make it easier to breathe.