1/5/19 Early discharge!

We had an unexpected early discharge from the hospital late yesterday afternoon.  She had gotten some IV fluids as well as an attempt at a salt pill which she promptly threw up.  The chief resident came in and talked to Daniel and Renee while I had stepped out for a short walk.  She said that they wouldn't do much as far as interventions overnight, such as more fluids or medicines, so it was decided that there was no reason to stay through the night just to have labs drawn in the morning.  Boy, did we get out of there in a hurry before they changed their minds!

Big issue now continues to be the coughing.  We have every cough syrup under the sun and then some.  Isn't sick, just has a moist cough.  It is a little better when she is sitting upright.  She just woke up about a half an hour ago and is all nestled into the easy chair next to the fire.  I just fed her about four bites of strawberry waffle, which is what she was wanting yesterday from the UW food services folks but had to settle for blueberry pancakes instead.

Yesterday, she was quite alert and "with it" and was able to have some pretty involved discussions with the doctors.  Not quite up to speed yet today, but we are hoping that she'll perk up.  She is not complaining of any pain, so that's good.  She is just so happy to be home.  We hope that she doesn't have to go back to the hospital and we are trying our best to manage her symptoms here at home.

Her oncologist didn't think the current chemo was doing any good, and said at this point it would actually be harmful for her (CA 125 is rising), so it looks like she won't be getting any more chemo, though we aren't 100% sure on that.  However, the focus is on keeping her comfortable, and I am happy to report that right now, with a belly full of homemade food (if you call 4 bites "full"), a peaceful living room, no chores I need her to do till the riding lawn mower arrives later today, we're doing all right.  It is nice to see her resting peacefully.

More updates as they trickle in.

Steve

p.s. A brief note to my medical friends.  You may have noticed the treatment for the low sodium in the previous blog involved eating salty food.  Sodium levels are way more complicated than that and often pertain more to water balance than actual sodium intake.  However, this is a situation where her doctor felt more sodium would be the right approach.  "Hypovolemic hyponatremia" as she called it.  I'm just adding this, so you don't track me down at work to tell me not to give her potato chips.  Besides, I like to lead by example, so to encourage her to eat the potato chips, hot dogs, salted soft pretzels, I need to show her how it's done.