Light At The End Of The Tunnel (albeit, dim)

July 2022

Having survived my latest adventure, July hasn't been the best. Starting out badly and continuing with various challenges, the latest record breaking heat wave just seemed to make matters worse.  Being so unhealthily hot and being forced to remain inside trying to remain cool with a portable AC was a challenge unto itself.  While the temps outside soared to 100 + degrees, afternoon sun made inside temps read in the mid eighties.  When the sun went down and after running all night, the next day would often start at a nice 72 degrees before inching up as the day progressed.  Finally the heat wave ended and we've been having very pleasant (dry) weather.  Unfortunately, we've had no rain so we are in a severe drought.

July is just about over and I had a few follow up appointments with both my primary care and urologist.  My primary care had asked that I have a blood test/panel done prior to my appointment (7/27).  I had scheduled an appointment with Quest Diagnostics months ago to coincide with a two week window.  Of course I had no knowledge of what July had in store for my bladder, so I was quite concerned when I saw the results of the tests in my account.  It seemed I had more red flags that green.  I did some research as to what the reading might mean and was not happy at what 'might be'.  So instead of worrying, I'd let the doctor tell me.  But it was on my mind.

I had my follow up with Dr Previte at Northeast Urology in N Andover yesterday.  Although I had no bleeding, I had much on my mind.  What was the pathology results?  Given I had 5 tumors removed, does this make me ineligible for the BCG treatment? Will I have to have my bladder removed?

After an easy check in, I has given a cup to collect urine.  After completing that task, I returned to the waiting room and was called soon after.  The nurse directed me to an examination room and I was told that Dr Previte would see me shortly.  Said some prayers and waited.

Dr Previte arrived and after exchanging pleasantries, he asked if I had any bleeding and how I was feeling (recovering).  No bleeding to report and all the plumbing was working OK.  I did report that I had to get up once or twice a night to 'go', but other than that I've resumed life and like everyone, was dealing with the heat (we had).  The doctor said that I was still healing and having to get up, was normal under the circumstances.  Then he pulled up a surface and started arranging my file, paperwork and some printed literature. He then provided a recap of what had transpired and some results.

He said, "No surprise that pathology reported bladder cancer.  But, it's still T1 (lowest level before having to have a bladder removed) non-muscle invasive bladder cancer and treatable". He reiterated that they were high-grade tumors, very abnormal and disorganized, but most aggressive and more likely to grow into the muscle.  He took out 5 tumors and showing an illustration of the bladder, he pointed out their proximity.  The one that was bleeding and the biggest was at the top, the next large one was off to the side, and there were three smaller tumors scattered on the surface. He then said something that made me less anxious, "We can begin the BCG treatments".

Bacille Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine is an immunotherapy drug.  This form of therapy is designed to boost the body's natural defenses to fight the cancer.  It uses substances either made by the body or in a laboratory to bolster, target or restore immune system function.  Given through the catheter placed directly into the bladder, BCG attaches to the inside lining of the bladder to fight the tumor.  BCG is used mostly for patients with non muscle invasive high grade bladder cancer to reduce the risk of cancer recurring or progressing.  Before BCG treatment, patients need to have a TURBT (Trans Urethra Resection Bladder Tumor) [Which I just had on 7/6] to make sure that the cancer has not spread to the muscle.  BCG treatment may help patients avoid cystectomy (removal of the bladder).

The Benefits:    

First-line treatment for carcinoma that has not spread outside the bladder.

The Risk:          

It cannot be used immediately after the surgery because the risk that it will be absorbed into the blood stream.  It may cause flu like symptoms in some patients as well as infection in a small number of patients.  Pain and burning may occur during urination and patients may feel the need to urinate frequently.

The Plan

After the healing, probably mid August, I will begin a 6 week Induction.  My understanding that I will go to the office once a week for 6 weeks where the drug will be induced.  Sent home and told to marinate for two hours, I then pee it out.  I have to refrain from having fluids so as to not dilute the drug.  I'll need to monitor my temperature to ensure that I hasn't gotten into my blood stream

After the induction phase, Maintenance will begin.  My understanding is I'll be having more of the drug but at greater intervals.  At the three month mark, I'll have a cystoscopy.  He did say that the first would be under anesthesia, but out patient.  Down the line, they would be in office.

Finally, BCG!

I got home and had a voice message that a surgery date has been scheduled for October 25th and a pre-op appointment with Dr Previte the week before.  I was confused because I thought he first appointment would be the induction.  So I called and was told that surgery dates are booked first then they work backwards.  Made sense now.  I just need to hear when the induction will begin.  Hopefully I'll hear today or tomorrow.

Primary Care

Had my annual today with Dr Mitchell.  After checking in and getting SAT's to complete, I was called in by the nurse.  My weight and vitals taken, I was told Dr Mitchel would be right in.  Wasn't long and she arrived.  I brought her up to speed and she reviewed notes and test results.  I was dreading that those red flags I saw from my blood test would open up Pandora's box of maladies, but she said my numbers looked good and some of the anomalies were due to my recent surgery.  She did want me to get re-tested in a few weeks.  She said, "It takes a while for the body to recover and get all the red blood cell counts up again considering you had lost a lot of blood".  [I was hoping for that diagnosis].

She checked everything and 'nothing jumped out'.  She did provide a referral for an overdue colonoscopy (because of Covid) and a mail in test for colorectal (fecal blood test).  She said, "I won't need to see you for a year."

July started out horribly wrong, but ends with much optimism.

More to come!

Good Riddance Catheter

After a 5 day stay, I bid adieu to the catheter.  I knew I had no-love for the device, knew it is/was necessary, but not saddened in the least to rid of this torturous device.

I recall reading that during WW2, American POWs captured by the Pacific branch of the Axis were forced to dig shallow graves smaller than their height and width.  They were forced to stay in their grave, but because it was too small, they had to stick their feet, head, or arms out in order to fit.  To make things worse, they were forbidden to stick any of their body out of the confined space.  If they did, their captor would step on their hands, bash their legs/arms/head to gain compliance.  Horrid!

These last days, trying to sleep, that's all I could think of.  I could find no comfortable spot and turning tugged the tube and was painful.  This made restful sleep nearly impossible.  As a result, my back, legs, arms and muscles are sore.  In addition, because of my tag-along friend, I could not take my daily walks.  So I was also burdened with constant charlie horses.  I hope things improve.

I had an appointment today at one of Dr Previte's offices in N Andover to have the catheter removed.  I had googled the location and had a good idea which building the office was located.  I lucked out with a parking space near the entrance.  The elevator to the third floor was right off the main entrance, so excessive walking wasn't an issue.

Upon arrival in the office, I was temperature checked, ID'd, grilled with Covid questions and charged a co-pay.  It is what it is.  I didn't have to wait too long before the Nurse Practitioner called me in to an examination room.  She asked a few follow up questions and explained the immediate next steps.  She dismissed herself and said the Zack will be in to remove the catheter.  Finally!

Zack arrived and spread out a 'diaper' over the examination table hand had me drop my shorts/underwear and lie back.  He explained he was going to infuse me with some sterile water to help me 'go' and make sure the plumbing still worked.  He had 4 cylindrical syringe pumps-full of water.  After the first I got that 'gotta pee' feeling, then another injection, then another, then another.  Oh my god, did I have to go.  He then said he'd be removing the catheter and I'll probably pee, so he gave me a plastic urinal (parting gift just for playing?).  As soon as the catheter was removed, the dam broke and I got about 400ml of fluid, although he pumped in much more.  Nothing more seemed to come out, so I stopped.  He said, "Why did you stop"?  I told him because that's what you do when you are done.  Apparently he expected to have me 'leave the channel open' and just drip.  He asked to me to stand.  Picture my standing on a stool with my pants down trying not to lose balance.  He gave me his hand and had me step off the stool.  I did manage to do a bit more pee.

Zack then said that I may see some blood, but it shouldn't be alot and there will be burning.  He said the catheter had been stretching the urethra and things will return to normal, but there was a concern that when that happens, I might not be able to go.  He said that if I don't go by 2PM, call the office.  He said that I may have to have a catheter again.  [Please No]

He told me to not force things and 'go' when I had to.  He told me to take the urinal and use it if I'm driving and/or as the need arises.  [How do I explain this to an officer who stops me or anyone who sees me committing open and gross lewdness?]

Finally home and I went pee (not a lot but I went).  I have to drink fluids and watch for blood, clots and possible stoppage (bladder spasm).  Looking forward to a shower after 5 days of feeling gross.

And The Adventure Continues..

Since my last post there were some minor updates, but I was waiting for the 'event' before including those in the report.

I ended my last post with my being treated for a U.T.I.  After finishing up my script of antibiotics, I was instructed to wait a few days then drop into the Sutton St. office to leave a urine sample, any time (M-F) from 9AM-4PM.  Easy enough, right?

On Thursday, June 9th, I had an appointment in Lawrence.  Since I was in the area, I stopped by the Sutton St office at about 3:30PM.  Very large complex with very poor signage.  It took me almost 15 minutes walking around and in the building before finding Northeast Urology.  Masks were required so I walked back to my car and got mine.  Got to the door (locked) and there was a sign to knock for entrance.  No luck.  Time is ticking.  Finally a patient was coming out and I entered.  It was almost 3:50PM.  The receptionist looked up my record and asked why I was there.  "Oh, it's too late for a sample.  They just picked up all the samples for the day at 3:30PM".  I wasn't in a mood to argue or complain, so I said I'll be back in a few days.

I returned Monday, June 13th and was able to leave a sample.  Last time I was quickly notified that I had an infection, I received no such call this time, so I assumed everything is OK. (Never assume)

I received an email about a pre-op appointment with Dr Previte on June 28th and Holy Family, Methuen scheduled me an appointment for lab work (blood and urine) the same day.  So I was in the area so killing two birds with one stone made sense.  Dr. Previte's appointment was first.  I arrived, the attendant looked up my record and gave me a urine collection cup.  Strange, I thought, but I did as instructed.  After completing that task, I was told I was all done.  So, what happened to the sample I left the previous week?

I scooted on over to Holy Family in Methuen and queued up in line for lab work and they didn't have any paperwork.  They made a few calls and said they are waiting for some faxes (Never understood why fax machines are used in this day and age.)  It wasn't too long before I was called to have my blood drawn.  The phlebotomist was very polite, but had the hardest time getting blood even though I had 'great veins'.  After being jabbed three times and not getting the mother-lode,  she called in for reinforcement.  Another woman arrived and within seconds (and almost painlessly) got the desired amount of blood in one try.  Go figure.  I was asked to provide another urine sample and then I was on my way.

Things were fairly normal health-wise for a spell until I had a bout with Vertigo for a few days.  I've had it before and it passes after a few days. I do Epsley's Maneuver and in the past it helped.  This time it just made it worse.  So I stayed low on the radar and had a light calendar for musical performances.  I did mange to play an hour set, but it was tough when changing guitars or sudden movement of the head. As soon as it came, it was gone. Hope it takes a long hiatus before deciding to visit again.

On June 30th, I noticed a tinge of blood in my urine. The following day my stream became a trickle, so I dug out a prescription Dr Hurley gave me in October when I had similar symptoms.  Within a day, the trickle turned into slow stream.

On July 1st, the City of Haverhill was celebrating the Fourth of July with two live bands and fireworks at the stadium.  A friend who lives nearby in Riverside traditionally has a gathering at her house and we watch the fireworks from her deck.  Last year was very cold, so we watched over a fire pit.  Despite the weather everyone had a good time and Robin and I provided some entertainment. Well this year, it was hot and humid, but there was a breeze. All the makings for a wonderful time...except about mid day I was bleeding quite heavily.  It seemed I had to go every 15 minutes or so and it appeared to be mostly blood. I decided that it would be best to stay home.  Glad I did.

July 2nd brought more visits to the toilet with heavy amounts of blood, but now after a strong start, the stream would stop like a door slammed shut.  I exercised my kegel muscles and managed to dislodge the grossest blood clot with a consistency of jelly.  Then the stream came back, still bloody. It seemed I always had more in me, but didn't want to force things.  

I went for my walk and as soon as I got home, I had the urge, and like before, I had a strong stream then complete stop.  Kegel, then clot then urine/blood.  At this point it was the perfect storm.  A holiday weekend, usual suspects for rides away enjoying the weather and doctor's offices closed.  So I decided to drink copious amounts of water, figuring it would flush me out.  Wrong.  After 3-16 oz of water, nothing.  I tried to sit and watch TV, but every five minutes I was pausing it to go to the toilet.  Just a drip.  More kegel, more dripping, more kegel, a bit of a stream, but where is all that water?  At this point I was seriously considering going to the ER room.  I waited a bit and on my last try, a fire hose, so explosive that my toilet area looked like an episode of Dexter.  The blood and huge clots were disgusting and a real joy to have clean up.  But I was able to go. After cleaning up, I decided I will now sit to go each time versus standing.  Good decision.

I stayed up until 2:45 AM running back and forth to the toilet (and sitting).  I was able to get output, probably all the fluids I had had.  Decided to turn in and had to get up about every 45 minutes.

Feeling like a zombie the next day, the output was less 'tomato soup like' and more like a Rose.  I was concerned that this episode may prevent the schedule biopsy procedure from taking place, so I kept under the radar for the 4th of July and just binge watched. 

On July 5th, I called Dr Previte's office to inform them of what happened.  By this day the urine was almost back to being normal color.  The attendant took my information and checked with the doctor and said that it shouldn't be a problem.

Day of the procedure

I had arranged to have a friend, who lives in Salem NH give me a ride to Holy Family, Methuen for my day surgery biopsy.  I needed to be there for 6AM.  Since I had to fast, an early morning shower will wake me up and get into compliance (no deodorant etc). Aaron arrived a bit early, so we headed to Methuen and got there in about 10 minutes.  Amazing there was no traffic that time of day. He dropped me off and I estimated that he may need to pick me up mid day.  I went inside and was screened for Covid symptoms, but was not allowed to go to the 2nd floor until 6AM so I waited in the lobby with a few others.  Was finally given the OK to proceed so I took the stairs and the entrance for day surgery was locked. Not quite 6 yet and no seats to sit, I found a window ledge and parked my butt.

A bit after 6, the check-in receptionist arrived and unlocked the door.  She took our names so we could be called in the order of arrival then began powering up her machines.  My name was called, my ID was shown, my Covid Vaccination card was copied and I was told to wait until the nurse called me.

Not long after, Krissy called me in and brought me to my home base.  I was instructed to disrobe and get into the hospital garb.  While doing this she took some info and verified and/or entered info into her paperwork.  She told me the order of appearance, from anesthesiologists, attending physicians, attending nurses and Dr Previte himself.  Krissy was able to stint me (after two tries) and others appeared, introduced themselves, asked certain questions related to their role and completed paperwork. Dr. Previte arrived and quickly reviewed what he was going to do and about how long it would take. He signed off on some paperwork and another nurse stopped by and finished up.  A few guys showed up (didn't look like the mob), but they wheeled me into the operating room around 7:30AM.  Really, everyone was so polite, kind and really cared about doing a good job and making my 'brief stay' the best.

In the operating room that I dubbed the 'meat locker' (even got some chuckles), the attending staff worked like a well oiled machine explaining everything as they did it.  They were just awaiting the arrival of Dr Previte before administering the anesthesia.  They got the word and said, breath deeply.  I did and everything grayed out.

Coming to

I opened my eyes and saw the clock on the wall from my home base.  It was a bit after 9:30AM.  I wasn't in any significant pain, although the nurse said she would give me something if I needed it.  I opted for a Tylenol.

As I came to more consciousness, I did realize that I had a Foley Catheter. (Not a fan).  But either I was used to the intrusion or that specific discomfort didn't kick in...yet.  (Of course it did later).

Just resting and being a fly on the wall, there was lots of goings on and conversation.  I'd listen in on certain conversations that seemed interesting, but was always interrupted by a fellow patient two bays down who was quite the whiner.  In addition he had this very annoying clear the throat thing happening every time he had something to say.  He seemed to have plenty to whine about. From what I gathered he also had Dr Previte for his procedure, but I'm not sure what procedure he had. He was really annoying though.  Those nurses are angels!

Not long after, Dr. Previte arrived.  He said he spoke with Aaron (my ride) and brought him up to speed.  Well, my cystoscopy/biopsy turned into a TURBT (trans urethra bladder tumor resection). [This makes number 3 for me].  Apparently when he went in he saw, removed and cauterized one that was causing the bleeding.  However, he found 4 more that he 'scraped' and cauterized. So 5 tumors total.  

 

[Reasonable minds would wonder if I had had the BCG treatment in March if this could have been prevented.  All because of the BCG global shortage. Sobering thought.]

The doctor said that he sent the biopsies to pathology and he would have follow up visit scheduled in a few weeks to discuss the next steps.  

 

[Another sobering thought.  Am I still a candidate for the BCG that he has? When would it start?  Has the cancer worsened from T1(A) stage?]

He also said that he wanted me to stay over night to monitor for blood and I would have the catheter until Monday.  Grrr!  Odd thing, even though I had 5 tumors removed, between the saline solution and other fluids given through IV, my output was good and bloodless. But he's the doctor.  I contacted Aaron who confirmed he spoke with the doctor.  Unfortunately he wasn't going to be around the next day for a ride home.  I told him thanks and don't worry I had another person that has offered to help.  I contacted Cheryl King, from my musical community, and she said she was very happy to help me out.  So I have a ride home.

As the afternoon went on, the nurse gave me some graham crackers and ginger ale.  [Why?  Those things are so dry and hard to swallow.  She also gave me saltines (I passed on those).  I choked the crackers down with some ginger ale.]

 

Hours later I'm still there.  My neighbor was still blabbering and clearing the throat. The nurse stopped by and asked, 'Would you like some lunch'.  "Yes", I said.  She called the kitchen and I spoke with the attendant that said all they had was BBQ chicken and corn and a cookie with a beverage.  So that's what I got.  You'll eat anything when you are hungry.  The chicken was so dry the plastic fork broke.  The corn was boiled to death and was tough and tasteless.  Don't think I could have eaten the chicken if it didn't have BBQ to assist in the mastication. I ate it all, but saved the cookie for later.

 

Hours later I was told that they were waiting for a room for me and my neighbor.  I remember as a kid being in a ward.  I really hoped I get a private room far from Mr Phlegm, the babbler.

Finally at about 6PM, I was told that there was a room for me, but stop!  Was I cleared for Covid since I was being admitted? Staff quickly scramble to do a rapid test.  Being in a climate controlled room all day, by nostrils were arid as the desert. However, the nurse swirled until my eyes watered.  And, the test was done.  No Covid.  (Thanks for blessings).

Beam me up Scotty

One of the 'mobsters', named  Brian showed up and proceeded to push my rolling bed to my home for the night.  Arrived at the St Mary's Unit of the Fenton building and was pushed to room 215.  I was greeted by two nurses.  One was in training.  Her name was Rose. Although she had been an RN for many years she was training for this floor, so her teacher (name escapes me) was shadowing her and providing guidance when needed. Rose was exceptional.

 

After 'checking me in' and entering info into the computer, Rose asked if I wanted supper.  "Of course", I said.  She called the kitchen and attendant said there was pot roast, potatoes and carrots with ice cream.   "Sold".

Rose was very attentive, friendly, warm, comforting and genuinely a wonderful person.  And she had a sense of humor (similar to mine).  I can't say enough about her.  We just clicked.

Food arrived and though relatively skimpy portions it was good.  Fresh carrots, real mashed potatoes and tasty roast.  They forgot my ice cream, but I still had my cookie ;-)

Wasn't interested in watching TV, but I did check in for local news and weather.  They use Direct TV satellite service which is horrible.  So just as well that I wasn't interested in watching anything.  It was nearly impossible to get comfortable between the small bed and all the tubes and cords.  I managed to turn onto my right side and took very short cat naps.  But between the various beeps, ringing bells loud talking and other goings on it was difficult at best.  It seemed every time I fell asleep someone would come in to take my temperature, measure my bag's output, give a pill or some other interruption.

Time slipped by, the sun set and there was shift change.  Rose was replaced by Scott. He too was caring, personable, quite helpful and supportive. I tried to get some sleep.  An announcement that visiting hours are over was heard (and roused me). Things began to quiet down, but I just couldn't find that comfort spot.  I must have lucked out or the body just gave up, but I was awakened for some pills at 10:30PM.  Of course I got a second wind.  

 

Tried to watch some TV. There was something on the History channel then I watched the local news before shutting it off.  I lay their trying to recall words to my latest song trying hard to get them ingrained into my memory, which was helpful.  I actually had a new tune going through my head, but had nothing to solidify it, so that's gone now. All this made my brain sleepy so I dozed off for a few hours.

I was awakened by a familiar voice and throat clearing sound.  OH NO! Mr. Phlegm, the babbler...in the next room.  It's so odd how the brain hones in on certain sounds and they become increasingly louder and bothersome.  What can I do?  I tried like heck to ignore, but what a whiner, and he was loud.  Icing on the cake is - he was talking on his phone on speaker with his wife and he was talking like he was on an air field while a jet took off.  I felt sorry for Scott who seemed to be called every so often.  Scott was very professional and handled things as diplomatically as he could even when there was nothing he could do.  I was just feeling grouchy at this point and tried to dismiss the noise.

At about 4:20AM Mr Phlegm, the babbler was up for the day.  Poor Scott was at his beckon call.  Still trying to appease.  I'm sure everyone on the floor by now knew that Mr Phlegm, the babbler had an aversion to oxycondone.  According to his rants, he was given the drug after surgery and it helped, but it just came to him that he didn't like it.  He was in pain and refused to take more and wanted something else (not offered or available) other than Tylenol.  Once again at this early hour, speaker phone to his wife, to the doctor's answering service to even calling the main hospital number. Scott tried like heck to calm him down.  I heard Mr Phlegm, the babbler sort of threaten a psychotic episode.  This is now interesting.  Things got quiet, but I could still hear the throat clearing. What happened?  Hmmm

I dozed a bit, but it was now time for temperature and blood pressure check, then pills.  Awake and groggy.  Possibly dozed again and woke up to breakfast.  Vegetable frittata, home fries, apple sauce, cranberry juice and coffee (yes yes).  I ate/drank everything.  More staff changes.  Measuring my output recording values. More pills, since I hadn't expected to stay the night, so they gave me what I would take at home, even the eye drops.  (I wonder what they do with the rest of the bottle seeing they only used one drop?) Rose scanned each pill number so it populated their computer system and named the drug.  There was one mentioned that I have not taken for years.  She said it might be from the same family of drugs, because one (bystolic) was not listed, but she said she would check. Throughout the day I would remind her about it, and she said she hadn't received remedy yet, but she'd ask again.  There was talk about my going home since there was no blood in my bag and output was really good.  So I need to get up and take a walk to see if movement would trigger bleeding.  If not, then I'd go home.

About an hour later, someone from the kitchen staff was taking orders for lunch and supper.  I indicated that I will most likely go home, but was informed that they just wanted to have the order just in case. Ok, Lunch: Turkey Dinner, Supper: American Chop Suey and garden salad.  I figured I see none of that.

Where does the time go?  It was lunch time.  Turkey dinner wasn't too bad at all.  Real potatoes, squash, savory stuffing and turkey with gravy.  Apple crisp for desert and ginger ale. I ate it all.

Took a few cat naps, then Rose came in and asked if I could take a walk with her.  Why, yes if it gets me out of here.  So she untangled me, disconnected my IV and got me up.  I was greeted with, "Oh my god, you are so tall".  I get that a lot.  I sit short and probably lie short, but stand tall...LOL

I was concerned that my neuropathy feet might be a problem when walking without the support of footwear, but I did OK.  Rose was so happy and wanted me to walk past the nurse station so all could see me.  She's a sweetheart.

I reminder her of the last pill and she left me in my room while she checked.  So I stayed slowly walking in my room.  All of a sudden the velcro holding my catheter tube let loose and the weight of the bag caused the tube connector to uncouple. Well I can kind of had my water break.  Yuck.  I slowly waltzed to the nurse-caller and said, please send Rose back immediately.

She returned and was so sweet about the mess.  "Don't worry, I got this", she said. I needed new hospital socks and a new velcro strap.  She told me to sit since I had a bit of blood in my bag now.  She thought that maybe the pulling cause some bleeding so she wanted to see if it would clear up. All I could think of is yet another night with Mr Phlegm, the babbler.  Ok, think positive thoughts.

I sat there and watched the output fade from red to orange (pills make the urine orange).  So that was good. Sitting, sitting, waiting...then CODE RED, CODE RED!  What?

My room door gets closed, I hear other doors close.  I see fire trucks, ambulances and other emergency vehicles. I see crowds of people assembling en masse.  OK, and I'm in my room with the door closed with a pee bag..  Well I hear nothing inside.  Did they not know I was here because I was sitting and not in my bed?  Is this how it ends?

I see no smoke. I smell no smoke.  Bomb scare? Localized problem?  Questions! Then I see emergency vehicles leaving and people dispersing.  What was that about?

Very quiet, then a noise.  Food cart.  Supper is here! No one else around.  Well, I chow down.  Salad was freash but there was no dressing, but I ate it all.  American Chopped Suey taste OK pasta was over cooked.  Bread stick was good.  And, I got 2 vanilla ice creams.  (I guess to make up for the one I didn't get the previous night).

Not long after Mark, from accounting came by and had me sign a discharge paper for medicare. Then Sandy stopped by and confirmed that I would be discharged.  Shortly after, Rose showed up with some discharge paperwork and reviewed it with me.  She brought a new velcro fastener, but it wasn't the same one, but we jury rigged something. She replaced my socks and asked about my needing transport (someone to wheel me out) and for me to contact my ride.  Yes, I was leaving.

I got dressed and had to improvise to get the bag and tubes under my sweat pants.  Rubik's cube comes to mind. Never got that last pill, but I'll take it when I get home. Ok, I'm ready.  Ghost town all of a sudden.  I decided to walk out without waiting for transport.

I got the the main entrance and Cheryl was there waiting.  Got in and we went to Walgreens and picked up some meds. Got home at about 7:15PM.  A bit warm, but I was home.  Got comfy.  Fashioned a belt to hold the bag when walking.  Used a wire hanger to fashion a holder for the bag when sleeping and slipped it between the corner of the mattress.  Checked the mail, paid some bills, caught up on email and settled in.  Went to bed at 10:30 and slept 10 hours straight.  No Mr Phlegm, the blabber!

Have no plans for today.  Been watching live concerts and was moved to tears for all the well wishes from the musical community.  Even watched a live-stream including a song written about/for me by Anne Sandstrom.  And, I watched everyone's set on Eagles Nest Revisited.  Music Medicine!

The catheter comes out Monday at 10:10 AM.  Won't do too much this weekend.

More to come!