Dale, Dale, Dale

Dale just can't keep out of trouble in the health care world. For many weeks he has complained about headaches, multiple sinus infections, nose bleeds, and constant fatigue. He was given a nasal flush system several weeks ago which he faithfully uses, yet, the condition worsens. Yesterday, his temperature rose to 100.8° and his nose was swollen, red and feverish with immense pain. His balance was off, minimal energy, and a bit out of touch with reality.

Off we go to hospital.

Swollen eyes, nose and face, much improved from hours before photo. 

His temperature and pain levels have fluctuated through the night and day, up and down, then up again. His skin was pale and thin and did not retain normal colors until several hours of medications. His nose, face, and eyes have swollen. The nurse reported that his eyes look much better by the time the picture was taken. He doesn't look good to me. Feverish, clammy, and hurting.

They did x-rays for kidney and liver infections, blood and nasal cultures. So far, the only determination is that it is not a viral infection. The CT scan shows a lot of sinus blockage. After some pain medication, antibiotics, and eventually steroids, he will need to see an ENT for further investigation of the cause and the next step. I suspect there is a surgery in the near future.

The ER treated Dale aggressively as he is still prone to infections and other ailments. White blood counts are high--indicating infection, someplace. Tonight will be the second night of hospital stay. Hopefully, he will home tomorrow--he has chores to do around the home:)

Mantle Cell Lymphoma Residual Issues

This week Dale was given the OK to upgrade from the 6th month cancer checkup to the once a year cancer check up. Five years and two months since bone marrow transplant and it is looking as good as it should at this time.

However;

Dale needed another colonoscopy in the first week of January this year due to symptoms and issues he continues to have. And yes, it was good he did so even if his previous one was about 18 months ago, and was "clean." Numerous suspicious polyps were found (doctor quit counting them). Besides the number of them, there were no other issues with the numerous polyps. Doctor told him it would be best to have another colonoscopy annually.

Since January, Dale has been light headed, weak, felt numbness in his legs and chest pains. After a CT scan it was discovered that the lower left quadrant of his heart had some blockage. He was scheduled for the stress test this week.

However;

Saturday, breathing, sweating, numbness, and chest pains took him to the ER; who, after much deliberation, transported him to hospital for observations, heart and oxygen monitoring.  Monday the stress test will be given and perhaps more information will be discovered. Perhaps a stint will be inserted. I know nothing more.

However;

The cancer doctor told him as she looked over the many doctor visits Dale had in the previous six months after she saw him last, that although the mantle cell looks good, the rest of his body is high risk for issues. And it would be best to continue to work with the cardiologist, urologist, and have the colonoscopy at least annually.

However;

Life is still good to us. We have good people around that assist and support. We can do this.