Back to the Doctor's Office

Really, they should just build me a revolving door. I was back to the doctor's office this morning (Tuesday -- it is now early Wednesday morning as I write). *Some of you may not want to read from the second paragraph if you have a squeamish tummy. The breast health nurse, Lisa, called last evening to see how I was making out. She didn't like how slowly I seemed to be responding to the antibiotics and wanted to discuss it with my doctor. This morning, she called again and asked me to come in and see one of the physicians on the team.

I think it was the quickest trip to the hospital we've made yet. We left here at 10:30 and were home again by 12:30. Dr. Topp looked at me today and he wasn't particularly happy with what he saw. He decided to drain the fluid (pus) from the area. They cut the breast nerves when they remove them so he was able to insert a needle into the area so easily I didn't realize it was in until he started commenting on on the discharge amount and colour. I only glanced at the bottle, but Rob guesses the doctor removed about a cup of fluid from my chest. He prepared a sample to send to the lab and I have another appointment on Thursday. Dr. Topp has prepared me to expect them to open the area up and clean it out and "pack it". Given that fact that the area is still swollen and red tonight I'm guessing Thursday will be another interesting adventure in medicine.

Needless to say I'm guessing BOW is off the table for this year. Even Kelly, the eternal optimist, concedes if they pack my chest I can't do the weekend. I hope if I let the coordinator know tomorrow, some other woman can take advantage of the opportunity. I may use my disappointment to leverage Rob into seeing a "chick flick" this weekend. We'll see.

On the plus side, I think the fever is finally reacting to the medicine. I think today was the first time it hasn't soared above 37C all day. Plus my headache has finally abated. This afternoon I felt good enough to run the dishwasher and tidy the kitchen. Although it meant a catnap afterwards, perhaps the root of my sleeplessness now. Speaking of which, I received a lovely card from Bonnie M. today, who apparently wrote it during a bout of insomnia at 2 a.m. Off to watch a little TV and hopefully get a little sleep before I get up to take my 4 a.m. antibiotic.

Thanks again for the ongoing prayers and support.