The fun never seems to stop. As I've mentioned before, my surgery site wound has been open now since April, 2008. Having an open wound for 19 months is not only a chore, but a constant reminder of my condition and the ravages that cancer and treatment can cause. In late October I went under the knife once again so that my orthopedic oncologist could stimulate healing of the wound through debridement - scraping the wound site and removing a small piece of dead bone to send to the lab.
Yes, the lab agreed that the bone is dead - killed by radiation, and the doctor concluded that this is why no skin and tissue is growing over it. The lab results also came back positive for MRSA - Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, a bacterial infection that is highly resistant to most antibiotics. Terrific. Not only do I have dead bone, not only have I resorted to using a walker due to pain and weakness, but now I have a potentially life-threatening staph infection! I keep waiting for the other shoe to drop, but instead I'm finding myself under an avalanche of shoes without the agility or ability to duck or find cover! Okay, as if that extended metaphor wasn't enough - how's this "When is all this going to stop?!?" Frustration is the word of the day around here, but there is good news: Today marks my LAST I.V. antibiotic treatment after six weeks of daily - yes, daily I.V. antibiotics. Thank God I've got my Mediport to accept all this medication!
My quarterly MRIs are coming up this month as well, so stay tuned. Sorry for sounding so down-hearted, but notice how I haven't complained too much lately? Believe me, it's been building! My loving and supportive family has been here by my side and such a wonderful comfort during these times. My husband, who I don't think has ever truly learned to do laundry, has taken over so many household tasks and guess what? - The house is still standing! Love ya honey, but you still have to learn how to separate the colors from the - oh what the heck, it's getting done! :)
More soon - I'll be sure to let you know how the scan results come out.
Keep hanging on!
Ema
2 comments:
Hang in there, Ema!! You've come this far, you WILL be victorious! Sending you love, and healing thoughts!
Thank you, Ema, for your openness and honesty. I think it’s important to share these details not only for you (to get it out), but so that others know what it’s really like to go through cancer treatment. You’ve certainly been on a rough ride and have every reason to feel frustrated.
Even so, my hope is that that, with this latest surgery and antibiotics, you will finally turn the corner and start the healing process.
Wishing you and your family blessings and healing this Christmas season!
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