Skip to main content

From Mathew's Notes Spiking A fever

From Mathew’s Notes  *****

3-6-14
Talk to Dr about genitals swelling
Get test done on testicles - imaging is clear -edema is the problem.
Talked with Dr. Knight - she said the possibility of death was much higher than expected due to pressure on my organs, especially because of vena cava.
Dr. Gonzales is not optimistic.

Wheezing, probably due to fluid in lungs.
Chest x-ray to monitor fluid levels in lungs.

8:30 p.m. temp of 101.7. Highest in two weeks. 
Nurse says temp has been up and down.
Blood sample taken from pic line
Blood sample taken from arm
Bile sample taken
All taken to test for a bacterial infection 

Heavy doses of diuretics and laxatives give some relief from everything caught inside.



I took a moment before writing this post.  The last few posts have been a series of medical dramas, fever, fluid in the lungs, possibly organ failure and so on.
It may be a tough read if you read them in a row.
I considered breaking them up with a picture or two of Mathew or a list, anything to break the tension.
Then, I realized, this is what I want to get across. Every minute, every hour and day we were on edge, in fear, and on high alert.

This was before we understood what all of these symptoms meant or how close to death Mathew was, I can only imagine how Mathew’s medical team, which was forming, with pain and palliative, surgical oncology, and now Sarcoma were closely monitoring his condition.


***** Please keep in mind that Mathew can barely write at this point. Many of his notes are scribbled. He is in terrible pain and can hardly move.

Comments

Popular posts from this blog

Replace the 3 Lumen Pic Line with a Port

Mathew's 3 Lumen Pic Line was replaced with a Power P.A.C. Both Mathew and I were given Medical I.D. cards to carry at all times. I have mentioned before that texting from the DRC is almost impossible. The staff told me it used to be the X-ray department so the walls are leaded. Again, the phone tree would have helped so much. I texted the following information to my niece, my sister and Mathew’s Dad and Stepmom. And probably Joseph and Carlos. I know that could have been reduced to two texts, three at the most. At the time  I didn’t know about group messaging as my phone was an old Android. Texts Between me and Diane Hi. We are at the hospital early because Mat is in a lot of pain.  We think the bill stent may have moved. Sent 3-31-14 Because he was NPO for other  procedure they should be able to fix today. Sent 3-31-14 In the DRC sending texts is almost impossible so if you don’t hear from me for a while don’t worry. If ...

Why is it Called Confections for Cats?

I want to take a moment and talk about why Project Mathew is called Confections for Cats. The main reason is that it was going to be the title of his first album. He had sketched up some artwork. We were working on it in Photoshop. Here is an early permutation of the artwork. Mathew's life, his story is mainly about music, his music, and his journey through cancer. When he created his Facebook page, he named it Confections for Cats and I continued with that name. I have been thinking about a logo, a way to incorporate cats, Sarcoma and his music. I like to brainstorm. So, I was thinking about the word confections. When Mathew first told me that title, this was before his diagnosis, I recall thinking about how he practiced his guitar into the night and early morning and that his cats have been his constant audience. Sweets, confections for his cats, and his music as delicious morsels for our ears. I looked up the word confections and yes, a confection is a sweet. Bu...

The Rollercoaster of Chemotherapy Fewer Highs and More Lows

TEXTS BETWEEN ME AND ARPIE Mat sees Dr. Reed Thursday at 9 and then at 1 he goes to have biliary stent changed to a larger gauge. We had to reattach a bag this morning. Sent May 12                                                                  I have Dr's appointment myself Thursday                                                                  will call after and see if you are still                                                                  with Dr. Reed.   ...