There is Always a Way...

Sometimes I get really aggravated with this medical part of this situation.  Don't even get me started on the insurance angle.  That is a whole other story!  We just have to remember there is always a way to get things fixed; just not always easy. 

Denny is still having problems with that port.  It is weeping a clear fluid.  He put a new dressing on when he left for work this morning.  Then later in the day had to go to the nurse at work and have it re-dressed. 

I called Dr. Smith (the Vanderbilt Oncologist that is on-board here in Tennessee) to see if I could get Denny in today to have it looked at.  The appointment was set for 3pm.  Denny went to the office and Dr. Smith wouldn't touch it; didn't even take the bandage off to look at the incision  He didn't want the liability as he wasn't the one who put it in.  This is really getting frustrating.  Dr. Smith has seen Denny several times since 2010 so this scenario is not new.  What does he expect us to do?  Drive back to St. Louis to get treatment?

Since Denny is prone to staph infections, we are trying to get this thing under control to avoid further complications.  The St. Louis docs are saying "get in and get it looked at down there, now! We are pushing the issue so the doctor finally made arrangements for Denny to see a surgeon at Vanderbilt.  Now, he has to wait until Friday.  I think we are going to look for a different Oncologist.  Denny needs someone who will help when he needs it.

The side effects of the chemo are starting to evolve.  Denny is feeling tired and has been having a bit of a dizzy spell every now and then; nothing major.  The worst effect to surface is aching in his bones. He couldn't take ibuprofen since the port is still bleeding and it would thin his blood.  I called back to St. Louis to see if there was anything he could take for pain.  St. Louis docs called in Vicodin.  That seems to help immensely.  At least now he can get a little sleep!

Therefore, our short-term plans are: 1). keep re-dressing the bandage until he can get into the surgeon on Friday; 2)start looking for a different Oncologist that specializes in head & neck cancers through Vanderbilt.

I will post updates as they occur.  Thanks for checking in.