POKING and PRODING

What a week for Dave - he hasn't gotten a break at all. His cultures still showed bacteria, so it was decided that the bacteria was colonized around his port which has been in for 3+ years. A decision was made to remove it, which meant more IV sites. I have never seen anyone get so many pokes as he has. His veins are pretty much non-existent. Next a PICC line(peripherally inserted central catheter is a form of intravenous access that can be used for a prolonged period of time (e.g. for long chemotherapy regimens, extended antibiotic therapy, or total parenteral nutrition) was attempted, but no veins could be found to insert it. Finally, late this evening he was taken down to interventional radiology to have another Hickman catheter put in his chest. I really felt bad for him. He had a rough day.

Tomorrow should be better as Rachel, Bob and the kids are coming to brighten his day.

Looks like we will be picked up by a transport ambulance at 10 a.m., taken to Boeing field where we will get on an air ambulance and brought to Kalispell. Whitefish ambulance will pick us up there and Dave will be a direct admit for a few days to work on strength and eating. We have lots of people to thank for getting us home.

It's late and I'm pretty tired, so will close but will keep you posted.