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.

START PACK'N

It's time to get things organized to get back to the Flathead!!! This has been a pretty tough last few days for Dave. He has really felt "punky", still with no appetite, yet very nauseated. This, along with a little depression (which is very understandable) made for a miserable weekend. Of course the realization of another bone marrow biopsy scheduled for today weighed heavily on his mind. But, today is another day getting us closer to home.

The bone marrow biopsy went smoothly and we should get some preliminary results this afternoon. Regardless of the results, Dave has chosen to return to the Flathead under the care of Dr. Boehme for any treatment forthcoming. I believe he has made a wise decision and will do better with gaining strength, eating and sleeping once he is home.

The staff at Kalispell Regional Medical Center has made arrangements for air ambulance to come to Seattle to bring us home a week from today. Thank you to everyone who is involved in this process. You are truly an amazing bunch!!! Liz, RN (who also is our neighbor) will assist us on the flight. God has blessed us with so many wonderful friends and family, we are amazed and anxious to get home and see everyone. I feel that words alone can't explain our thanks to everyone and I just hope our actions demonstrate our love for you all!!

Ric and Buzzie came and spent the weekend and although Dave wasn't feeling the best they were able to visit with him and spoil me. We had great laughs and I so enjoyed their company. As it usually goes, everyone I introduced them too thought Buzz was my sister and shocked when I said Ric was really my brother.

More pictures will be posted soon, and I will keep everyone informed on happenings.