Home again with PICC line, IV pump
I have been out for daily walks since it’s been so nice this past couple of days. Instead of wearing the pump slung over my shoulder, I have it hooked around my waist. It kind of makes me feel like a meter maid or delivery truck driver with their handheld devices strapped to their hips.
Nafcillin is the antibiotic that we are pumping into my PICC line, and I also have to take two capsules of Rifampin every morning. On the morning of the day I left the hospital, I was visited by Dr. Acharya (who I have a little crush on) telling me that in addition to the IV, they want me to take Rifampin once a day. One of the first things Dr. Acharya told me about taking the Rifampin is that it may cause my tears to turn orange. I said it’s a good thing he warned me, because I have been crying a lot lately and I probably would have freaked out. The bottle also indicates that if I wear contact lens that those may be permanently stained. So far I have been sticking to wearing my glasses.
Since being on the antibiotics, I have noticed a small rash on my chest and neck area. My medical people told me to keep an eye on it, and if I have any change in my breathing, I should call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. Dr. Acharya said I can take Benadryl to stop the itching along with using a hydrocortisone cream. So far it seems like it’s not getting any worse, and my breathing does not seem to be affected.
Yesterday I was able to get 12 hours of sleep. I can’t remember ever sleeping that long. It felt great! I keep hearing how sleep is such a great healer and I have to keep reminding myself that I just had surgery — not just once, but again last week, and I can’t feel guilty sleeping. As I was getting further away from my first surgery on March 10th, I kept thinking I should get out there and I maybe kept pushing myself. I will now make sure to give myself a break and slow down and make sure to rest.
I want to thank everyone for all of the comments, prayers, texts, emails, cards, and well-wishes. The other day, on my birthday, I was sitting alone looking at all of the messages that I have received over the past couple of days. I had just hung up from a call from Melissa, the nurse at Dr. Hijjawi’s office, wishing me a happy birthday and checking in to see how I was. I had such a strong feeling come over me. All I could think of was how blessed I am to have so many people around me caring for me. Whether it’s a family member, friend or my medical team, I truly feel blessed. This too, I know is helping me to heal. I love all of you!
← Previous post
Next post →
14 Comments
Have anything to add?
Angie’s friend had this happen prayers with you
Thanks Cindy, I guess there is always the chance for infection by just having surgery.
So glad you are home and and doing so good.
Yes sleep is the best healer, when I went to the hospital during chemo, I slept 2 days and 2 nights, I did not eat, never woke up, and I stayed another 5 more days, had to get my white cells up and needed blood tranfusion.
Prayers are with you, keep up your positive thinking.
Love, Linda
Oh Linda you poor little angel. I am so glad that you got the attention you needed and healed properly. I feel so fortunate to have you as one of my mentors during this time in my life.
Thanks for all of your prayers.
You rock it girl!! Bumps in the road or good day, I love reading about your journey. You have no idea how much you mean to the friends of mine that have been recently diagnosed or waiting to be diagnosed. I thank you for all of them :) Hugs and a belated happy birthday!
You’re so sweet Julia. I am glad that you are following along with us. I sure hope I can and do help other women facing a breast cancer diagnosis.
Thanks for the hugs and well wishes. :)
Still pretty as can be in your glasses Aunt Amy. Happy you’re back at home.
Aw my sweet little Erik. What a wonderful thoughtful young man you have turned out to be.
I am so proud of you and love you so very much!
I am glad you are back at home and seem to continue to have such a great attitude as well as exercise.
Elliot I am feeling better and refreshed after my long nights of sleep and afternoon walks. I can’t wait till someday soon, when uncle Mark and I are able to take a trip down to see you. :)
So glad you are so positive. I love that about you. Praying for a speedy recovery. Yes get plenty of rest. Chat soon.
Love. Jeff n Jodi
Thanks for all of your support and prayers through all of this Jodi. It really makes me feel good and loved.
Amy, so glad your home and looking forward to the sunshine. Well it will come out soon :) and warm you up.
My mom was asking about you today and I will let her know your back home. Bonnie and I are taking her to see Heaven is for Real on Friday. The last movie she saw in the theater was ET, I think It’s time to get her out again.
Enjoy Easter with your family. love you
Thanks Katie for checking in. I am feeling better as each day goes by. I was able to get out for a 2 mile walk today.
Say hi to aunt Evie and Bonnie. Wow ET huh? Yeah I would say it’s about time she got out to see something on the big screen. :)