Staph infection (or how I spent my weekend)
It being so early in the morning, I got on the phone and left a message to see what my doctor would suggest. His staff called back as soon as they got my message and had us come up before noon. After meeting with my surgeon’s nurse, we ran over to the Breast Care Center at Froedtert for an ultrasound to see how things looked inside. We were then sent to Day Surgery, the same place I had my mastectomy, and registered into pre-op. It was all a whirlwind, and I was so very upset. I don’t think I have cried this much in a long long time.
Dr. Hijjawi, my plastic surgeon, met us, and after he took a look, he strongly recommended going into surgery to take a culture of the potential infection, have my left expander replaced, and clean out any fluids that might have built up.
I just sat there and cried.
It was not clear on Friday how long this stay would be. One surgeon told us that it could be 5 days. You can imagine how I felt. The tears came back. The cultures take time to grow to see what kind of bacteria it is, such as staph or strep, which strain, and which antibiotics could work. That’s why there is such a wait.
Over the weekend, a team of doctors from the infectious disease department was added to my case. Saturday morning, I was visited by two of these doctors, who told me that it takes some time and that now I most likely would be set up with a PICC line in my arm to have the chosen antibiotics administered intravenously. If only I would have kept my good ol’ port in! So for now, until they figure out exactly which antibiotic to use, they are filling me with Zosyn and Vancomycin, which really breaks down the veins, I am told.
All weekend, there was a lot of poking in the one remaining arm they can use now, after my lymph node dissection. The veins in my left arm were never the greatest for giving blood before the chemo, and for sure now they are no good! It was late last night that these two little angels from the IV department came to my room to try and find that one good vein that will help bring the Vanco to kill its prey. One woman stood by my bedside just to let me squeeze her hand, and the other found the vein that would pull me through. Whew! That made for a much better stay. I have been literally dancing around my room with my IV pole now that I’m able to continue the antibiotic and kick this bug’s butt.
The IV team came right to my bedside and did the installation of my PICC line this evening. They just gave me a shot to numb the skin, and fed the line right into one of my arteries. So now I have this little purple tube sticking out of my upper arm, and tomorrow we can go on our way and treat me at home. Tonight, the first round of doses begins. The nurse has just hooked me up for my first treatment, with another every 4 hours under their watch at least until 2 p.m. tomorrow. Once I get through those without any reactions, it’s safe for me to come home and have a nurse come to the house and teach us how to do it there.
This first treatment in my new PICC line kind of feels like getting the chemo again. I feel a strong sensation of the drug going directly into my heart. I sure hope this all works out and I can get back home and back to exercise, and out in the nice spring weather that people have been enjoying outside my window.
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12 Comments
Please add your thoughts:
Amy..we’re so sorry to hear about this little set back. I’m sure your strong will can guide you through this. Praying for a speedy recovery. . If you need anything just call. Hugs from both of us. Love Jeff and Jodi
Amy, I’m so sorry for your set-back. You’ve been doing so well all along, and been so strong. Prayers that this too shall pass.
You were brilliant to get to the hospital. You and Mark are quite a team. I can only dream of how this crushed you- any step back is cause for tears. But now you are Super Amy- armed with drugs and an iron will. Onward, beautiful girl. I’m praying HARD- and since I’m a skeptic on many faith matters – God will want to show me her power. :-) expect a miracle.
Amy, I’m sorry to hear about the infection but, happy that you and Mark caught it early. This is just another speed bump in the process.
On a positive note it looks like your hair is on its way back. I am interested to see how it grows in. Mine came back with a definite curl that wasn’t there in the past.
Good luck beautiful!
Amy, It’s great that you’re coming home. Just-in-time for your birthday on the 9th. Glad that you can get your treatments at home.
Mark takes great care of you. Stay strong .
Miss the two of you. Love , Donna
So sorry to hear about your infection. You are incredibly courageous. Sounds like you have a good team of professionals taking care of you and you will be back on track soon. Keeping you in my thoughts and prayers.
Omg take care if you or mark need anything please call. Hope you feel better soon.
I’m so sorry to hear what you are going through. The waiting is the hardest part. I had a great Infectious Disease Dr. get me through mine after my spinal fusion. The best part is that you’ll soon be back home. Rick was my nurse after my accident including the 6 weeks starting my drips. For what you’ve been through this will be just a minor blip in your recovery. You caught it early and that’s a good thing. We both have wonderful partners to get us through everything that comes our way. Hang in there and keep smiling! You look wonderful!
Wow, just another thing for the strong woman Amy to conquer…and you will! Sending healthy thoughts to you and nurse Mark…love you my friend.
What a blessing that you responded so quickly. As someone mentioned earlier, you and Mark make a great team.
Amy,
Joe came home and walked in the door and immediately said your name…. he continued to look out the window of the living room and he knew that something was wrong. It was instinctual and he needed to call/ text Mark. I hope that you know that we think of you often and if you guys need anything we are right next door.
Lots of Love
Us next door
Amy,
Happy birthday friend!!! I forgot to send you a card this year. :( I’m so happy you trusted your gut and checked that out. Thank goodness! You will beat this too. You are like Wonder Woman! Keep in good spirits. We will keep up the prayers on our end.
Love you,
Amy