My Summer Place

The past seven days or so started off strong. Fortunately my X-rays showed enough healing that I was able to get my boot off. Hooray! However, I still have to wear tennis shoes or the like for another month. But no boot!

It kind of went downhill from there. I woke up in the middle of the night with a sore throat. When I woke up in the morning, I was sick with a cold. I was super exhausted as well, which I attributed to the cold plus radiation. Soon I developed a fever and my heart rate elevated. A chest X-ray at 8:00 am was negative. Covid and flu were negative. I went back home to rest.

Every hour that went by I was worse. Fever climbing despite Tylenol. Heart rate increasing. I am lying in bed with chills, headache, sore throat, and body aches. I finally called it, consulted with Craig, and got a ride to the ER.

For those in Spokane, you are likely aware of the state of the ER at Sacred Heart Hospital. Not only is it the psych ER for Spokane, it is also a frequent destination for the homeless. Then there are the sick or injured people and those who aren't as much. When I checked in, there were 35 people ahead of me. Craig suggested going to Holy Family just as I was called to triage.

Things moved very quickly from there. Horrible vitals, abnormal EKG (heart rate), IV started with fluids and antibiotics. In short order I had been moved to 1st and was back in an exam room. Chest X-ray showed pneumonia and a ct confirmed and provided additional detail. Labs came back. I had sepsis as well.

So upstairs to a room I went. And upstairs is where I spent the week. I celebrated my birthday there at my summer place. It was actually a great day.I cannot adequately express the kindness and generosity I received. And I received the coveted gift of knowing I am loved.

And I thought being so sick would also require a pause in radiation. No, a gurney came to get me each day to take me downstairs for radiation. Apparently it waits for no one......

There are hospital stories to tell as well as others. But this post is already long enough. I do want to share that we received FaceTime calls from B on both my birthday-three minutes, and on his birthday the following day-30 minutes. Such nice surprises! He is doing well and his platoon has moved into the White Phase. I think it's mostly about weapons and marksmanship but I do need to read up.

I'm home now, I'm improving, and as usual, I am shaking my head and wondering how exactly these things happen.. I am also reflecting on all the support I receive and the gifts of faith and love. Thank you, to each of you, for your unending support and the outpouring of love on my birthday. Turns out the timing was perfect.