more stuff

On Monday we noticed some signs of potential infection. (cold sweats, fatigue). We called the doctor just to make sure, and he asked me to come into the office for some blood cultures rigtht away. Given my history, he decided it was prudent to put me on an IV antibiotic, rather that the current pill antibiotic that I was taking. Apparently the IV form is more effective. Problem is they had already removed my PORT last week due to infection so this required them to put in a PIC, which is a cathedar in my arm to allow easy acces for an IV, without reacessing my veins on a daily basis. The good news is that they are letting us administer the IV at home so that we dont have to travel the hospital every day. Monica is becoming quite the nurse. They sent a nurse to our home to train Monica and now we can do this on our own for the next few weeks. A nurse will come by in a week or so to check up, and change the dressing, otherwise we are on our own. They had to do another X-ray of my chest to confirm the installation of the PIC. I can't count how many X-rays, CT-scans and MRI's I have had over the past three years (well actually I can, I am keeping track of all this stuff) but the point is, if I didn't have cancer before, I most likely do now, due to all of the radiation I have been exposed to:) I also just found out that I have Sciatica. This is the most painful thing I have experienced in my life. Basically it's a pain in my lower back that runs along the sciatic nerve down my buttock and right leg. It's not a constant pain but when the pain occurs I am basically immobilized and have to sit it out until it goes away. Ice packs have been the best temporary solution thus far. I went to a pain management doctor yesterday and he gave me steroid epidural treatment in the back that should help. I will need to get 2-3 more of these treatments over the next couple of months to help manage the pain. Appareently they are pretty successful so I have high hopes that these will work. More fun stuff. Take care. -Eric