Fevers and Chills and Coughs, Oh My!

Unfortunately, we had a bit of a setback this week.

What started out as a runny nose turned into a cough.  As instructed, Dan was taking his temperature frequently and it was normal - until it wasn't.  At 9:00 pm on Wednesday night, he came into the bedroom and said "my temperature is 100.4".   We've been instructed to go immediately to the University of Minnesota E.R if his temperature gets to that point.

I was already in my pajamas hoping for an early night and I had taken an Ambien.  Thankfully, I'm not one of those people who does weird stuff while on Ambien, so I hopped out of bed and we got to the hospital.  It was packed with people hacking, coughing, sneezing and they were out of protective masks in the lobby.  We were prepared...we carry our own masks.

By the time he got into triage, his temperature had risen to 102.7.  They got him on fluids, ran blood tests, got a urine sample and did a chest x-ray and flu swabs. His white blood counts were actually good as were his electrolytes.  But the x-ray came back cloudy on the right side.

The official diagnosis is bacterial pneumonia. After consulting with his oncologist, they sent him home at about 3:00am after an IV of Levaquin and prescriptions for more Levaquin and two prescription cough meds.  His temperature had dropped to 98 by the time we went home.   Its amazing how fast the fever broke when he received the IV meds.  He was drenched, his hair was soaking wet as was the pillow in the E.R.

He was instructed to stop taking the Revlimid (oral chemo) for a few days and while he didn't get his Velcade (chemo shot) today, they still needed him to come in for his weekly blood workup.  Technically, his numbers are good enough to get the shot, but with the pneumonia, they just don't want to risk it.  That's a huge disappointment, but what can you do?  So he's been resting at home ever since.  He's feeling much better.  Still tired and a bit of a cough, but it's significantly less than it had been. 

It's frustrating because ever since he was diagnosed, we've been vigilant with hand-washing, hand sanitizer, disinfecting door knobs, sink handles, light switches, remote controls, phones, steering wheels, drawer pulls, wearing N95 masks, gloves, etc.

But with the medication he is taking to combat the multiple myeloma (MM) his immune system is compromised.  For example, most of us can get a cold and it's just that -  a simple common cold.  In his case, a simple runny nose can VERY easily and quickly turn into bacterial pneumonia.  

Needless to say, I'm really scared of the Coronavirus.  Not for myself, but for anyone with a weakened immune system, including Dan.  For children and the elderly too. If I could wrap my house in Lysol Wipes, I would do it.

A lot of people are saying its a hoax, which is just ridiculous and offensive.  And unless you are (or you have someone you love who is) fighting a life-threatening illness, you have no idea what a genuine fear it is.

• If you are sick, STAY HOME.
• If you are sick OR healthy, WASH YOUR HANDS FOR 20 SECONDS.  LONG ENOUGH TO SING "HAPPY BIRTHDAY" TWICE. DO IT MULTIPLE TIMES A DAY.
• If you have to sneeze or cough, DO IT INTO YOUR SLEEVE.
• If you blow your nose, THROW YOUR KLEENEX IN THE GARBAGE.
• If you use a cart at the store, USE THE CART WIPES.

[I'm Nancy Mitchell and I approved this message]

As always, thank you to everyone who checks in, offers help, sends prayers and good thoughts.  We couldn't do this without that support and it means everything to both of us.

Comments

[Cathy Clairmont]

Nothing worse than dealing with this crap too... along with what’s already on your plate. Good thoughts to you Nancy and Dan too!

[Shelly]

Thinking about you both daily!! Love you guys!!❤️❤️❤️❤️🙏🙏🙏

[Nancy Mitchell]

Thank you Cathy and Shelly. We appreciate it!
Love you both so much!
xoxo

[Sue McNamara]

So sorry, you seem to be doing everything right! Love and prayers.

[Carrie Lau]

Nancy
Thinking of you both. I know your journey way too well. Unexpected turns will be there as they were this week. The same happened to my hubby this past July. What we went through with his lung infection while immune suppressed due to chemo, was so scary.
I’m so glad to hear Dan is feeling better. A huge Rainbow 🌈.
Love to you both 😘

[Laura Oakes]

Thanks for the update Nancy. Dan is one of my favorites and I miss our daily run-ins in the studio hallway or at the coffee machine. Please give him my best ❤️
Laura Oakes

[Ginnee]

Oh dear...I had no idea. I saw him Wednesday morning and he had the sniffles. I’m so sorry you had that scare. Let me know if you need anything. xoxoxo

[Nancy Mitchell]

Thank you to all for your comments and good wishes. They help more than I can express.

[Marianne]

Hugs and love! Dan you can do it!

[Kelly Arlett]

It's time for you cats to catch a break! Sending lots of sanitary warm hugs n prayers your way Nancy n Dan. 💌🙏🙏🙏💪 This too shall pass, keep up the diligence!
Lots of Love, Kel xoxo 💕💕

[Dan]

Thank you all for your kind words. It means a lot to both Nancy and me. We certainly ARE due to catch a break, right?