Thursday and Friday, January 25-26, 2007
Yesterday was not very exciting. I was still having rib cage pain, but it had gotten better. The X-rays showed some accumulation of fluid in the left lower lung. Even though I thought it was better, Dr. Boyd and Dr. Lee thought I should be hospitalized so I could get some IV antibiotics and get this problem cleared-up.
I was admitted late Thursday afternoon and started taking three different antibiotics by IV and one orally. An ultrasound was ordered to check for fluid in the lungs. They found some and Dr. Hargett, the pulmonary specialist, decided to aspirate and culture the sample.
Patsy left about 30 minutes before they did the procedure, and she was glad she did not have to watch. An ultrasound machine was rolled into my room, an area on my back was sterilized, and a sterilized medical blanket was placed around the area. They did deaden the area where the needle went into my back between my ribs. Dr. Hargett allowed two medical students, a nurse and his assistant in the room to observe the procedure. The doctor explained everything as he did it so the students could learn about this type procedure. I did not mind those people being in the room because I knew I was getting “cutting edge” technology. After less than 30 minutes, the procedure was over. For me, it was a “piece of cake”. The doctor withdrew about 3-4 ounces of fluid to culture. It will take a few days to get the results back. Since I was feeling good the doctor decided to release me from the hospital as long as I remained in the local area in case the culture showed something he needed to take action on. So, there went our trip back home for this week end. Maybe we will get more rest by remaining at the Caring House for weekend.
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
Well, the Wednesday night supper went well. Patsy was “kind of” in charge if it. These people know leadership potential when they see it! We had a large variety of food available. Patsy and I made two large pots of lentil vegetable soup. The soup was a big hit even though many of the residents had never eaten lentils. They were surprised at how good the soup was. Since we cooked two big pots, we had some left over, and the residents enjoyed it the next day. We were glad because some of the people are very ill and do not feel like cooking.
Patsy announced she may make navy bean soup for next Wednesday. I asked her if she could make some Army bean soup instead! One reason she prepares non-meat foods is so we will have some food to eat. Most residents fix items with meat, and Patsy and I no longer eat meat. I am really surprised at how unhealthy people eat. But who am I to say, I’m the one with cancer. However, I had the cancer before Patsy and I changed our diet and started eating as healthy. Our intentions are to BEAT this cancer with prayer, radiation, exercise and diet.
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3 comments:
Hi Sir, I hope that you are feeling better. Dandy is always updating me on your blog. I had two days of bus driver training last week. I hope to have my lic. before the end of the month. All the cadets are doing great. They want you to work on getting better and coming back to see them. Let us know if we can do anything to help.
Hello Col. Fraley,
I read with anxious curiosity about your needle aspiration. I know how Patsy feels. My husband had the same procedure a few times about 5 years ago. He said there was no real pain involved (I think I was the only pain--you know, nag, nag, nag about taking care of yourself).
If it's any consolation, the weather's just too cold and windy to even think about getting out right now. Wind chills are unbelievable! Let's see, that Navy bean soup would probably be perfect with the weather. Would the Army bean soup happen to be khaki green????? That was a dumb question. Of course it wouldn't be. It would have to be camoflage wouldn't it?????????
Take care. We are a little more than a month away from SACS visitation. We have pretty much been through the plan during this month.
Please let us know if there is anything we can do from here. Don't worry about the prayers, they're already on the way.
Our best to you and to Patsy.
Hey Colonel Fraley and Patsy,
I have been thinking about you oth alot lately. It is time for you to pack up and come home!! We are ready for you to get back to the High School, all of the cadets are missing you as well as the staff. I know Patsy is taking good care of you and will be relieved to have you home. I hope you will drop by as soon as you can and let me hear all about Duke and the Care House. You are really missed and thought of often and I appreciate the kind words during the loss of my nephew, Rocky.
Prayers and best wishes for a quick recovery!!!!!!!!
Nurse Terrie
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