Infection. What a Story.

[Jenjill47]

I had been trotting along fairly well after chemo, Avasten and serious debulking surgery. I needed more monthly chemo as my CA125 bloods were still high. Well, we decided to put it off until January so that I could go interstate to see my 98 years old Dad in aged care. We couldn't do that because of COVID. I had a blockage in my ureter - maybe from the previous surgery. I ended up in ICU with septicaemia after a stent was put into the ureter. There was a big argument between the surgeon and the infection doctor who wanted the stent removed. The surgeon said that it was important to retain my kidney function. I had a second opinion and that urologist agreed. I didn't like the infection guy at all - he had a very narrow view on the situation and I felt like telling him to piss off. I had IV antibiotics and now on them orally for 2 weeks. The problem is, that can't have further chemo until I get over the infection.

Just to add to the drama, we live in the Adelaide Hills and it is Summer here. 43C yesterday and suddenly we were were surrounded by bushfires. We had to evacuate to our son's house on the coast at midnight. All the towns were saved, but many rural houses lost. My second night home from hospital - there goes my longed - for sleep.

The arsonist was caught and arrested. 60 years old, high on drugs and alcohol and no licence. The damage and work that he has caused to our wonderful semi rural community.

Anyway, sorry for raving on - I needed to vent.

I see the surgeon on Wednesday for the next step.

Hugs to you all!

Jill

[Sashay2020]

Wow. Talk about unwanted excitement. I hope the arsonist is prosecuted. It must be awful not being able to visit your dad, Jill. Will we ever be free of COVID?!? But I am glad the antibiotics are working so you can conquer that infection and resume your chemo. Best wishes from Louisiana,

Sashay

[Jenjill47 in reply to Sashay2020]

Thanks you Sashay! Yes it has turned into another "interesting" year. I'm so happy to see the rain and end of the fires. Everything smells of smoke - even me! Time for a soothing shower! xxxx

[Nadie2018]

Hi Jill. That is quite a story. Covid has kept us all from many things but to add a bush fire to it all...so sorry you had to go through that. Vent away, you’ve certainly earned the right and we are all here to listen. I hope your infection is clearing. Sometimes, when a kidney is blocked, there is already an infection brewing and having a stent placed, which is usually necessary for blockage, the infection gets released into the bloodstream because of the manipulation of the stent placement. It’s called Acute Urosepsis. It usually occurs fairly quickly after the procedure. They will get the infection under control. I’m so sorry that it happened to you. Think of it this way, the bar for 2021 is already set low by all of these challenges so, rising above should be just around the corner. Be well, Nadie

[Jenjill47 in reply to Nadie2018]

Thank you Nadie! you have a good explanation there! I remember being in terrible pain and I thought it might be a kidney stone. I saw the surgeon again today and he wants to keep the stent in for 6 months - continue the antibiotics on a lower dose and hopefully restart the chemo. He admits that the stent being a foreign body could be a source of another infection. His advice is that if I have symptoms again, to contact him and I will be transferred to hospital ASAP. Frankly I'm getting sick of all of this. I just wonder if I'll ever feel normal again.! It's hard on my beloved family and husband. We see our GP next week to spill it all out. He is a great listener. Thank you again Nadie! By the way, the fires are all out as we had a big rain fall! Only in Australia!

🦋🦋

[delia2]

Wow. You are dealing with a lot. That’s terrible about the arson! I do hope your infection gets better soon and you can resume chemo. Stay safe from Covid! Xx

[Jenjill47 in reply to delia2]

Thank you Delia. Fortunately here in Australia there are no active community cases of COVID. I think it has been about 2 weeks now. The restrictions were harsh, but they worked!

[Neona]

omg -I always wonder how many of the bushfires are caused by arsonists. The loss of life, property, wildlife is terrible. As if you hadn’t got enough to be dealing with. Fingers crossed that you can get back on treatment as soon as possible.

[Jenjill47 in reply to Neona]

Thank you Neona. I have a couple of days break with antibiotics and a urine test for the all clear. Then a very low dose of the antibiotic daily. Hopefully the oncologist will agree that chemo can start again!