June 15 - Errors and hand-offs

This past week has been one of continued rehabilitation and... Establishing good "hand-offs", that is coordination of care between Shenandoah Oncology (Dr Gemma) and Johns Hopkins (Dr Luznick/Viki Anders CRNP).

Due to the Valganciclovir side effects of affecting the bone marrow.  I received a unit of platelets (level 14K) and I sit today after my appointment with Viki at Johns Hopkins getting a unit of red blood cells (Hemoglobin 6.8 - a measure of the red cells - low normal is usual 13-14 ).  As a result of the anti-viral for cytomegalovirus, I will, more than likely be dependent on platelet and red blood cell transfusion in the coming weeks.  The prayer here is that the Valganciclor works but doesn't severely affect my bone marrow.

Dr Mikus gets thanks for stopping the nose bleeding which as been going on for a week (due in large part to the low platelets which help "clot" formation.  He cauterized (in this case, he used a chemical known as silver nitrate to chemically burn/seal) the point of bleeding.  Hoping the seal holds.  So far so good...

Regarding the error - This week a CBC was drawn everything OK except the Hemoglobin was 5!  The results got to HOPKINS and they called saying that we had to immediately get to Winchester Medical Center and possibly be transferred to Johns Hopkins IPOP.  I was feeling fine and no different the the days prior.  Dr Gemma and I agreed that the chance of lab error was real (based on my lack of symptoms), And Hopkins agreed.  Thankfully, the next day, the CBC was back to my current baseline.    However, you can imagine how Jan and I responded to the NP's call when she said we may need to be back in Baltimore (she said 1-2 weeks at least)!  Moving back to Baltimore is a really big deal.  Thankfully, cooler heads prevailed and we are back on track to let Dr. Gemma be involved with close outpatient follow up at Hopkins!

Thanks again for your support, prayers and the GoFundMe site has been a Godsend.  Peace be with you!

Comments

  1. Debbie BlankenshipJune 16, 2018 at 12:24 PM

    Thinking about y'all! Happy Father's Day and glad to be following your progress.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Julia hintzJune 19, 2018 at 5:50 AM

      You are in our thoughts daily. The kids and I miss seeing you at the office. You are such a joy and bring smiles to all around you. All our love.

      Delete
  2. WrightsJuly 15, 2018 at 11:31 AM

    Praying for you all like always! Love, Sheena & Waylon Wright

    ReplyDelete

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