Michael spent the day resting and walking, walking and resting. His vitals are staying strong and his labs look generally fine. His sodium levels are still low so they’re still trying to work out where the balance is between enough fluid intake to keep him hydrated and too much that it increases his sodium needs. Other than that, his lab work isn’t giving them any concerns. 

We did learn a little more about the ultrasound results this afternoon and how they plan to manage the fluid that’s collecting in his abdomen. They think there may be some blood accumulation leftover from surgery so they’re planning to remove some of it via the same general process expectant mothers have for genetic testing on unborn babies. In case anyone is squeamish, I’ll leave off further description but if you want to know more you can google “paracentesis.” It won’t be any more uncomfortable for him than when they’ve inserted special IVs in the last couple of weeks, and it’s a common procedure they’ll do right in his room. 

They will test whatever fluid they collect to learn more about its origins and whether it contains anything that may cause an infection, and then monitor Michael to see if it accumulates again. It sounds like a a big deal but, as the doctor noted, the fluid is not making him sick so there’s no reason to worry. Monday is approximately 700 years away in hospital time so if they thought the fluid was any cause for alarm they’d do the procedure long before Monday. 

By now you’ve probably figured out this means we’re here well into next week. We both wish that we’re not the case but neither of us want him to go home before he’s ready, so we will make the best of it.

In the meantime, the private room is a godsend, he’s getting lots of sleep, and everything is gradually coming together for his recovery. If nothing else, he’s going to eventually run out of body parts that need checking, testing, or tending to. 😊

I know it seems that we get close to release and then something else comes up but that’s the nature of this particular beast. The tumor wreaked havoc on Michael for two years that we know of and (according the doctor) “many” years before that. It stands to reason it will take a while to clean up the mess Phil left behind but we’ll get there. 

I’ll be back tomorrow morning after the doctors sail through and let you know what they had to say. ❤️