Alan’s Army

We got home at 4 AM, in bed at 4:20 and the mean nasty alarm went off at 6AM.

We arrived back at the hospital just in time for Alan to be wheeled through the tunnels from the hospital over to the Eye Institute.  After exams etc. the Dr stated he was very pleased that Alan’s limited sight seemed unchanged.  He said he had had a sleepless night worrying that the surgery might have made Alan completely blind.  He stated that the surgery plus the massive steroids was the maximum treatment that Alan could receive and there is nothing else that can be done for his eyesight.  Now we are in “wait and see” mode and the next six months will determine if Alan’s sight improves, worsens, or stays the same.

Alan looks like he was in a prize fight with massively swollen bloody eyelids.  He’s in a bit of pain and in somewhat resigned spirits, but he’s eating well.

Due to the massive steroids (12 mg every 6 hours) that lower his immunity the doctor is worried about complications with the shunt so Alan will remain in the hospital until Thursday or maybe Friday.  He’s also on heavy antibiotics.  He is slated for some further imaging as well.

BOB and Kit visited this afternoon and Gina was headed back over (she was there with us last night for about 4 hours in pre-op) to visit after work.

While at the hospital, Amber called to say that Hobbes (the giant orange tabby) was breathing funny so we left the hospital at about 4PM, got home at 5pm, and I’m sitting in the Vets parking lot typing this while Ginny and Amber are inside with the cat.  On the way here I said in my best Arnold voice - “It’s not a Tuma” (Sorry - another movie reference - Kindergarten Cop)

So the cat has Cardiomyopathy (sp?) and has had two shots and will need diuretic pills for the rest of his life.  That will be a fun task every day.  The entire visit including shots and meds was $55.41 - a far cry from the statement we got today for Alan’s charges just for May 12th when the tumor was removed at Pennsylvania Hospital - $182,790 - Yikes !!!

OK, off to bed before I fall over.

Thank you for your well wishes, thoughts, and prayers.  I was pretty down last night and the replies of sharing, caring, and love were tremendous.  I truley appreciate the perspective adjustment and priority setting from dear colleagues and friends.  Thank you all.

God Bless,

Andrew