Another quick update — I called Tuesday morning and, after giving me the expected scolding for not taking Ken to the ER on Monday, the oncology nurse asked Ken to come in for a Doppler at 1PM to ensure that he didn’t have a clot. He did not (Yay!) and back home we came.

On Wednesday evening, Ken’s leg was so swollen that I contacted the on-call doctor (who coincidentally was our oncologist!). He sent us to the emergency department and after the usual interminable ER wait, Ken was taken back to a room. He was exhausted and being able to lie down was a huge relief.

First challenge:  It’s after midnight and the doctor orders a CT to check for a clot. Unfortunately, it was done incorrectly, meaning that the doctor wasn’t able to use it to evaluate whether Ken had a clot in his pelvis. Ken was given a blood thinner (injected into his belly!) “just in case” and admitted.

Second challenge:  This morning, two vascular surgeons walked in and scared us half to death by telling Ken that he had a suspected aortic dissection in his abdomen (discovered by the incorrectly done CT!). Then, no exaggeration, 15 minutes later, they came back with another surgeon and told us that it was just a thrombosis and he should take baby aspirin to help it dissipate. (Can you tell that I’m cranky from lack of sleep?!)

The vascular surgeon ordered another Doppler — both legs this time! — and confirmed that Ken had no clot. Time to go home.

Third challenge:  While this was going on, I called the oncologist’s office to check on next week’s PET scan. The scheduler said that our insurance company pended the PET scan authorization for additional review. Our insurance challenged the “urgent” request and the medical necessity. Seriously. So, now we’re waiting for the insurer’s medical director to review the request.

And final challenge for the day:  late this afternoon, the oncologist called to let us know that Ken needs to start chemo on Monday. He’s sure that the swelling is due to lymph engagement. Ken will be on a different set of chemo drugs.

All in all, it’s not been the easiest 24 hours. Perhaps the best choice for now is rest and then starting anew tomorrow.