Yesterday Dr. Chan's office called a little after 5 to say Mom needed a transfusion. Since I would not be able to get the cross-match done (the lab closes at 5:30) I asked for a Wednesday appointment. They said her hemoglobin level was so low they wanted her to get the transfusion as soon as possible; so they scheduled to do the cross-match at the ATC first thing in the morning before the transfusion. So that's what we did.
Mom was breathing so hard walking from the car to the elevator, I got a wheelchair for her once we got to the lobby level. She got 2 units of packed red blood cells (PRBC), which always includes intravenous fluids to keep things flowing properly. I have not gotten back in to the routine of weighing Mom every morning before breakfast and taking her blood pressure. Usually I know exactly where her blood pressure and weight are at so I can tell how the transfusion has affected her. They did give her furosemide to help get rid of the extra fluids. I will be tracking her weight and checking for swelling in her feet to keep an eye on it. If needed, she has furosemide that is taken on an as needed basis.
Had lunch from the hospital cafeteria; forgot to take photos again. It was sesame honey glazed pork with steamed vegetables and white rice. The white rice is for Mom, she always has to have white rice when she eats out. On a previous visit Curt brought lunch from a Jamaican lunch truck on base; he says there are a lot of good lunch trucks on base. But his car died a couple days ago so he is carpooling and unable to do that this time.
On the way out, Mom was able to walk on her own with only a little problem breathing. All total, we were at the facility for about 8 1/2 hours. We arrived at 7:30 am and left at 4 pm. I'm getting to know the place pretty well!
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