We’ve had a few nice days of recovery, lovely weather drawing us out on very long jaw-dropping walks through the wonders of New York City: the Rivers, the Fireworks, the Parks, the Buildings, the Taxis, the Rooftops, the Theaters, the Shopping, and certainly the People!

While Josh needed to walk slowly and take rest breaks, and eat tiny meals, we had a lovely look around, entertained by many friends.

Joshua’s abdominal port—which blessedly was not needed-- was surgically removed on Wednesday, and we planned to fly home Friday, and to celebrate nearly the end of this period. Yet, we’re not really “done.”

There are some abdominal (incisional) wounds that have to be packed and dressed twice a day-- so we are not quite free of the drawers of medical supplies and pills...
But Happily the fentanyl patches are really effective for pain control.

And so it seemed that we were at least on the home stretch, and despite today’s report—below—we still think we are on the home stretch…
and…
announcing….
new EYEBROWS!! Yeah!
new BEARD HAIRS!! Yeah!

Alas.
Instead of going to the airport,
Joshua developed an overnight fever, diarrhea, vomited once, and we are back in MSKCC Urgent Care.
Draws, drips, tests, smears, and pills.
Colored liquids that light up scans.

Beepers
And by midmorning many many people waiting for Urgent Care.
Good thing we arrived at the crack of dawn. Those poor people in the hallway…and only ONE obvious bathroom??? Sheesh. While Josh was doubled over the toilet there was a moaning woman rattling the door entreating “Please let me in!” I had to inform her we were in the middle of an event that would take some time. So Sorry.

Some tests came back: C diff is confirmed so far, with a CT scan confirming inflammed colon, and the good news that the pneumonia is resolved.

It took all day, but Josh didn’t need to be admitted (phew) and we came back to the hotel, to “drink fluids” and take temperature and rest. Josh konked out.

So Josh had a rough and painful night, and now he’s noddy, moany, drinking fluids, sleeping for long stretches, breathing, and I suppose hoping not to wake up to go to the bathroom again.

Swallowing gatorade, Joshua said,
"Tastes like soccer."

It will be several days before I try to make airline reservations again…
and now I'm off to my temporarily highest calling: buying flexible straws.