11/10/2022
11/9 UPDATE: I'm still being held hostage at UF. I started eating a bit (even though it's hospital food) - which they said is good. But when I went out for a walk last night I "collapsed" on the way back in to the building. So, they rushed me into the Emergency Department and admitted me to ICU for various testing. And, mom says that I'm the dramatic one!?!?... I really think that they overreacted. (NOTE FROM MOM: His "collapse" was basically the same thing he did when he got there yesterday morning... Basically tired and not wanting to go in the building.)
In the end, I guess the special attention was actually a good thing. Included in the testing was an echocardiogram and consultation with the cardiac specialists. They were able to determine that I have dilated cardiomyopathy which means that my heart is not pumping efficiently. And, most likely, is causing the strain and issues with my kidneys.
This heart condition is actually a known possible side effect of the chemotherapy treatment. Fortunately, it is something that can be treated and managed with medication - which they are starting me on today.
At this point, I guess I’ll remain a hostage in Gainesville for at least a couple more days while they verify the meds are helping and my kidney values improve. I will also get to wear a special vest for a while after I go home so the doctors can continue to monitor my heart.
I'm hoping to go home by the end of this week. We're not completely out of the woods yet, but I think we have at least found the path. I greatly appreciate everyone's thoughts and prayers... Please keep them coming!