Mom was NPO from midnight Thursday night through Friday afternoon. That means she got nothing in all that time. No food or beverages whatsoever. NPO is an acronym for the Latin nil per os, or nothing by mouth. But not even fluids by IV. Who the fuck are these people? No surgery was scheduled, but no one cancelled the NPO order either. She was so weak and tired and all she did was sleep. Her case manager called Dr Ortega, a hospitalist, and he overrode the NPO order. She had a little soup and some carrot and celery sticks and drifted back to sleep.

Tyler, Rick and I went home and had an evening on the patio with Jack Daniels. Jenna joined us by phone. She wants to be here so bad, but it is just not possible. And it’s so hard on her!

As I was having my first cup of coffee this morning, I got a call from Dr Baddrudoja. He explained that he feels Dr Schroeder is wrong about the tumor growing. That what we are seeing is increased pressure and swelling in the brain from the infection. Well, one of them is right. But which one? He said at this point we have to concentrate more on the MRSA and not worry about the tumor until that is cleared up. It’s something we can agree on.

Mom called me and wanted good coffee and French bread with butter and jam. She’s back to ordering food and telling me what to do and I’m glad.

We brought it to her and watched her happily eat everything and enjoy her Tschibo coffee with heavy cream, of course. We also met Dr. Rivera, who is filling in for Schroeder for two weeks, and I say good riddance! I get the feeling he is the weakest link in that practice. I also get the feeling that since this is a for profit cancer treatment practice, the goal might be a bit tainted by the desire to maximize profits. Not a good place to be when you are fighting for your life and want nothing but the best quality of life for the longest possible time.