The chest CT confirmed that Ernie's lungs are clear, once again ruling out aspiration pneumonia as the cause of the fever. The two remaining theories are a drug induced fever from drugs that effect the central nervous system (Oxycontin and others), or a sinus infection. The Oncologist went over his medications today and eliminated 3 antibiotics. She also reduced the dosage of another drug that can depress the central nervous system. Finally, they are testing him for a sinus infection. In the meantime, I am to be on alert at 6 PM to administer Tylenol if his temp hits 103.
The oxycodone alone is not enough to control the pain. Even a small sip of water puts Ernie at a 10 on the pain scale. So, the doctor is adding back a low dose of Oxycontin. If the Oxycontin turns out to be the source of the fever, he may have to be transferred to in-patient status for pain management for the last week. I think the pain will have to hit 20 on a 10 point scale before Ernie will consent to that.
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