The Official Joyce Update Blog

10:08 a.m. - Nurse Becky checked in on Joyce. Dusty confirmed with Becky that while bites were taken from the toast, none was swallowed. Only the half of a banana was eaten. Joyce reported tummy ache to Becky. Becky asked Joyce how much overall body pain she has, Joyce reported that she just "has an ache" but doesn't need any pain medicine. Becky reported that Joyce will be working with the physical therapists soon when they come around. After they are done with Joyce, Becky will apply a new lidocaine (Icy Hot) patch to Joyce's back around that time as that seems to be helping her with pain mitigation. Becky reported to Dusty that Joyce was taken off of Hydrocodone per previous concerns about it causing the nausea, so Joyce has only been taking the Tramadol and Mobix (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) orally for pain relief. Joyce was given blood pressure and heart medicine at 10:13 a.m. by Becky. Other vitamins and supplements paused due to Joyce's stomach issues....

A Dr. Brown (female) arrived to check in with Joyce around 8:15 a.m., reviewing basic information (medications, allergies, reasons for home oxygen use, history of cancer, and other previous medical conditions). Dr. Brown had Joyce roll over slightly in the hospital bed to permit inspection of her back. Dr. Brown asked Joyce if anyone on the hospital staff had informed Joyce that they suspect the spinal fracture was a pathological fracture (decay of the bone caused by cancer). Joyce stated that they had not told her that yet. Dr. Brown is intending to reach out to the orthopaedic surgeons (branch of surgery concerned with the musculoskeletal system) and mom's primary care physician (Dr. Deborah Collins at Moscow Medical) to determine how to proceed with the hypothesis and treatment plan. Dr. Brown will check back in with Joyce and/or Dusty (who is currently on-site in the room with Joyce) once she hears back from both the orthopaedic surgeons and Dr. Collins. Blood samples col...