Day 7

It's Nanette making this post. I have been here today since 1100 and he has slept most of the time. That is exactly what he should be doing. He most certainly isn't supposed to be the entertainment committe. He is awake now and looking over the paper. The fentanyl and the opium are making him pretty tired along with having no white blood cells. The diarrhea has settled down temporarily. He had a dietician come to talk with him about his calorie intake. She suggested that he do ensure and boost each meal because they contain a lot of calories and don't involve a lot of chewing and swallowing. He is listening. Another first today. A massage therapist came in and massaged Jeff's very swollen feet. It brought some temporary relief. He has never officially had a massage before. He elevates his feet in bed with 2 pillows. More lasix was given today to help rid the body of some excess fluid. He has fluctuated in weight from the first day of 194 down to 188 and now 202. It makes it less than desireable to walk. He hasn't exercised in 3 days. Great joy for me. I don't have to gown anymore when I come into the room! They said I didn't have to glove, but that "just doesn't seem right to me" when he has no white blood cells. I was grateful for the girls to come see him yesterday since I had to work. It was somewhat difficult to concentrate and take care of other people when I knew he was in the hospital....The dr said today that their job is to make him comfortable during this period of time when we are awaiting the growth of the new blood cells. Thanks for all your kind words and thoughts!! Prayers too!!! He attitude is good! Love you.

Oops Numbers again:

Platelets--24. They aren't going to transfuse anymore unless he is below 20. WBC 0.1. Red blood cells--23.6. He got 2 units of blood overnight as well as the typical electrolyte replacements. ANC is 0.

P.S. Paxton was circumcised this am. He was weaned off of all monitors over the course of the day yesterday. She got to nurse him for the first time last night. They get to take him home today if you can believe it!!!!! Yahoo and hurray. Man, can baby's change quickly. The Lord answered all of our prayers.