Today has been much the same as the last few with one FINE exception---A LOT FEWER POOP problems!!!! It has been 11 days of royal pain in that arena. Today Jeff is having about half the amount as has been the norm lately!!! Platelets were given this pm along with quite a few electrolyte replacements. All of his electrolytes except magnesium have needed to be replaced today. We have potassium, sodium, phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, chloride. There is a very narrow range that is considered "normal" and if one goes outside that range, there can be fairly significant problems. They are very good here at replacing him. He hasn't had a good appetite, but that is okay. Both Monica and Deanne came today for a period of time to see him. Jeff came out of his room and to the "family visiting room" for about 5 minutes to see Mikey ---and just to be out of the room. Lasix was given in a smaller dose today.--20mg iv as opposed to 40mg that he has gotten for the last two days. His feet and legs are still quite swollen. Today has been a "good nursing day". Lisa is his nurse and they clicked right away. She listens to him and isn't into power and control. That has worked really well for him. He needed to have her today. The girls all pitched in to get him a digital picture frame. He was trying to figure it out this afternoon. With the drugs on board, that has been a challenge. Encouraging him to drink/eat is a challenge, but I am mostly trying to let the dietician and nurses be the "bad guy." Otherwise, I am nagging. His hair is also falling out which isn't too traumatic for him. He has a great looking head. Deanne's birthday is today. He tried to sing to her, but that was somewhat difficult with his mucositis---mouth and esophagus sores. He just sounded a big froggy is all. She was grateful. Well, the gift of Easter is tomorrow which gives us an abundance of gratitude and hope!! Thank goodness for the Atonement, or this life would be for naught. So long for today. The numbers follow:
Platelets--18; Red blood cells--26.8; White blood cells--0.1; ANC=0
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Glad you have a good nurse! I'm sure that makes all the difference. I hope those sores get less and less each day. That has to be soo miserable. Have a good rest of the day and tomorrow will be even better.
ReplyDeleteTeresa
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like they are taking good care of you and I know you are giving it your all to feel better. We can't wait for the doctor next week to look like a genius when you start feeling much better! Have a good Easter with your family.
Love, Ken, Karen & Kids
Great job hanging in there Dad! I am sure it absolutely sucks, but you are doing amazing. Keep up the positive attitude and know that we are all praying for you. Love you so much!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Michelle
I'm so glad to have a way to follow your progress. We have been thinking of you each day wondering how things are going. Keep fighting!
ReplyDeleteLove the Marsha Joss