So Florence’s Lab Stats for 24th and then 26th are…
White Cells 2000 then 2400 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 0.9 then 1.1 (1.8 – 7.7)
Red Cells 3.30 then 3.20 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 49 then 50 (150 - 400)
Bryon Allen, NP sat down with us and went over where Florence was in her treatment. She gets to take 8 less pills per day but still needs to be DRINKING more. He also told her they normally send patients home about Day +30 but her blood counts were a little behind and a little lower than they would like to see. Since today is Florence’s Day +31; and, since Florence has a Doctor in Corvallis that is thought of highly; and, after talking with Florence, Bryon felt returning home would probably be the best medicine that Florence could get right now.
So, tomorrow morning I will pack up the trailer and we should be home tomorrow afternoon. Hopefully the rain will hold off while the tear-down and unpacking takes place. Florence's JOB is to eat, drink, and exercise.
See you back in Albany…..
Larry
Monday, November 26, 2007
Sorry About the Lull in Info.....
Last few of days have been a little busy. Squirrel activity monitoring Friday, clinic visit on Saturday, and house cleaning on Sunday. The Clinic visit lasted most of Saturday. The holiday left them short on staff and a bunch of patients all came in during the morning. Then Sunday I left for Albany at 1130am to meet up with a house cleaning team of good friends and worked until about 6pm by the time laundry was all completed to take back up to the RV park.
So today we are back in the Clinic. Florence is having her weekly dressing change on her central line, blood labs done (CBC, Chems), IV fluids, and an appointment with a medical team member for a check-up. We should be getting close to going home and the medical team member should be able to give us some idea of when that will be. We also have a number of questions to get answered and are interested to see what Florence’s blood counts are doing.
I will let you all know how the counts are doing.
While at home, I also got a pile of our mail from the neighbor which included a number of cards for Florence that I gave to her when I returned to the Park last night. I’m sure she will enjoy opening and reading them later today.
Thank you to Ann, Audrey, Kim, Lori, and Merla for helping me out on Sunday. I couldn't have got it all done in one day without your help.
That’s it for now…..
Larry
So today we are back in the Clinic. Florence is having her weekly dressing change on her central line, blood labs done (CBC, Chems), IV fluids, and an appointment with a medical team member for a check-up. We should be getting close to going home and the medical team member should be able to give us some idea of when that will be. We also have a number of questions to get answered and are interested to see what Florence’s blood counts are doing.
I will let you all know how the counts are doing.
While at home, I also got a pile of our mail from the neighbor which included a number of cards for Florence that I gave to her when I returned to the Park last night. I’m sure she will enjoy opening and reading them later today.
Thank you to Ann, Audrey, Kim, Lori, and Merla for helping me out on Sunday. I couldn't have got it all done in one day without your help.
That’s it for now…..
Larry
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Happy Thanksgiving to All......
Yep, we spent the day here in Tualatin but looking forward to getting home, hopefully next week. We will be going back to the Clinic on Saturday and again on Monday. Florence’s last visit was Wednesday, labs and a fluid infusion since she isn’t drinking enough yet.
I have listed the labs below. WBC’s fell a little which they tell me is normal. Her RBC’s continue to rise and so are her platelet counts. Those are good news.
Happy Holidays to all,
Larry
PS. Todays Lab Stats…
White Cells 2900 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.5 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.76 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 52 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since Nov. 7
No Platelet transfusions since Nov 15
I have listed the labs below. WBC’s fell a little which they tell me is normal. Her RBC’s continue to rise and so are her platelet counts. Those are good news.
Happy Holidays to all,
Larry
PS. Todays Lab Stats…
White Cells 2900 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 1.5 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.76 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 52 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since Nov. 7
No Platelet transfusions since Nov 15
Monday, November 19, 2007
Improving......
Done with today’s Clinic visit and feed-back from the Clinic nurses and medical team was all good. All Florence’s symptoms are all expected and normal. From the skin on her palms and soles that feel sunburned and tight to just feeling so very tired is all normal. Over the next few weeks they said it will get better. Florence’s mouth is healed, her nausea only flares up once in a while, and her appetite is getting better.
Florence’s blood work is looking good and they are hoping that no more transfusions will be necessary. Today is Day +24. They also said that we may be released to go home next Monday. That would be very nice.
Later,
Larry
PS.Todays Lab Stats…
White Cells 4200 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 2.2 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.74 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 46 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since Nov. 7
No Platelet transfusions since Nov 15
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
Florence’s blood work is looking good and they are hoping that no more transfusions will be necessary. Today is Day +24. They also said that we may be released to go home next Monday. That would be very nice.
Later,
Larry
PS.Todays Lab Stats…
White Cells 4200 (4500 - 11000)
Neutrophil 2.2 (1.8 – 7.7) **
Red Cells 3.74 (4 - 5.2)
Platelets 46 (150 - 400)
No Blood transfusions since Nov. 7
No Platelet transfusions since Nov 15
** these are the ones we are waiting for, a sub-group of white cells that attack bacteria, etc.
Needs to Drink More.....
Today we are headed back to the Clinic for Labs and an appointment with one of the medical team. Florence is doing OK, still very weak and sleeps most of the day. At least she ate a little more yesterday and she didn't mention nausea (hope those continue). Her fluid intake is still low and that probably isn't helping. We could be back to doing home infusions again. OH BOY!!!! OR, maybe she just wants to hang out with the 5C gang again.
As for Trailering... small drip from the skylight frame on Saturday night was corrected with some repair tape and seems to be holding. It sounds like it might get cold up here real soon. They are talking 25 to 30 degrees tomorrow night and the next. Guess I need to check on protecting the trailer water line. Guess I could duct tape some squirrels to it. That would provide some fur insulation and a little body heat..... hummmmmmmm..... Looks like about eight big uns will do er.
I will advise on results after today's Clinic visit.
Larry
As for Trailering... small drip from the skylight frame on Saturday night was corrected with some repair tape and seems to be holding. It sounds like it might get cold up here real soon. They are talking 25 to 30 degrees tomorrow night and the next. Guess I need to check on protecting the trailer water line. Guess I could duct tape some squirrels to it. That would provide some fur insulation and a little body heat..... hummmmmmmm..... Looks like about eight big uns will do er.
I will advise on results after today's Clinic visit.
Larry
Thursday, November 15, 2007
A Day at the Clinic......
Today is Day +20 and we are in the OHSU Clinic for Florence’s first Out-Patient appointment. Her Lab draws were at 0930hrs and now she will be getting her platelet tank topped off as well as an infusion of some much needed IV fluids. As usual she ain’t drinkin’ like she should. As in the past she needs to try to get her 64oz’er down each day.
Yesterday we got to about 40oz. total. So today the 1000cc IV of NaCl w/ MgSO4 (salt water with a Magnesium Sulfate chaser) will total about 32oz, she did another 4oz of juice with breakfast, so that will leave 24oz for me to pester her about the rest of the day. Of course, with 11 pills left to ingest today, she may get in the last 24oz of fluid for the day just trying to choke them down.
As for how she is feeling, ......TIRED and occasionally nauseated are the words for the day. Hard to eat and drink when you think it may be coming back; usually more colorful than when it went in. She is trying though because not keeping food and fluid down means a trip back to 5C.
After all the IV’s we will meet with a nurse practitioner to discuss how Florence is feeling, confirm her medication regiment, and discuss what is in store for the 2 weeks ahead.
Her WBC counts were at 1600 on Tuesday, down from 3200, so they gave her another dose of medicine to boost them up. Today they’re at 4200. Now normal is 4400 – 11000, so the question is, will they say up this time???
So, that’s it for now. Stay tuned and stay positive……
Larry
Yesterday we got to about 40oz. total. So today the 1000cc IV of NaCl w/ MgSO4 (salt water with a Magnesium Sulfate chaser) will total about 32oz, she did another 4oz of juice with breakfast, so that will leave 24oz for me to pester her about the rest of the day. Of course, with 11 pills left to ingest today, she may get in the last 24oz of fluid for the day just trying to choke them down.
As for how she is feeling, ......TIRED and occasionally nauseated are the words for the day. Hard to eat and drink when you think it may be coming back; usually more colorful than when it went in. She is trying though because not keeping food and fluid down means a trip back to 5C.
After all the IV’s we will meet with a nurse practitioner to discuss how Florence is feeling, confirm her medication regiment, and discuss what is in store for the 2 weeks ahead.
Her WBC counts were at 1600 on Tuesday, down from 3200, so they gave her another dose of medicine to boost them up. Today they’re at 4200. Now normal is 4400 – 11000, so the question is, will they say up this time???
So, that’s it for now. Stay tuned and stay positive……
Larry
Monday, November 12, 2007
Time To GO?????
Well, we are told that tomorrow’s the day they are kicking Florence out. All day they have been working towards that end; getting orders ready, prescriptions ordered, clinic appoints scheduled, and checking on home health supplies.
Florence slept most of the day. Still a little nauseated at times. I guess she convinced her doctors that she would feel better and eat better in our trailer. Guess she’s getting tired of hospital food.
She loves the staff, but she says it’s time to get out of here. She is trying to get pictures of all her nurses and CNA’s. I think another photo album is on the horizon.
So, if everything goes well tonight she is in the clear for discharge and it is to the trailer in Tualatin. So let’s hope for no fever and maybe a little more fluid intake.
Good by for now…..
Larry
Florence slept most of the day. Still a little nauseated at times. I guess she convinced her doctors that she would feel better and eat better in our trailer. Guess she’s getting tired of hospital food.
She loves the staff, but she says it’s time to get out of here. She is trying to get pictures of all her nurses and CNA’s. I think another photo album is on the horizon.
So, if everything goes well tonight she is in the clear for discharge and it is to the trailer in Tualatin. So let’s hope for no fever and maybe a little more fluid intake.
Good by for now…..
Larry
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Long One from up North.......
Back again with news from OHSU …. .. .… … … .. .
So it is now Sunday. I spent Thursday and Friday in Albany getting the trailer ready to move to Tualatin and on Saturday morning I left for the North Country. Arriving at the trailer park at 0845hrs I was assigned a plot of ground on which to erect our temporary domicile. It actually stayed sunny during setup even though the weather service called for heavy rain.
Proceeding with the trailer setup, I got the wheels chocked and trailer leveled. After connecting the power shoreline, water line, sewer, and cable, I went inside to check the interior components. Florence would have been so proud of me since I took off my shoes before walking in.
First to check was the refrigerator, didn’t want things to spoil, power switched to AC and still cooling, great. A little safety fact - you always want to remember that things may shift in a frig while traveling so you should always open the frig door carefully the first time. So as I yanked the door open, and I thought about that safety fact, a Corona bottle rolled out and tried to tenderize on my bare foot (remember how proud Florence was going to be because I removed my shoes before entering!!). After a short time out and drinking the Corona to ease the throbbing boo-boo, I moved on with my checks of the trailer. Since it was a bit cold I fired up the furnace, everything works good there. Next the water heater…..
Let’s say that proved a little more interesting. I pushed the start switch then went outside to check the water heater - igniter works, really small flame, burner shuts off…. Try again because that’s what the Book tells you to do, It may take several attempts on first start-up to get burner to ignite. After 35 tries… ok, maybe it was more like 6…. I thought ‘this isn’t right’ and with further examination found there now was NO flame. The furnace is still running …hummmm... maybe no gas to the water heater??? I should be able to check for gas by pulling the gas line off the burner and throwing the start switch.
The gas line came off simply enough and, after twisting it out a little so I could put a finger over it to check for pressure, I was set to throw the start switch. I know, you though I’d break the gas line…. NO I DIDN’T….. However,
Going inside I threw the start switch and when the igniter fired off….. Well, You know the burger commercial with the flames shooting out of the peoples mouths….. Yeah, well a lot more gas come out an open gas line than when it is going through the little-bitty orifice on a burner. Whooooo…. A quick return to the interior to turn the switch off and disaster averted…. cool and calm under pressure… my motto. Any squirrels laughing????? No one was watching were they?????
So apparently, no lack of gas and after a quick cleaning of the burner orifice and some reassembly the water heater works like new. The rest of my checks went fine and I was then off to see Florence at OHSU.
She is now able to eat and her White Blood Cell count was at 2700 (normal is 4400 – 1100). This means her immune system should be working now. She is still getting Red Cell and Platelet transfusions. There counts start up later.
With no fever her docs said she could go home tomorrow (Sunday) but she decided to spike a temp Saturday night so that’s way we are still here, along with some electrolyte and drinking issues.
DUCKS didn’t play Saturday but the Bevs pulled one out… Go Bevs…
Now today is Sunday, WBC are now 3200. Florence got more Platelets last night and today she’s starting to get cabin fever. They told her she needs to be drinking 2 liters a day to get outa here and to help with her electrolyte balances. The satff has stopped nearly all IVs at this point and she is now back on oral meds.
She walked for awhile around the 9th floor and now she is sleeping. No more hallucinations, at least today so far. I blogged about that, right? Oh yeah I did. Sometime ask her,”How do you knit on a piano?” (I’m gona pay for that one, I’m sure)
That’s it for now…Little long but it was 3 days…
Looking at Monday or Tuesday for discharge, if all goes well.
Just so you know, some of the trailer set up might not have happened just that way, but close……
Thanks for the prayers and wishes,
Larry
So it is now Sunday. I spent Thursday and Friday in Albany getting the trailer ready to move to Tualatin and on Saturday morning I left for the North Country. Arriving at the trailer park at 0845hrs I was assigned a plot of ground on which to erect our temporary domicile. It actually stayed sunny during setup even though the weather service called for heavy rain.
Proceeding with the trailer setup, I got the wheels chocked and trailer leveled. After connecting the power shoreline, water line, sewer, and cable, I went inside to check the interior components. Florence would have been so proud of me since I took off my shoes before walking in.
First to check was the refrigerator, didn’t want things to spoil, power switched to AC and still cooling, great. A little safety fact - you always want to remember that things may shift in a frig while traveling so you should always open the frig door carefully the first time. So as I yanked the door open, and I thought about that safety fact, a Corona bottle rolled out and tried to tenderize on my bare foot (remember how proud Florence was going to be because I removed my shoes before entering!!). After a short time out and drinking the Corona to ease the throbbing boo-boo, I moved on with my checks of the trailer. Since it was a bit cold I fired up the furnace, everything works good there. Next the water heater…..
Let’s say that proved a little more interesting. I pushed the start switch then went outside to check the water heater - igniter works, really small flame, burner shuts off…. Try again because that’s what the Book tells you to do, It may take several attempts on first start-up to get burner to ignite. After 35 tries… ok, maybe it was more like 6…. I thought ‘this isn’t right’ and with further examination found there now was NO flame. The furnace is still running …hummmm... maybe no gas to the water heater??? I should be able to check for gas by pulling the gas line off the burner and throwing the start switch.
The gas line came off simply enough and, after twisting it out a little so I could put a finger over it to check for pressure, I was set to throw the start switch. I know, you though I’d break the gas line…. NO I DIDN’T….. However,
Going inside I threw the start switch and when the igniter fired off….. Well, You know the burger commercial with the flames shooting out of the peoples mouths….. Yeah, well a lot more gas come out an open gas line than when it is going through the little-bitty orifice on a burner. Whooooo…. A quick return to the interior to turn the switch off and disaster averted…. cool and calm under pressure… my motto. Any squirrels laughing????? No one was watching were they?????
So apparently, no lack of gas and after a quick cleaning of the burner orifice and some reassembly the water heater works like new. The rest of my checks went fine and I was then off to see Florence at OHSU.
She is now able to eat and her White Blood Cell count was at 2700 (normal is 4400 – 1100). This means her immune system should be working now. She is still getting Red Cell and Platelet transfusions. There counts start up later.
With no fever her docs said she could go home tomorrow (Sunday) but she decided to spike a temp Saturday night so that’s way we are still here, along with some electrolyte and drinking issues.
DUCKS didn’t play Saturday but the Bevs pulled one out… Go Bevs…
Now today is Sunday, WBC are now 3200. Florence got more Platelets last night and today she’s starting to get cabin fever. They told her she needs to be drinking 2 liters a day to get outa here and to help with her electrolyte balances. The satff has stopped nearly all IVs at this point and she is now back on oral meds.
She walked for awhile around the 9th floor and now she is sleeping. No more hallucinations, at least today so far. I blogged about that, right? Oh yeah I did. Sometime ask her,”How do you knit on a piano?” (I’m gona pay for that one, I’m sure)
That’s it for now…Little long but it was 3 days…
Looking at Monday or Tuesday for discharge, if all goes well.
Just so you know, some of the trailer set up might not have happened just that way, but close……
Thanks for the prayers and wishes,
Larry
Thursday, November 8, 2007
Warning - - Stem Cells at Work.......
Wednesday was Day +12 and Florence’s 1am blood draw showed that her stem cells have grafted (technical term for ‘found their home in her bone marrow’) and her White Blood Cell count was 400 (normal is 4400 – 11000) ..... three days ago they were near zero. The Medical Team has started talking about releasing her in the near future so I left Wednesday night at 2100hrs (9pm) to return home to spend Thursday and Friday getting the trailer ready and packed.
During the day on Wednesday Florence’s narcotics were reduced. With the new narcotic she was still hallucinating 24/7 and she was narcotized (technical for ‘put into stupor’) to the point that the Medical Team decided they would rather her be in a little more pain vs. falling and injuring herself. Her throat still hurts, mouth looks so-so, and her GI tract is in an uproar, so the pain is still present, but safety first. So the continuous narcotic dose was halved and by the time I left for home, Wednesday night, she was down out of the fog and able to navigate alone to the restroom. Now don’t get me wrong, the drug still had her carrying on some rather unique conversations with people I have yet to meet or see. Maybe they live under her bed…. No wait, she said she saw them drive past the window earlier…. (By the way, her room is on the 5th floor) The best part of this is when she wakes up and knows just what she was doing and saying. The look of ‘Say What???’ on her face is priceless!!!!! David, RN told her not to worry about it because in 72 hours when she comes off the narcotics she won’t even remember these days….
This morning at 0830 hours she called me to let me know that she had already walked the halls (better than walking the street I guess) and she had drank 12 oz of juice. Now, yesterday water had felt like acid in her mouth. Tonight she eat her first food since Nov 1, breakfast, then a little lunch, and then for dinner she ate soup, mashed potatoes, and some ravioli…. then threw it up... but at least she can eat. (note to self… take it slow … moderate amounts at first)
By the way, her Thursday morning Blood Counts show her White Cells at 1000. Her Red Cells and platelets should start coming up soon. Now we wait to see if her new stem cells can support her system, building it strong enough to get her cell counts to normal levels.
I will be returning to Portland on Saturday morning. I’m attaching a picture of her pole buddy from Wednesday. She should be able to shed most of it soon. These show part of what she get everyday.
Again, we thank all of you for the support, friendship, prayers, and good wishes. It helps to know we are not alone in this.
Past my bed time....
Larry
PS - In regards to the nessage below.... It is interesting to think that Florence grew up in Santa Monica...... hummmm
PSS Stop all snail nail to OHSU after Saturday (10th) because we should be gone before it arrives....
During the day on Wednesday Florence’s narcotics were reduced. With the new narcotic she was still hallucinating 24/7 and she was narcotized (technical for ‘put into stupor’) to the point that the Medical Team decided they would rather her be in a little more pain vs. falling and injuring herself. Her throat still hurts, mouth looks so-so, and her GI tract is in an uproar, so the pain is still present, but safety first. So the continuous narcotic dose was halved and by the time I left for home, Wednesday night, she was down out of the fog and able to navigate alone to the restroom. Now don’t get me wrong, the drug still had her carrying on some rather unique conversations with people I have yet to meet or see. Maybe they live under her bed…. No wait, she said she saw them drive past the window earlier…. (By the way, her room is on the 5th floor) The best part of this is when she wakes up and knows just what she was doing and saying. The look of ‘Say What???’ on her face is priceless!!!!! David, RN told her not to worry about it because in 72 hours when she comes off the narcotics she won’t even remember these days….
This morning at 0830 hours she called me to let me know that she had already walked the halls (better than walking the street I guess) and she had drank 12 oz of juice. Now, yesterday water had felt like acid in her mouth. Tonight she eat her first food since Nov 1, breakfast, then a little lunch, and then for dinner she ate soup, mashed potatoes, and some ravioli…. then threw it up... but at least she can eat. (note to self… take it slow … moderate amounts at first)
By the way, her Thursday morning Blood Counts show her White Cells at 1000. Her Red Cells and platelets should start coming up soon. Now we wait to see if her new stem cells can support her system, building it strong enough to get her cell counts to normal levels.
I will be returning to Portland on Saturday morning. I’m attaching a picture of her pole buddy from Wednesday. She should be able to shed most of it soon. These show part of what she get everyday.
Again, we thank all of you for the support, friendship, prayers, and good wishes. It helps to know we are not alone in this.
Past my bed time....
Larry
PS - In regards to the nessage below.... It is interesting to think that Florence grew up in Santa Monica...... hummmm
PSS Stop all snail nail to OHSU after Saturday (10th) because we should be gone before it arrives....
Wednesday, November 7, 2007
What you can do...
This message is from Florence's friend, Kay Eilers:
"Our friend’s daughter, Erin Doherty, is running a marathon on December 9 as part of Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have gladly sent a donation, and have given Erin Florence’s name and blog site as motivation and inspiration to reach the finish line. Erin has asked that we forward her donation letter to others who might be interested in contributing—hence, I am sending this to you for distribution to Florence’s fan club.
Interested folks can contribute via Erin’s website at
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/edoherty
or send a check to Erin at 1122 18th Street #102, Santa Monica, CA 90403. She welcomes questions, advice, and encouragement at eryndoherty@verizon.net or at 310-828-8405. Last year Erin ran ½ marathon and raised $3,000; this year her goal is $4,000. Certainly the challenges Florence has faced this year should help Erin meet her goals. Thanks. K"
"Our friend’s daughter, Erin Doherty, is running a marathon on December 9 as part of Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. We have gladly sent a donation, and have given Erin Florence’s name and blog site as motivation and inspiration to reach the finish line. Erin has asked that we forward her donation letter to others who might be interested in contributing—hence, I am sending this to you for distribution to Florence’s fan club.
Interested folks can contribute via Erin’s website at
http://www.active.com/donate/tntgla/edoherty
or send a check to Erin at 1122 18th Street #102, Santa Monica, CA 90403. She welcomes questions, advice, and encouragement at eryndoherty@verizon.net or at 310-828-8405. Last year Erin ran ½ marathon and raised $3,000; this year her goal is $4,000. Certainly the challenges Florence has faced this year should help Erin meet her goals. Thanks. K"
Monday, November 5, 2007
Two Days/Nights I'd Just As Soon Forget......
Boy, I’m pooped… This is by far the hardest treatment for Florence. So you ask, “Why are you pooped?” Well the medication level to keep Florence’s pain somewhat tolerable along with the antifungal puts her right at the point to have hallucinations. This all started Saturday night. All I can say is, if she dreams this much all the time, she cannot possibly be getting any sleep at night!!! I know I’m getting little at best. Tonight they are trying another drug that may counter both the hallucinations and nausea. So far after a half-hour it isn’t working.
That is the really noticeable change over the last two days. Her throat still hurts and she hasn’t really eaten anything substantial since about Nov. 01. So they are getting concerned about that. That could mean IV nutrition.
Sorry no humor this blog, not much fun and a little stressed right now. The staff here assures me that she is doing great and these are all things they have seen before.
I'm having a little trouble knowing just where and how much the staff is depending on me for care/support and information. I KNOW, I SHOULD ASK… and I will tomorrow.
Actually I’m suppose to be in a Safety class here in Boring at 0830 tomorrow but that will depend on how the night goes and how the morning starts.
Need those prayers and good thoughts… Larry
That is the really noticeable change over the last two days. Her throat still hurts and she hasn’t really eaten anything substantial since about Nov. 01. So they are getting concerned about that. That could mean IV nutrition.
Sorry no humor this blog, not much fun and a little stressed right now. The staff here assures me that she is doing great and these are all things they have seen before.
I'm having a little trouble knowing just where and how much the staff is depending on me for care/support and information. I KNOW, I SHOULD ASK… and I will tomorrow.
Actually I’m suppose to be in a Safety class here in Boring at 0830 tomorrow but that will depend on how the night goes and how the morning starts.
Need those prayers and good thoughts… Larry
Saturday, November 3, 2007
Another day at the U......
Well, with a menagerie of drugs running through her veins, Florence still tells her nurses she is doing OK. She appears pretty miserable to me. The pain meds seem to be making the mouth and throat pain tolerable but eating still hurts. So, she isn’t eating much and if the pain gets too bad they will start IV nutrients so she doesn’t have to eat. Of course not eating can cause potential issues with her digestive tract they also say.
As you can imagine her IV pole got a workout today: pumps of antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, a bag-o-potassium, some NaCl, and a pain med pump to boot. They also bumped the pain med dose up and she seems to be sleeping better… Now I have to nag her to eat/drink/sip and to take her meds. She has developed an uncanny ability to sleep while sitting up with her back toward me so I’m not sure if she is sleeping or eating.
Dr. Kovacsovics came in today and visited with Florence. He said that her symptoms are not uncommon but had hoped they wouldn't be so severe. All we can do is wait them out. With the return of her white cells the symptoms will subside.
She did manage to see some of the DUCK game although I’m not sure she remembers any of it. She does still enjoy reading her cards and showing them off. Thoses she remembers.
Your wishes and prayers are still and always appreciated…..
Larry
As you can imagine her IV pole got a workout today: pumps of antibiotic, antifungal, antiviral, a bag-o-potassium, some NaCl, and a pain med pump to boot. They also bumped the pain med dose up and she seems to be sleeping better… Now I have to nag her to eat/drink/sip and to take her meds. She has developed an uncanny ability to sleep while sitting up with her back toward me so I’m not sure if she is sleeping or eating.
Dr. Kovacsovics came in today and visited with Florence. He said that her symptoms are not uncommon but had hoped they wouldn't be so severe. All we can do is wait them out. With the return of her white cells the symptoms will subside.
She did manage to see some of the DUCK game although I’m not sure she remembers any of it. She does still enjoy reading her cards and showing them off. Thoses she remembers.
Your wishes and prayers are still and always appreciated…..
Larry
Friday, November 2, 2007
Pumps, Bags, and Sore Throat........
Today is Day +7….. Mouth still sore and the Doc says it will until day 10 to 14…. Ouch. Maybe she will be one of the lucky ones and start healing before her own cell counts come up. They upped the Morphine which helps allot but it still hurts. So needless to say she is snoozing most of the day.
She is getting blood and platelets today to keep her counts reasonable. Then there are antibiotics, antifungal, and more. Due to a 101f. fever she is getting her blood cultured. This occurred numerous times during her induction chemo. They cultured her blood every time a fever popped up to see if an infection has started.
Florence says she still feels good if it wasn’t for the throat and mouth soreness. So, good night for now and keep her in your thoughts and prayers…..
Larry
She is getting blood and platelets today to keep her counts reasonable. Then there are antibiotics, antifungal, and more. Due to a 101f. fever she is getting her blood cultured. This occurred numerous times during her induction chemo. They cultured her blood every time a fever popped up to see if an infection has started.
Florence says she still feels good if it wasn’t for the throat and mouth soreness. So, good night for now and keep her in your thoughts and prayers…..
Larry
Thursday, November 1, 2007
Sore Throat, But they have drugs for that......
Whoaaaaa… Day +6… so what happened over the last 4 days??????? Man, time flies…. Treatment has progressed as expected. This chemo is harsh as they said so Florence is feeling some of the effects that she managed to dodge all the other rounds.
Little nausea, mouth and throat are sore, and tonight she thinks the hair may be starting to depart. Hey, this could mean I get to give my second ever haircut. Maybe a Mohawk for a short time????? Hummmmmmm….. Doubt it!!!!!!
The staff hooked her up to a PCA (patient controlled analgesic). If she gets it cranked up enough it could be ‘stupor time’!!!!!! Anything to ease the pain, she says it feels like a bad strepth-throat. Pretty hard to swallow pills and all so the PCA should help.
Once her cell counts start to come up this should all be relieved. For now they are really low. She has received transfusions of both platelets and red cells. The stem cells should be taking up home in her marrow so she is also getting a drug to stimulate cell growth.
Not much else for now… still looking at about Day +10 for cell counts to take off, we’ll see.
Later, Larry
Little nausea, mouth and throat are sore, and tonight she thinks the hair may be starting to depart. Hey, this could mean I get to give my second ever haircut. Maybe a Mohawk for a short time????? Hummmmmmm….. Doubt it!!!!!!
The staff hooked her up to a PCA (patient controlled analgesic). If she gets it cranked up enough it could be ‘stupor time’!!!!!! Anything to ease the pain, she says it feels like a bad strepth-throat. Pretty hard to swallow pills and all so the PCA should help.
Once her cell counts start to come up this should all be relieved. For now they are really low. She has received transfusions of both platelets and red cells. The stem cells should be taking up home in her marrow so she is also getting a drug to stimulate cell growth.
Not much else for now… still looking at about Day +10 for cell counts to take off, we’ll see.
Later, Larry
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