Today's Dad Stats:
Most recent temperature: 97.7F
Most recent blood pressure:
White blood cell count: 6.64
Well, if I had to use one word to describe today, it would be "rough." Luckily though I have space for more than just one word...
The effects of all of the chemotherapy drugs seem to have arrived all at once. Dad got no sleep last night. The dopamine drip that he was on to keep his kidneys functioning well had him up to the bathroom every 15-20 minutes. Also, last night he developed severe nausea. This morning he was so nauseated that he could not eat breakfast. The team tried him on three different anti-nausea medicines before he finally got a little bit of relief.
Around 2pm Dad was finally able to eat some peaches and oatmeal. I tried to give him a chocolate chip cookie but he couldn't stomach it. He also has a very dry mouth so he has been trying to sip water frequently.
Dad is not very fluid over-loaded, so we talked with Dr. Salzman about stopping the dopamine for tonight so he can get some rest. As hard as the effects of all these chemo drugs are, they are much worse when compounded by lack of sleep!
No signs of mucositis yet, but we are keeping a watchful eye on Dad's lips and oral mucosa for signs of that starting. I think that is going to be the most painful part of the post-chemo days.
Tonight Dad started his last dose of Cytoxan at 8pm, after being pre-medicated with mesna again. This is his last dose of chemotherapy!!! Unfortunately it is hard to be as excited as we should be since Dad feels so sick.
We have been watching movies all day to try to keep Dad's mind off of his stomach. I think it's helping a little. Thanks to all of my wonderful friends who have let us borrow their DVDs! Sorry no pictures today, I didn't want to take a picture of Dad since he doesn't feel good, and I couldn't think of anything creative to photograph.
Evita, amiga mia, cuan dificil debe ser para ti y los tuyos estos momentos!, deseo de todo corazon que te mantegas fortalecida pues ya falta poco y decirte que eres una maravillosa hija y que tu papa debe sentirse muy afortunado de tenerles a ustedes, aun cuando este debil su fortaleza son sus hijos. Me encantaria poder acompañarte, mas desde aqui le deseo pronta mejoria a tu papa y bendiciones para ti, amiga querida.
ReplyDeleteHardy
Thankfully the last chemo is done. It was rough, but you knew it would be. One more day down. You are doing a great job thinking positively.
ReplyDeleteWe have a lot of DVDs. Maybe we could bring them down when we come? We have all of the published original series Star Trek episodes (orig series is the best) and we have all of the Star Wars movies. Rod might like the Twilight Zone series (also original). They are mostly black and white, but incredible and fascinating stories with Rod Serling. We also have Harry Potter, all movies but the last one of course. What do you think, would Rod like us to bring some of those?
Thinking of you all and hoping for an easier day for you all tomorrow. Many hugs!
Hola Hardy, gracias para tus comentarios! Si estamos aca sobreviviendo el tratamiento; espero que el internado no dura para mucho tiempo mas!
ReplyDeleteHey Sue, yes, DVDs would be great. I asked Dad which ones of those options he would like to see and he said Twilight Zone, Star Trek, and Star Wars. Be wary though bc he's not into violent or scary movies right now. I'm sad that I'm not going to be able to see you guys!
ReplyDeleteOk, I'm bring those 3 series. Twilight Zone is more suspensful, rather than scary. The other ones he has seen before, so no surprises. More violence in Star Wars, but I'll bring them if he wants to watch them, he can.
ReplyDeleteI am sad we won't see you either Eva. Hope to see you in October.