Dad Stats:
Most recent temperature: 99.9F
Most recent blood pressure:
Today's white blood cell count: 0.21
The good news this morning was that Dad's temperature is better! Looks like the antibiotics are kicking in.
Since Dad has been having a lot of diarrhea over the past few days, they tested him for Clostridium difficile (aka "C. diff") toxin, and that test came back positive last night. That means that Dad probably has Clostridium difficile colitis, which occurs frequently after high-dose chemotherapy or strong antibiotic treatment. The treatment for C. diff is oral Flagyl (an antibiotic). Also, Dad now has to be on what they call "contact precautions" because C. diff spores are easily transmittable. That means that visitors to his room must wear a special gown and gloves, and wash their hands frequently with soap and water.
As far as mucositis, Dr. Salzman re-evaluated Dad's mouth sores today and determined that he has "low level mucositis." It is not too painful yet, but Dad still doesn't feel like eating. She told him that he doesn't have to eat if he doesn't want to because he is being well-hydrated with IV fluids, and they are replacing any electrolyte deficiencies each day.
Once again, Dad pretty much slept all day. We went for a couple of short walks, and I got him to eat one grape Popsicle (yes, that is all he has eaten all day long), but he wasn't interested in watching movies or anything else. He just wants to sleep.
Sounds like Rod and you had a tough day. I am glad the fever is down and he can sleep a lot to get away from all the miserable side effects he is enduring.
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like all of his reactions are common for patients who have had strong chemo treatments. It seems like the medical staff are prepared to treat whatever effects he develops.
I liked Sue's imagery about “fresh stem cells are growing into healthy plump fighting white blood cells! It will be a long week, but his white blood cells will do their duty! “
Please give Rod a hug and tell him it is from me!
White blood cell count is up, and fever is down. Focus on the positive. Lots of sleep this week to restore and recover. Since Rod is sleeping a lot, this week will be a blurry memory mostly. We are thinking of you all, every day! Thanks again for the blog posts!
ReplyDeleteYep, sleep and recovery is the name of the game. I like the idea of plump white blood cells too!
ReplyDeleteThanks aunts for your kind and encouraging comments!