Dad Stats:
Most recent temperature: 99.9F
Most recent blood pressure:
Today's white blood cell count: 0.12
Today was a relatively quiet day. Dad's mucositis is getting worse, and so he really hasn't felt like doing anything except for sleeping. He now has a little suction device at his bedside, which he can use to get rid of saliva so he doesn't have to swallow. Dad still has not been able to eat anything; although that makes me pretty anxious, the medical team keeps assuring us that it's okay if he doesn't eat for a few days.
We went on a couple of short walks today, which I'm ecstatic about because I thought that Dad would not feel like walking at this point. I think he likes getting up and stretching his muscles after so much time laying down, even though he doesn't the energy to walk for very long.
Dad continues to run low grade fevers, but he is still on broad-spectrum antibiotics, and so we feel like any infection he may have is under control. He is also still on oral Flagyl for C. diff (yes, it is painful for Dad to swallow the pill, but he manages it). We still have about a week before his white blood cell count will start to rise and allow Dad to fight off infections on his own.
The main event of today was that, since Dad's mouth and throat are pretty darn painful now, they set up a PCA pump for him tonight, which is a mechanism that lets him self-administer pain medication. Hopefully that will make him more comfortable for the next few days.
I apologize that this post is so dreary! Really though, Dad is stable and doing as expected. To close on a happier note, today Dad received an email from a friend of his letting him know that they have a new nuclear project for him to work on when he gets better, and that seemed to make his day!
Another rough day, but another day done. You don't need to apologize for "dreary" reports. It is what it is. We want to know how it is going and we know it is going to be hard for awhile, until his own cells kick in. You are doing a fantastic job. And yes he is stable and progressing as expected.
ReplyDeleteI like that you post Rod's temperature and cell count so I can compare the days and see how he is doing.
I am glad he got the email about a nuclear project. I can imagine that perked him up for a while.
Give him another hug for me! Tell him I am thinking of him with hope and love.
ReplyDeleteEven though it is rough, like you wrote, he is stable and progressing as expected. Everyone is doing their part to make sure progression continues positively! It is impressive that Rod goes for walks. He's a tough cookie and determined. All the moral support from his family and nurses/doctors keeps him much stronger, too.
ReplyDeleteGreat news with the email about the nuclear project! I'm very glad he had a piece of good news like that to brighten his day.
Lots of <3 from the kubleys!