Cindys update at 9:30pm on 3-29 A good day today for my lovely bride. Taking the fluid off yesterday helped her sleep soundly, and helped bring back her appetite--which was particularly nice after not having had a full meal since this past Sunday. Morning rounds brought good news as well: white blood cell counts down significantly again, from 110s on Thursday to 66,000 yesterday to 18,000 today--the fifth and final day of the chemo cycle. Theres still considerable room for improvement, but its emphatically the right trend--and a great lift for the patient. With that tailwind, the day saw marked improvement. She took the oxygen cannula off to eat breakfast and didnt realize for two hours that she was without it--at which point her oxygen levels were still in the mid-90s. So, off with the oxygen! Wind and energy levels vastly improved during the day, to the point that Cindy spent much of the afternoon in a chair, hobbled into the bathroom for a shower, and even took a short walk after dinner. Having her surprise visitor (Billy) around for much of the day also provided a boost, of course, as did Johnny Os joining us for dinner and some good conversation. Docs are still watching closely, of course. (In fact, the nurse just now, at 9:30 on Saturday night, came in with an order for some blood work from Dr. Taylor--who was off today, but whose computer obviously stretches from his living room right here to the 12th floor.) Most importantly, all the cell die-off--lysing--demands a close eye on kidney function, and the cold/flu/infection monitors are now on duty full time as the immunosuppressive effects of the chemo mount. For now, however, the patient--our old friend, A-student Cindy--is feeling MUCH better, and the docs and nurses quite are pleased with progress. Hoping for a restful night, and then more hard work tomorrow. Thanks upon thanks to all for your kind words.
Posted on: Sun, 30 Mar 2014 02:47:17 +0000