Well, the first day of winter dawned grey and cool here today. I thought I would give another update as the last one was so concerning and I know many of you will be following Peter's progress closely.
Since the seizures on Friday night, Peter has had a very quiet and subdued 2 days. The oncologist thinks the seizures were due to low blood calcium levels, so he is receiving an IV with calcium to increase the levels. Apparently anything above a "2" reading is not too bad but his were around 1.6. So he is still being kept in bed with the bed rails up (a bit like closing the gate after the horse has bolted) as he is very weak.
The brain scan taken on Friday night shows no abnormalities (thank god) that is, no tumours or abnormal activity; no skull fracture etc either which is all positive. You've always known he was "hard-headed" and now you know that medical science has revealed the truth!!
He finished this cycle of chemotherapy yesterday afternoon and is on an IV which is helping to flush his system with fluids and get rid of the chemo drugs. He still feels very ill but the oncologist was very good with him today and told him that to get him home by mid week, he would have to do some very hard work, namely drinking around 1.5 litres and starting to eat, getting out of bed and walking a little.
As a result he had his first food for 4 and 1/2 days tonight - 1 small spoon of macaroni, 1 small piece of banana and 1/3 bowl of chocolate mousse. All of which is positive. So now at least he won't think it's just me "nagging" at him to eat, he has the doctor telling him as well!!
As for his injuries as a result of the "swan dive" to the floor, the left side of his face, especially the forehead, is all swollen and grazed; his temple is grazed and he has a horizontal graze from the corner of his mouth about 10 cm long.
It seems the pain is also now under better control as Peter has asked for his "mobic" tablet to be included in his regimen (it's a non-steroidal antinflammatory drug). The pain specialist has indicated Peter has will be able to receive home assistance from the "palliative care" team in the community and we should also be able to access home aids, such as shower chairs, bed components (soft wool overlays or hospital bed) and recliner chairs with special water filled cushions (although some may require a wait). This is good news as I was looking to buy a new bed and chair etc and this is one less thing to have to do, although Peter had already sent me out to investigate all of this earlier in the week.
As for me, I am okay if somewhat tired and staving off a bit of a cold that I don't want to pass onto Peter or have it develop further.
Thanks to everyone for all your positive thoughts and messages. I'll post another update in a few days or when there is a change in Peter's condition.
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