Creative Sleep Deprivation

Things are going up, slowly. Two days ago his ANC (infection-fighting white cells) were up to 180. We don't have yesterday's numbers, but I'll get them to you when I do. I was down for the count yesterday with a major migraine. By the way, you don't want to do that when you're living in a hospital, and you're not the patient. No one cares. Poor Greg was trying to take care of ME. But, I'm much better today.

On the medical front, we had a nurse who made a major screw up yesterday. His Tacrolimus (anti-rejection drug) is supposed to be a 20-hour IV infusion. That's because if the levels get too high, its toxic, can cause liver failure, and probably a whole host of other issues. She hung it at 2, as usual, and at 4 it beeped that it was done. She programmed the pump for 2 instead of 20 hours. We've had three docs in so far to apologize. Probably trying to head off the lawsuit (Greg's going to rename the place "Skibinski-Jewish Hospital" -- nice ring, huh?). They're watching his liver function closely, and flushing him with MORE fluids (you should see his ankles!), and so far, everything seems to be OK, but we'll have to see. They drew labs this morning to check his Tacrolimus levels, but we don't have the results yet. She also forgot to draw his CBC for labs (complete blood count), so we didn't get the word that he needed both blood and platelets until after midnight. The good news is, we didn't like her anyway, and I seriously doubt she'll be assigned to Greg again.

However, they're still very pleased with the way he's progressing. The attending physician was in this morning, and said they can probably start oral Tacrolimus soon, and, she thinks he could be discharged to outpatient by the end of the week. No guarantees, but that's very welcome news. We'll have to see.

As an aside, the Creative Sleep Deprivation Department has been working overtime. Literally. Saturday night at 10:15 we heard this huge rukus in the hall. Banging, hollering, and machinery running. I look out, and they're stripping the floors! The noise and mayhem went on 'til well past midnight. Last night, at about 10:30, they started re-waxing them. Sigh. I wonder what they have in mind for tonight.

Judy seems to be surviving the children, even though she's horribly outnumbered. They managed a trip to Price Cutter with no casualties, and got tickets to the New Shanghai Circus for Wednesday. She's making Eric go along to help referee. Matthew is having a ball, and the tearful phone calls have ceased. But, he was very glad to talk to his dad, and hear that "the sickness is going away." It was hard not seeing him this weekend, but he's pretty happy right now, and hopefully, I'll be home soon.

Thanks to all once again for the prayers & good thoughts. I know they're working. Greg is getting through this fairly easily. And I know there's a huge potential for problems. I see an awful lot of stressed-out family members on this floor, and know there's a lot of people up here in much worse shape than he is. I just thank God every day for the tremedous progress he's made and for such great family and friends. We cherish each and every one of you.

Thanks for everything!

Love,

Greg & Ann