Well, as they warned, the chemo is beginning to show its effects. Greg woke up this morning feeling very sore in his mouth, and very tired. He’s pretty much been sleeping all day. Except when they give him the Lassix. His feet and ankles are very swollen. He can barely get his shoes on. But that’s not surprising, since they have to give him tons of fluids to flush the chemicals out of his body. So, its fluids all night, Lassix all day. Again.
Actually, this is a good sign, because it means the chemo is doing what its supposed to be doing. Plus Dr. DiPersio says that as the chemo starts working, his fevers, which have been persistent, should abate. He thinks the fevers are from the disease, so it makes sense. As the cancer cells are destroyed, the fevers go away. And, last night, he only had one "sweating" episode. So, I guess DiPersio was right. He always is. Just ask him.
He got unleashed from the IV machine for a few hours today and managed to take a short walk around the unit. That’s important for lots of reasons: excess fluids, keeping his lungs clear, blood sugars, and general strength (which hasn’t been that great). He was a little wobbly, and I’m going to try to encourage him to go again later. Also, his appetite pretty well sucks. He did manage to eat a little cereal this morning, though. Food is starting to taste "off" as well – another side effect of the chemo. Its hard to keep up your strength if you don’t eat, and its hard to eat when you feel so crummy.
His hair is still intact (that won't go for a few more weeks), and his vital signs have all been stable, except for that high heart rate thing. Its reared its ugly head again. But, his blood pressure is very good, so while they’re concerned, they’re not in panic mode. They’ve doubled his beta blocker & are going to wait & see.
That’s about all for today. He continues with the Busulfan through Thursday, then he starts the Cytoxan. We’re still on target for the transplant to take place June 1.
‘Til tomorrow!
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6 comments:
Yeah, he better keep getting up and walking around every once in a while, it is very important... i'm glad things are still heading in a good direction... i just hope he gets an appetite... I can't imagine all you guys have been going through but I'm glad you're all pulling through this together... love you! - Rebecca
Ann and Greg:
Greetings from Minnesota. I’m putting my laptop computer to good use by using it to convey positive thoughts and energy to both of you (instead of checking email). Ann, I hope you don’t mind, but we’ve used your name plackard to reserve an extra seat next to us so that we have room to stretch during these riveting lectures. The Columbian restaurant was excellent and I couldn’t help but think of Greg’s bacon t-shirt when Ian shared his Chicharron with us. Ian documented our experience with pictures which I’m sure he will also share. We are all thinking of you and continue to hope and pray for Greg’s recovery.
Michelle L.
It is good for Greg to take a short walk, just making sure not on the wild side. Also no harassing the nurses!
Hope you guys have a restful night-us too!
Prayers coming all the time.
Send some nice weather will ya?
Love ya,
Us
If Greg's appetite isn't there, are they giving him something like "Ensure" to drink? Those things are high protein/hign nutrition and good for cancer patients. Three or more a day might do him good.
Greg, when you are up and stolling in hospital halls, make sure your gown back is closed! I have visions of Jack Nicholson in the movie "Somethin's Gotta Give" when he walks around, holding on to the IV pole, and his open gown lets his bare bottom peak through! Quite hilarious!
:)Sally:)
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