Ray continues getting stronger little by little each day. It's a slow process. He says he's shufflin' faster today than he was yesterday. He's frustrated that he can't gain weight. Not too long ago, he would have never dreamed of having such a problem. His appetite is good, however. He even gets up in the middle of the night to eat because he gets so hungry. He usually eats about six meals each day.
We are keeping Jude (18 months) this weekend while Ryan & Heather and the rest of their kids are gone to College Station for the opening football game. He's so much fun to have here and I couldn't bear the idea of him making that long car ride.
Blessings to you,
Kim
Friday, August 29, 2008
Tuesday, August 26, 2008
Still blogging
Some have asked whether or not I (we) will continue to update this blog. I will continue, but will probably not be posting something everyday. Ordinarily, life at the Huseman's is pretty boring. But we're not complaining, we could use some boring days right now. Keep checking though, one of these days I'm going to get smart enough to add pictures. Maybe I'll even get a picture on here of Ray wearing one of his new "do rags." He received 2 of them today.
I have been truly amazed and humbled by the number of people reading this blog (it's really made me nervous at times.) It HAS been a great way to keep everyone updated with so many of our family members and friends miles away.
By the way, the date for the bone marrow biopsy was changed to Fri., Sept. 5th due to a conflict the Dr. had.
Ryan (our oldest son) decided to give the hospital a try and spent last night and most of today at BSA. His Dr. thinks he has a staph infection which had to be treated with I.V. antibiotics. He's home now, and we pray he continues to improve. We couldn't believe it when Heather called to tell us.
We'll be in touch!
Kim
I have been truly amazed and humbled by the number of people reading this blog (it's really made me nervous at times.) It HAS been a great way to keep everyone updated with so many of our family members and friends miles away.
By the way, the date for the bone marrow biopsy was changed to Fri., Sept. 5th due to a conflict the Dr. had.
Ryan (our oldest son) decided to give the hospital a try and spent last night and most of today at BSA. His Dr. thinks he has a staph infection which had to be treated with I.V. antibiotics. He's home now, and we pray he continues to improve. We couldn't believe it when Heather called to tell us.
We'll be in touch!
Kim
Monday, August 25, 2008
We're Home!
What a blessing to be back home! Please join your prayers with ours and send up prayers of praise and thanksgiving. We made it here around 4:00 and I can't even tell you how awesome it felt to have Ray back home. Thank you all so much for your prayers and concern.
You're probably wondering, now what? We go in to see the hematologist next Thurs., Sept. 4th and the bone marrow biopsy will be done. Dr. said he wanted to give the blood and bone marrow plenty of time to "settle down" so we can get a true reading. He feels as though Ray is headed for remission, because of the great improvements the blood is making. Did I tell you how overjoyed we are?
Ray's already has his day planned for tomorrow (Tues.) First thing he wants to do is go see his chiropractor after nearly four weeks of sleeping on a hospital bed. We'll see if he gets everything done that he's hoping, he poops out pretty quick.
Mary and Daniel are thrilled to have their Dad back home.
Love you all,
Kim
You're probably wondering, now what? We go in to see the hematologist next Thurs., Sept. 4th and the bone marrow biopsy will be done. Dr. said he wanted to give the blood and bone marrow plenty of time to "settle down" so we can get a true reading. He feels as though Ray is headed for remission, because of the great improvements the blood is making. Did I tell you how overjoyed we are?
Ray's already has his day planned for tomorrow (Tues.) First thing he wants to do is go see his chiropractor after nearly four weeks of sleeping on a hospital bed. We'll see if he gets everything done that he's hoping, he poops out pretty quick.
Mary and Daniel are thrilled to have their Dad back home.
Love you all,
Kim
We are NOT dreaming!
This is Sr. Mary Michael writing for Kim...
Ray is being released from the hospital!!!
This paragraph is a dictation from Ray:
"I would like to thank everyone for ALL your prayers! and I appreciate all of the love poured out for me. And thanks to God that your prayers were heard and answered. Praised be Jesus Christ!"
The doctor is giving him a week off to go home and rest and eat whatever he wants! His numbers are so good that he's pretty sure he's in remission. The doctor wants to see him in his office next week, so he may have to come back for more chemo later, but at least this week will be at home! Yea!
Thank you again for all your prayers! Don't stop -- he's not quite out of the woods yet....
Love,
The Huseman's
Ray is being released from the hospital!!!
This paragraph is a dictation from Ray:
"I would like to thank everyone for ALL your prayers! and I appreciate all of the love poured out for me. And thanks to God that your prayers were heard and answered. Praised be Jesus Christ!"
The doctor is giving him a week off to go home and rest and eat whatever he wants! His numbers are so good that he's pretty sure he's in remission. The doctor wants to see him in his office next week, so he may have to come back for more chemo later, but at least this week will be at home! Yea!
Thank you again for all your prayers! Don't stop -- he's not quite out of the woods yet....
Love,
The Huseman's
Sunday, August 24, 2008
Lookin' Good!
Ray has been doing so much better the past two days. At this moment, he does not even have an I.V.!! His red blood count is higher each day, even though he has not been given blood since last Monday. That means his body is now making some of its own. Same with platelets and white blood cells. Praise the Lord!
He has lost about 25 lbs. since Aug. 1st (the day he went into the hospital.) Before going to the hospital, his Dr. warned , "You better not lose even one pound!" So now he's trying everything just to put some weight back on (this dieter's dream come true.)
He is sooo ready to come home. It's going to be interesting to see what this next week brings.
School started last Thurs. for Mary and Daniel. Katie and Jenna are back in College Station. School starts for them tomorrow as well as for Andy @ W.T. This is Andy's last semester!!
Love you all,
Kim
He has lost about 25 lbs. since Aug. 1st (the day he went into the hospital.) Before going to the hospital, his Dr. warned , "You better not lose even one pound!" So now he's trying everything just to put some weight back on (this dieter's dream come true.)
He is sooo ready to come home. It's going to be interesting to see what this next week brings.
School started last Thurs. for Mary and Daniel. Katie and Jenna are back in College Station. School starts for them tomorrow as well as for Andy @ W.T. This is Andy's last semester!!
Love you all,
Kim
Friday, August 22, 2008
Getting Stronger Every Day
Isn't there a song by that title?
Ray's blood values continue to improve and he is getting stonger. He was even able to get out and walk some today (just down the hall and back). He only used oxygen for a short time this morning and his O2 sats. remained good all day. Still not eating real well, but that is also getting better.
Dr. told him today he plans to do the next bone marrow biopsy early part of next week. If the leukemia is in remission, he'll begin the "post-remission" chemo soon thereafter.
Love you all,
Kim
Ray's blood values continue to improve and he is getting stonger. He was even able to get out and walk some today (just down the hall and back). He only used oxygen for a short time this morning and his O2 sats. remained good all day. Still not eating real well, but that is also getting better.
Dr. told him today he plans to do the next bone marrow biopsy early part of next week. If the leukemia is in remission, he'll begin the "post-remission" chemo soon thereafter.
Love you all,
Kim
Thursday, August 21, 2008
Out of ICU
Praise be to God!! Ray was just moved out of ICU at midnight (about an hour ago); so he is now in a regular room. He had to be released by all three of his Drs. before he could leave ICU and that took all day for each of them to make it by. Needless to say he is elated to be out of there.
We have to be very careful that he is not exposed to any illnesses, so visitors and visiting time will again be very restricted.
Love you all,
Kim
We have to be very careful that he is not exposed to any illnesses, so visitors and visiting time will again be very restricted.
Love you all,
Kim
Wednesday, August 20, 2008
Much better
God is good!! Things are much improved today. He does not have to use the BiPap machine anymore. YEA! X-rays show the lungs to be much clearer. He's still on oxygen, with the nose canula and his O2 sats. are very good with that. He's breathing is so much easier and his temp is normal. Praise God!
His white blood cell count has been steadily improving over the past three days. Dr. told him your own white blood cells are the best antibiotic you can have. His did receive another unit of platelets today and probably will receive more 2 more units of blood tomorrow. Dr. says not to worry about that, it is to be expected after chemo.
Results from the lung fluid culture show the pneumonia is a result of the chemo. A combination of meds can do that. The Dr. did mention however, doing another bone marrow biopsy in about a week to see what the leukemia is doing (remission or not) and if need be starting chemo again.
He tires very easily. His nurse today put a "No Visitors" sign on his door.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers for Ray. Please persevere.
Love you all,
Kim
His white blood cell count has been steadily improving over the past three days. Dr. told him your own white blood cells are the best antibiotic you can have. His did receive another unit of platelets today and probably will receive more 2 more units of blood tomorrow. Dr. says not to worry about that, it is to be expected after chemo.
Results from the lung fluid culture show the pneumonia is a result of the chemo. A combination of meds can do that. The Dr. did mention however, doing another bone marrow biopsy in about a week to see what the leukemia is doing (remission or not) and if need be starting chemo again.
He tires very easily. His nurse today put a "No Visitors" sign on his door.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart for all your prayers for Ray. Please persevere.
Love you all,
Kim
Tuesday, August 19, 2008
"Rising out of the abyss"
Those were the words of one of Ray's Drs. (hematologist) today. It was a good day!! The baby steps are getting bigger; blood counts improving, breathing improving, even the attitude is improving.
The hematologist was so encouraging when he came in today and I could see Ray getting stronger just by hearing the Dr. tell him, "things are better today and will be even better tomorrow. Keep up the good work and we'll have you out of ICU in a few days." I wish you all could have seen the transformation.
I was hoping to know more from the results of the lung fluid culture, but that Dr., (pulmonologist) said the results that came in so far really don't tell us anything we didn't already know. We'll know more tomorrow.
Yesterday, Ray said he was ready for a haircut, did I have my scissors. So today I brought scissors and did some cutting on his (much thinner) hair. He really wants it all shaved off. So as soon as he gets back into a regular room, I'll be bringing the clippers to the hospital. I did ask one of the Drs. today if I could give him a haircut while in ICU and his answer was, "I learned a long time ago, ICU is not the place for good sense. So, go for it!"
Ray continues to detest the Bi Pap breathing machine. So he continues to receive a sedative so he can manage it. He says he feels as though he is suffocating with the oxygen being forced into his lungs and the breathing apparatus is a plastic mask that is being pressed against his face. But this IS much better than a ventilator.
More tomorrow...
Love you all,
Kim
The hematologist was so encouraging when he came in today and I could see Ray getting stronger just by hearing the Dr. tell him, "things are better today and will be even better tomorrow. Keep up the good work and we'll have you out of ICU in a few days." I wish you all could have seen the transformation.
I was hoping to know more from the results of the lung fluid culture, but that Dr., (pulmonologist) said the results that came in so far really don't tell us anything we didn't already know. We'll know more tomorrow.
Yesterday, Ray said he was ready for a haircut, did I have my scissors. So today I brought scissors and did some cutting on his (much thinner) hair. He really wants it all shaved off. So as soon as he gets back into a regular room, I'll be bringing the clippers to the hospital. I did ask one of the Drs. today if I could give him a haircut while in ICU and his answer was, "I learned a long time ago, ICU is not the place for good sense. So, go for it!"
Ray continues to detest the Bi Pap breathing machine. So he continues to receive a sedative so he can manage it. He says he feels as though he is suffocating with the oxygen being forced into his lungs and the breathing apparatus is a plastic mask that is being pressed against his face. But this IS much better than a ventilator.
More tomorrow...
Love you all,
Kim
Monday, August 18, 2008
Things are looking up
I apologize for not posting yesterday, it was a rough day, but things are a little better today. We're taking baby steps but at least we're moving forward.
Ray's breathing has been less labored today. He's on a BiPap machine which he despises. It forces air into his lungs which in turn should promote healing. I tell him that I know it's hard, but it must be working because his heart rate has slowed down (it had been racing); his breathing has slowed down (also racing) and his oxygen sats. are up. All these are improvements. However, he still continues to have fever (101-102). He's on a broad range of antibiotics that the Dr. says should be taking care of infection, bacteria, etc. But since the fever continues, that tells us there's still something going on. So today the Dr. did a bronchoscopy which is a procedure where a scope is put in the lungs (through the mouth) to "look around" and check for blood clots, or whatever and also to aspirate some of the fluid from the lungs. This fluid is then cultured to better understand exactly what we're trying to fight; whether it be infection, bacteria or viral. (I hope I explained that right.) After we find out exactly what we're fighting then the Dr. will know exactly how to treat it.
You might be wondering why this wasn't done right away. Since Ray's defense system is gone, the Dr. was trying to avoid doing any invasive procedure that risks more infection to the body. He was hoping the broad range of antibiotics would have taken care of that by now.
His white blood count is still "undetectable" and other counts still very low. Yesterday, he received 2 more units of blood and one of platelets. Today, he received another one of platelets. THANK YOU GOD FOR BLOOD DONORS!!!
While he's on the BiPap machine, he cannot talk, so we have a notebook for him to write. He gets frustrated with me at times when I cannot understand the point he's trying to make. But for the most part, he's handling this whole situation well. The Dr. has had to give him meds for anxiety and confusion which we understand is very common in ICU.
Thank you all my dear family and friends that read this blog. I love you all very much. I have cried much these past 3-4 days. Some out of fear, but mostly because you all have so lovingly and generously reached out to our family. I can never thank you all enough so I have been thanking God for each of you. You all are like angels watching over us.
(I hope I didn't ramble too much.)
Love you all,
Kim
Ray's breathing has been less labored today. He's on a BiPap machine which he despises. It forces air into his lungs which in turn should promote healing. I tell him that I know it's hard, but it must be working because his heart rate has slowed down (it had been racing); his breathing has slowed down (also racing) and his oxygen sats. are up. All these are improvements. However, he still continues to have fever (101-102). He's on a broad range of antibiotics that the Dr. says should be taking care of infection, bacteria, etc. But since the fever continues, that tells us there's still something going on. So today the Dr. did a bronchoscopy which is a procedure where a scope is put in the lungs (through the mouth) to "look around" and check for blood clots, or whatever and also to aspirate some of the fluid from the lungs. This fluid is then cultured to better understand exactly what we're trying to fight; whether it be infection, bacteria or viral. (I hope I explained that right.) After we find out exactly what we're fighting then the Dr. will know exactly how to treat it.
You might be wondering why this wasn't done right away. Since Ray's defense system is gone, the Dr. was trying to avoid doing any invasive procedure that risks more infection to the body. He was hoping the broad range of antibiotics would have taken care of that by now.
His white blood count is still "undetectable" and other counts still very low. Yesterday, he received 2 more units of blood and one of platelets. Today, he received another one of platelets. THANK YOU GOD FOR BLOOD DONORS!!!
While he's on the BiPap machine, he cannot talk, so we have a notebook for him to write. He gets frustrated with me at times when I cannot understand the point he's trying to make. But for the most part, he's handling this whole situation well. The Dr. has had to give him meds for anxiety and confusion which we understand is very common in ICU.
Thank you all my dear family and friends that read this blog. I love you all very much. I have cried much these past 3-4 days. Some out of fear, but mostly because you all have so lovingly and generously reached out to our family. I can never thank you all enough so I have been thanking God for each of you. You all are like angels watching over us.
(I hope I didn't ramble too much.)
Love you all,
Kim
Saturday, August 16, 2008
Still in ICU
Just a brief update this Sat. evening. Ray still in ICU. He's not doing great, but he's also not any worse. His breathing is still labored, still has a temp. around 101; but that's better than 103 a couple days ago. We're trying very hard to keep him relaxed with brief visits. Talking is very difficult for him because it requires too much energy. I'm hoping for a big improvement real soon.
Love you all,
Kim
Love you all,
Kim
Friday, August 15, 2008
Pneumonia
What a day! Right now, Ray's being treated for pneumonia. When I left the him a short while ago, (10 p.m.) he seemed better than he had all day. Breathing is still labored, but getting better. He was eating some jello and complaining he wanted something more solid to eat. The pulmonologist said he would come in sometime during the night to check on him - his words, "Your husband is a very sick man." It's amazing how fast things can get so bad, but even more amazing how quickly they turn around.
Thanks again and again for everyone's comments, phone calls, visits and most of all your prayers. It is so comforting to have so many wonderful people to lean on.
I'll let you know how things are going tomorrow.
Love you all,
Kim
Thanks again and again for everyone's comments, phone calls, visits and most of all your prayers. It is so comforting to have so many wonderful people to lean on.
I'll let you know how things are going tomorrow.
Love you all,
Kim
A Short Note
Hey everyone! This is Katie filling in for my mom. We wanted to update everyone on what we know so far today. Unfortunately it isn't much. The doctors are afraid either dad had a bad reaction to the chemo or that he may have pneumonia. Lots of tests are being run and hopefully we will know more soon. We will keep you posted.
Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and support!
Thanks for all the thoughts, prayers, and support!
Moved
About 1 a.m. (Fri.) Ray was moved to ICU. His fever was becoming harder to manage, his cough worsened and his breathing more labored. X-ray shows some fluid on the lungs, possibly pneumonia. Dr. plans to have an infection specialist and pulmonology Dr. take a look at him early Fri. morn.
I stayed with him for about 3 hrs. in ICU. They're giving him two more units of blood and another of platelets. (Many other things too numerous to mention)
I am so thankful that I had decided to stay the night. He was really starting to worry me; he was starting to worry himself. We agreed Thurs. afternoon that I should stay. He is feeling so lousy from the chemo and then add to that the breathing troubles.
Katie is here now and will be here for a week. Good timing for her to be home. Mary is still in Naz. with my Mom. Daniel has been staying at Ryan's. Mary and Daniel start school on the 21st.
Please storm heaven for that dear man of mine. I'm really worried about him.
Love you all,
Kim
I stayed with him for about 3 hrs. in ICU. They're giving him two more units of blood and another of platelets. (Many other things too numerous to mention)
I am so thankful that I had decided to stay the night. He was really starting to worry me; he was starting to worry himself. We agreed Thurs. afternoon that I should stay. He is feeling so lousy from the chemo and then add to that the breathing troubles.
Katie is here now and will be here for a week. Good timing for her to be home. Mary is still in Naz. with my Mom. Daniel has been staying at Ryan's. Mary and Daniel start school on the 21st.
Please storm heaven for that dear man of mine. I'm really worried about him.
Love you all,
Kim
Wednesday, August 13, 2008
He Still Can't Dance
You know how hard it is to ask for help to go to the bathroom? Well...in the wee hours of the morning (I'm guessing around 4 a.m.) Ray decided he didn't need help and was trying to get himself and the I.V. pole into the bathroom when he lost his balance and fell. Worse than that, he thought no one would find out if he just got himself back in bed; which he was able to do without any problem. No one found out until I came in around 9:00 to help him shower. He obviously hadn't looked in the mirror. Praise God! No broken bones, but his jaw is swollen (hit the chair) and one of his shoulders is a massive bruise. His ego is also pretty sore and bruised. One of the nurses and I chewed on him for about 15 minutes. (I was ready to beat him!) I think he was afraid he was going to need more than his jaw x-rayed by the time we got finished.
Poor guy. He's having a tough time. High fever still a problem as soon as the Tylenol wears off, it's back up to 103+. Tonight they're adding another antibiotic (3rd) to his regimen. Still eating pretty good, even though "nothing taste good." This too shall pass, right?
Love you all,
Kim
Poor guy. He's having a tough time. High fever still a problem as soon as the Tylenol wears off, it's back up to 103+. Tonight they're adding another antibiotic (3rd) to his regimen. Still eating pretty good, even though "nothing taste good." This too shall pass, right?
Love you all,
Kim
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Long Day
Today was a rough day for Ray. He did receive the two units of blood, but they couldn't give him blood if his temp was over 100.1. Even after they had him lay on ice bags and gave him Tylenol and I.V. fluids it hung around 102-103. To lower his temp, they finally had to place the I.V. lines in ice water. I had never heard of that before. But then, there are lots of things I'm seeing these days for the first time.
He's freezing, shivering, burning up all at the same time. Dr. says this should only last about 10 days. TEN DAYS??!! (Ray's reaction) He's not up for visitors. A couple of people came by today and Ray asked me to go in the hall to talk to them. The nurses are protective of him, too. I really do appreciate that. There may have been more that came by, but didn't get passed the nurses. He's also started this annoying little dry cough. I need to ask the Dr. about it. I missed being there when he came in today. That makes me so mad!!
Sat. morn was the last day for this round of chemo. He received it continuously for about 7 1/2 days. Dr. plans to do a bone marrow biopsy Friday.
Thanks to all who have commented on this blog. I make sure Ray hears everyone of them.
"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Love you all,
Kim
He's freezing, shivering, burning up all at the same time. Dr. says this should only last about 10 days. TEN DAYS??!! (Ray's reaction) He's not up for visitors. A couple of people came by today and Ray asked me to go in the hall to talk to them. The nurses are protective of him, too. I really do appreciate that. There may have been more that came by, but didn't get passed the nurses. He's also started this annoying little dry cough. I need to ask the Dr. about it. I missed being there when he came in today. That makes me so mad!!
Sat. morn was the last day for this round of chemo. He received it continuously for about 7 1/2 days. Dr. plans to do a bone marrow biopsy Friday.
Thanks to all who have commented on this blog. I make sure Ray hears everyone of them.
"The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you."
Love you all,
Kim
I'll do better
I promise I'll do better about keeping you all updated. I did post a message (rather lengthy) Sat. evening and I am not sure where it went. It is floating away somewhere out in cyberspace.
Tues. morn.: Ray gave us all a scare last night about 8:00. I was getting my things together to go home for the night. He'd been running a low grade fever most of the day, so I ask them to check his temp one more time before I left. Well it was 103. Fever is very dangerous since his immune system is so weak. His white blood count is "undetectable" (Dr.s' words) right now. Immediately, they began doing blood cultures, chest x-ray, etc. He had meds going in orally and through the IV. They tell me the fever is due to blood values being so low. The body reacts this way to all the changes. This morn. his temp was 102.3 so all the meds were given again.
He received 2 units of platelets yesterday and will get 2 units of red blood cells today.
The longer we're in the hospital the more we realize how blessed we are with so many good friends and family. A group is saying the rosary for us each Mon. 7 pm in the hospital chapel and it is so comforting. I just can't tell you how wonderful it is.
We see other patients that are reminders for us that are problems are so small in comparison.
"Life is hard some of the time; God is good all of the time"
Love you all,
Kim
Tues. morn.: Ray gave us all a scare last night about 8:00. I was getting my things together to go home for the night. He'd been running a low grade fever most of the day, so I ask them to check his temp one more time before I left. Well it was 103. Fever is very dangerous since his immune system is so weak. His white blood count is "undetectable" (Dr.s' words) right now. Immediately, they began doing blood cultures, chest x-ray, etc. He had meds going in orally and through the IV. They tell me the fever is due to blood values being so low. The body reacts this way to all the changes. This morn. his temp was 102.3 so all the meds were given again.
He received 2 units of platelets yesterday and will get 2 units of red blood cells today.
The longer we're in the hospital the more we realize how blessed we are with so many good friends and family. A group is saying the rosary for us each Mon. 7 pm in the hospital chapel and it is so comforting. I just can't tell you how wonderful it is.
We see other patients that are reminders for us that are problems are so small in comparison.
"Life is hard some of the time; God is good all of the time"
Love you all,
Kim
Friday, August 8, 2008
Welcome to our blog! I've never been a blogger, so we are stepping out into new territory here. Thanks to one of our neices, (Shelly Hammond) she's set this up for us and trying to convince me that I can do this.
Stepping out into new territory... is exactly what our family has been doing with this leukemia. This sort of thing only happens to other people. Each day there is something new to learn. A quote I recently heard, "To accomplish something you never had, you have to do something you never did."
Thanks to all of you for your many, many prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, etc. I don't even have the words to convey what it has meant. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I plan to post messages often on this new blog of ours, so check often and of course we'll look forward to hearing from you. We do have a laptop in Ray's room, so he'll be able to read along!! (Maybe, if we get all this technology figured out)
Love you all,
Kim
Stepping out into new territory... is exactly what our family has been doing with this leukemia. This sort of thing only happens to other people. Each day there is something new to learn. A quote I recently heard, "To accomplish something you never had, you have to do something you never did."
Thanks to all of you for your many, many prayers, cards, phone calls, visits, etc. I don't even have the words to convey what it has meant. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts! I plan to post messages often on this new blog of ours, so check often and of course we'll look forward to hearing from you. We do have a laptop in Ray's room, so he'll be able to read along!! (Maybe, if we get all this technology figured out)
Love you all,
Kim
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