Not Much Change

There's not alot of change from yesterday other than there is something abnormal going on with the liver. The oncologist is going to ask the infection specialist to come by tomorrow and the two of them will determine the course of action. Testing was done on the gall bladder today, and all is good there.

Here's what's happening with some of our kids: Jenna moves back to College Station tomorrow. Katie arrived in Germany today, along with Craig, (my brother) Rut (her boyfriend) and Trevor (Rut's friend). Mary and Daniel start school in one week, Aug. 20th, and Daniel is currently trying to get over strep throat. Keeps things interesting.

More later,
Kim

More Waiting

Pain is still a problem; more today than yesterday. The Dr. has become concerned about elevated liver enzyme counts. These enzyme counts were a little elevated Monday morning, and have continued rising significantly each day since. Therefore, today an ultasound was done on the liver. We're told there are many reasons this could be happening. I was hoping we'd have some news from the ultrasound when the Dr. made rounds this evening, but he said it hadn't been read yet-we should know something tomorrow.

Needless to say, we're worried but trying real hard not to be. Once again the chemo has been stopped-- Monday was the last treatment. Not sure when that will resume.

Thanks for all your prayers! Many blessings to you and your family.
Love you all,
Kim

Still a Slight Pain

This evening the Dr. says there is still no "distinct explanation" as to what is causing the pain. He also said he's not comfortable yet even talking about dismissing him, even though the pain is not quite as intense. Right now there's no indication of infection or bacteria, which is great news, but the Dr. says he would feel better waiting until all the blood culture results are in.

Ray is still on some morphine, but using it very, very conservatively. In case I haven't mentioned it before: he's so afraid of becoming addicted to pain killers, that he won't use them when he really does need to be. (possibly due to the media not letting MJ rest in peace? ha!) Even though two different Drs. have explained (at great length) to him it's not very likely for him to become addicted. Sooo, sometimes he's his own worst enemy. But, it's easy for me to judge from bedside.

Love you all,
Kim

What a Day!

We saw the Dr. this morning and found out Ray was dehydrated which may explain some of the fatigue. So in addition to receiving the chemo he was also given 4 hours of "hydration" in the outpatient unit. As good as his appetite has been, I was so surprised that he was dehydrated. I asked the Dr. if there was something we could have been doing to prevent this. He shook his head and said that this is just part of it. He also said sometimes drinking too much water can cause dehydration.

We were only home from the hospital about an hour, when Ray began having this agonizing pain in his bones. He thought it would get better, but of course it didn't-so about 7:00 this evening we called the Dr. and soon we were back in the hospital. To make a long story, short, he's been admitted---x-rays, blood cultures, I.V., etc., etc., are being done. You know this is the exact pain he had last October, which ended up being diagnosed as e-coli. We'll know for sure in a few days exactly what this is. Right now he resting comfortably, thanks to the morphine pump. Things will look better in the morning.

Love you all,
Kim

Extreme Fatigue

Things are steadily moving along. We continue going to the hospital each morning for the chemo treatment. Extreme fatigue is the biggest complaint. Ray has said this drug that he began last Wednesday is really kicking his butt. Before now, he just thought he knew what fatigue was. He has spent most of yesterday and today in bed flat on his back. Lying in the recliner even requires more energy than he has.

He'll see the Dr. in the morning before his treatment. We're thankful there's been no fever (or anything else) to worry about.

Love you all,
Kim

Nothing New

Since Katie called this morning and got onto me for not updating since Tuesday, I thought I'd let you know there's really nothing to update. Everything has been going well with the past few days of treatment. Blood counts have been unchanged. A couple of the counts have been up a little and a couple have been down a little.

The oncologist is on vacation this week, so we're pleased to be just cruisin'. He'll be back next week, so we'll see him on Monday. Enjoy your weekend!

Love you all,
Kim

Chemo Routine

Results from the blood tests today showed that Ray's blood counts are steadily improving, so that means more chemo. We just got in from the hospital where he'll be receiving the chemo on an outpatient basis as long as he has no problems. Each day there will be a two hour observation after the chemo is administered, and then he can return home if there are no problems. If there are problems, i.e fever, chills, nausea, etc., then he'll be admitted and be in the hospital for the remainder of this 14 day treatment. We'll be working (and praying) most diligently, doing everything in our power to keep him healthy. Unfortunately, each drug has a long list of "common side effects."

He's been feeling pretty good. Doing many things that he wished he could do while stuck in the hospital. Right now, he and Daniel are working on a project in the back yard. We're most grateful for the times that he feels good enough to be up and around.

Love you all,
Kim