Hey guys. Today was a really good day! Dad is more alert each day; his voice is becoming stronger as well and starting to sound like his again. His mouth and throat are still recovering from all the tubes and ventilator from ICU but its almost there!
He had a physical therapist come in again today (as he will every day from this point on) and it is so extremely beneficial for him and his recovery. He was able to walk from his bed to the door twice with his walker and his blood pressure instantly goes down significantly when he's doing this and his other exercises.
I never knew chemotherapy was such a harmful, harsh drug. He must be treated with it, but it is causing a little havoc on some of his other internal functions. He has some swelling, elevated blood pressure and blood sugar levels, and the staff are watching his liver and kidneys closely. However, this is all secondary to fighting the cancer.
The great news is that my Dad's white blood cell count is down to nearly 0 (normal count for a male is between 4,000 - 10,000). When he was admitted it was 56,000. This means the chemo is working! However, it is CRITICAL he has no visitors for the remainder of the chemotherapy, which is three more days. He is in a highly risky state for outside infection, as his body doesn't have an immune system right now like yours and mine. We still need the love and support, so please continue to pray, comment, text, call my mom, but just especially for a few days we can't have visitors. Thank you SOOOO much for your understanding.
At times when my Dad wakes he does impressions and is cracking jokes, its hysterical. He is hanging in there and is so incredibly strong. My mother has achieved a level of strength that I didn't know existed. She is by his side at every second of the day. My Dad knows if she steps outside for even a few minutes and starts to ask for her. Continue to send the love, we are reading your comments to him and he enjoys hearing your positivity and encouragement. Love, Jen & Nicole
I really appreciate this blog. Thank you, Jen and Nicole. Sending Louise a big hug. Continuing to pray that Bill gets stronger every day, no infections and that the chemotherapy will take care of the cancer with minimal ill effects on the rest of his body. Love and prayers.
ReplyDeleteEveryone has took your mom to be very fragile......I know and always knew better and so has your dad. All everyone needs her to stand up and she eill be a warrior for her husband and family. She is my hero!@!@@@
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