You know life is going to throw you some good, bad and ugly and we have all went through it. Usually though you don't get it all in one serving. Richard has just went through a bad, ugly night but did get some good results this morning.
If you have been keeping up with the updates you know that Richard has had some labored breathing but the x-rays are all showing clear. He had another x-ray this morning and that came back clear. He has been going through some ugly symptoms though. He has been coughing up thick gunk. His oxygen level dropped to 81 last night, with very fast respirations and he has been on oxygen since then. He started running a fever and they did more blood cultures but haven't got results back from them. His fever disappeared around midnight though. He received more lasix around elevenish and spent much of the night getting rid of fluids. Right now his respirations are still rapid and he is trying to catch up on sleep.
The good in all of this mess is he now seems to have an immune system!!!! His white counts are up to 2.7, platelets are 58 and his ANC count(the important one) is 1200. That should only continue to move up. The Dr. said if he does have an infection, his body will be able to fight it. The bad and ugly is that he may have had a blood clot go to his lungs and they are going to be doing an ultra sound of his left leg and another test of his lungs. Course part of the bad is the WAITING!! We did NOT pray for patience!
The Dr. did say depending on what they find out that there is still the chance that he could go home Wednesday but he seemed doubtful. If Richard did have a blood clot go to his lungs, then it is a good thing that he is here where they know what to do. Will update as I get results.
“In God, whose word I praise— in God I trust and am not afraid. What can mere mortals do to me?” - Psalm 56:4
Monday, May 30, 2011
Sunday, May 29, 2011
The Journey Continues, + Day 12
This post really will be a quick one. LOL
The Dr. told us this morning that Saturdays x-ray looked better than the first one and there is another one scheduled for tomorrow. His white blood counts and platelets are still moving up but he has needed red blood every day. Richard has started running a low grade fever and if it goes up three more points they will be doing more blood cultures. He has continued walking and using the breathing treatment and has been coughing up thick stuff. He has been very tired today. The liver and kidney counts are some better but they will continue to keep an eye on them. He did pep up a little bit when Jonathan showed up with Brianna. It is great how those grandkids can put a smile back into your day!
Thanks for all the prayers, calls and post. Can you feel me smiling??? : )
The Dr. told us this morning that Saturdays x-ray looked better than the first one and there is another one scheduled for tomorrow. His white blood counts and platelets are still moving up but he has needed red blood every day. Richard has started running a low grade fever and if it goes up three more points they will be doing more blood cultures. He has continued walking and using the breathing treatment and has been coughing up thick stuff. He has been very tired today. The liver and kidney counts are some better but they will continue to keep an eye on them. He did pep up a little bit when Jonathan showed up with Brianna. It is great how those grandkids can put a smile back into your day!
Thanks for all the prayers, calls and post. Can you feel me smiling??? : )
Deuteronomy 6:5 (New International Version)
5 Love the LORD your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your strength.
Saturday, May 28, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day +11
Just have a quick update today. Richard had his x-ray but we haven't heard anything back about it. The nurse said she thinks that no news is goods news. When she listened to him she said she is just hearing a little bit of bronchial going on, like he has stuff needing to be coughed up. He has been doing that most of the day. He still seems out of breath some and tired.
The DR. came in mid morning. He did not have a comment on the pneumonia but did mention the high counts in his liver and kidneys. Good News though!! Richard's white counts are going up and they expect his ANC count to be up in the next few days. When the ANC reach 500 and stay there for 3 days then he will be allowed to go home. That is if his liver, kidneys and lungs cooperate and do what they should.
The nurse said that the counts going up means that the in grafting has started. The white count reached the 1000 mark Thursday and 1400 today. So far they don't think he has had any of the graft/host problems. I can't help but wonder though if some of the things he is going through could be from that but they seem to think it was too soon. The good thing is that the counts are going up and he will have a new immune system working soon.
I met a man in the elevator today, who happened to be family to the tornado victims and was told that they are getting some good reports. I told him that there are lots of people praying for them. He was bringing them sacks of food. That food smelled so much better than the hospital food. LOL
Well I thought I was doing a quick update!! : )
3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
The DR. came in mid morning. He did not have a comment on the pneumonia but did mention the high counts in his liver and kidneys. Good News though!! Richard's white counts are going up and they expect his ANC count to be up in the next few days. When the ANC reach 500 and stay there for 3 days then he will be allowed to go home. That is if his liver, kidneys and lungs cooperate and do what they should.
The nurse said that the counts going up means that the in grafting has started. The white count reached the 1000 mark Thursday and 1400 today. So far they don't think he has had any of the graft/host problems. I can't help but wonder though if some of the things he is going through could be from that but they seem to think it was too soon. The good thing is that the counts are going up and he will have a new immune system working soon.
I met a man in the elevator today, who happened to be family to the tornado victims and was told that they are getting some good reports. I told him that there are lots of people praying for them. He was bringing them sacks of food. That food smelled so much better than the hospital food. LOL
Well I thought I was doing a quick update!! : )
Deuteronomy 32:3 (New International Version)
3 I will proclaim the name of the LORD.
Oh, praise the greatness of our God!
Friday, May 27, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 18 or +10
The day that Richard entered the hospital I counted it Day 1 and now I am counting it day 18.
Today actually is day 17 or day +10. As I mentioned yesterday I am a day off because of blogging it day 1, the day he entered the hospital. The nurses have a different system of counting the days that led up to the transplant day. They have a countdown. Day 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and then they were at day 0. That was transplant day. They are now counting + days since the transplant. The day of transplant changed a few times but the nurses still continued the countdown to day 0. Day 0 was a day of excitement and anticipation of transplanting that new immune system to replace the old faulty one.
This countdown reminded me of the countdown of the births of my babies. I remember the excitement and counting the days down. The countdown with babies though are all subject to when that baby is ready to get here. I remember telling people things like I am 30 weeks with only 10 more weeks to go. I never made it to 40 weeks but the countdown was there just the same. There was still that excitement of waiting to greet my child. My children are now 28, 26, 23 and 12 but I still remember greeting each one of them just like it was yesterday.
We all have another countdown. Once we are born God has a countdown. He is counting and waiting for us to come to Him. He wants us to make Him our Lord and Savior. For those of us that have, we are now on the plus side. I am now +41years and counting. There is much excitement in heaven when a countdown moves to the + side. We have a Savior to guide us through this race of life. We have our brothers and sisters in Christ who help us through these days on earth.
Richard is on lasix now. He will be having another x-ray today. He actually gets to go off the bone marrow transplant floor to go to the emergency room to do this. He seemed pretty excited he gets to see some new territory. The nurse told him that his white count might have started moving up which means that the graft/host thing could start happening in the next few days. Hopefully he will be over the pneumonia, have the water gain back down before this starts. This has been a rough week for him but hopefully it will only get better from here. He is in this race to win it!!!
Today actually is day 17 or day +10. As I mentioned yesterday I am a day off because of blogging it day 1, the day he entered the hospital. The nurses have a different system of counting the days that led up to the transplant day. They have a countdown. Day 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1 and then they were at day 0. That was transplant day. They are now counting + days since the transplant. The day of transplant changed a few times but the nurses still continued the countdown to day 0. Day 0 was a day of excitement and anticipation of transplanting that new immune system to replace the old faulty one.
This countdown reminded me of the countdown of the births of my babies. I remember the excitement and counting the days down. The countdown with babies though are all subject to when that baby is ready to get here. I remember telling people things like I am 30 weeks with only 10 more weeks to go. I never made it to 40 weeks but the countdown was there just the same. There was still that excitement of waiting to greet my child. My children are now 28, 26, 23 and 12 but I still remember greeting each one of them just like it was yesterday.
We all have another countdown. Once we are born God has a countdown. He is counting and waiting for us to come to Him. He wants us to make Him our Lord and Savior. For those of us that have, we are now on the plus side. I am now +41years and counting. There is much excitement in heaven when a countdown moves to the + side. We have a Savior to guide us through this race of life. We have our brothers and sisters in Christ who help us through these days on earth.
Richard is on lasix now. He will be having another x-ray today. He actually gets to go off the bone marrow transplant floor to go to the emergency room to do this. He seemed pretty excited he gets to see some new territory. The nurse told him that his white count might have started moving up which means that the graft/host thing could start happening in the next few days. Hopefully he will be over the pneumonia, have the water gain back down before this starts. This has been a rough week for him but hopefully it will only get better from here. He is in this race to win it!!!
Acts 20:24 (New International Version)
Thursday, May 26, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 17 or +9
Just got off the phone with Richard. He was short of breath and said that just doing simple tasks and the shortness of breath will happen. He did start walking the halls again yesterday. He is trying to build up his strength. When they weighed him last night he has had a 25 lb gain. That could be part of the breathing problem with that much water gain on him. Hopefully they will get something going to get that off of him.
He has had to have platelets and blood off and on since Saturday but this is normal and we do remember this happening last August with his last transplant. Most of you guys remember that last August he did have a stem cell transplant using his own cells. This donor transplant is much more intense and I don't think Richard will match the day going home last time. He went home day 17 in August which today is day 16. I have it listed as day 17 because I blogged day 1 the day he entered the hospital. I hope I haven't been confusing you guys on the days. LOL :)
Thanking you guys again for all the prayers going up. Those prayers are what is keeping us going!!
He has had to have platelets and blood off and on since Saturday but this is normal and we do remember this happening last August with his last transplant. Most of you guys remember that last August he did have a stem cell transplant using his own cells. This donor transplant is much more intense and I don't think Richard will match the day going home last time. He went home day 17 in August which today is day 16. I have it listed as day 17 because I blogged day 1 the day he entered the hospital. I hope I haven't been confusing you guys on the days. LOL :)
Thanking you guys again for all the prayers going up. Those prayers are what is keeping us going!!
Colossians 1:11 (New International Version)
Tuesday, May 24, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 15 or +7
Sarah and I spent about five hours with Richard today. We started home about the time they started talking about tornadoes. Then we heard that maybe one was headed toward home and thought well we will stop in Edmond but we were stuck in traffic and after talking with several people decided to get to I-35 and get home fast. We are home and the sun is shining bright. Seems as if we got out of there just in time. I feel bad about leaving Richard, as he is out in the hallway at the hospital. They have had the patients in the hall for quite a while now.
I am hoping that soon he will be able to move back to his bed. The Dr. told us today that he does have pneumonia and the anti rejection medicine he is on is causing some problems also. They have to mess with the dosage to keep it right. It had got to high in his system and is causing him to feel loopy and his kidneys to function sluggish. Hopefully they will get the meds where they should be so he will feel better. I could tell he feels terrible but he kept calling us making sure we were ahead of the storm. He always worries more about us even when he is the sick one or the one in the path of storm.
I pray that all his storms will soon subside!
God is our refuge and strength,
an ever-present help in trouble.
I am hoping that soon he will be able to move back to his bed. The Dr. told us today that he does have pneumonia and the anti rejection medicine he is on is causing some problems also. They have to mess with the dosage to keep it right. It had got to high in his system and is causing him to feel loopy and his kidneys to function sluggish. Hopefully they will get the meds where they should be so he will feel better. I could tell he feels terrible but he kept calling us making sure we were ahead of the storm. He always worries more about us even when he is the sick one or the one in the path of storm.
I pray that all his storms will soon subside!
Psalm 46[a
1an ever-present help in trouble.
Sunday, May 22, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 13 or +5
Just another quick update on Richard.
The fever is still there and goes down with tylenol but comes back up as the tylenol wears off. At one point it was 103.9. Today he didn't really feel like eating and has added some stomach problems to his ailments. He is still coughing and has coughed up some yellow looking stuff. His lungs have been listened to and sound fine according to the Dr.s and nurses that have listened to him. They are running various other test just to rule out some bugs that can crop up. The nurse told us this afternoon that this is all part of the process.
His white blood count has reached .03 which they consider no immune system and it may go on down to .00 and he may be there for several days before it starts going back up. They have told us that when the immune system starts going up this will be when there could be the graft/host issues.
Thanks for all the prayers, visits and phone calls!!
2 Chronicles 6:40 (New International Version)
40 “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
The fever is still there and goes down with tylenol but comes back up as the tylenol wears off. At one point it was 103.9. Today he didn't really feel like eating and has added some stomach problems to his ailments. He is still coughing and has coughed up some yellow looking stuff. His lungs have been listened to and sound fine according to the Dr.s and nurses that have listened to him. They are running various other test just to rule out some bugs that can crop up. The nurse told us this afternoon that this is all part of the process.
His white blood count has reached .03 which they consider no immune system and it may go on down to .00 and he may be there for several days before it starts going back up. They have told us that when the immune system starts going up this will be when there could be the graft/host issues.
Thanks for all the prayers, visits and phone calls!!
2 Chronicles 6:40 (New International Version)
40 “Now, my God, may your eyes be open and your ears attentive to the prayers offered in this place.
Saturday, May 21, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 12 or Day +4
Today has been a day of visitors, fever and xrays. We do hope later this evening to watch the Thunder and hope to see more slam dunks.
Richard actually started running a low grade fever yesterday evening and this morning had a cough. He still has walked the hall though with not as much enthusiasm. He has not eaten as much though he did enjoy a Braums sausage and egg biscuit this morning.
This afternoon he enjoyed visiting with Tasha, Jacob and my cousin Charlene. This was the first time he had met her and she came bearing gifts. She brought us lunch from Braums which was great and other various snack items, magazines, word search and writing materials.
The nurse came about 4:30 and discovered that the fever had went up to 102.7. He has since had a chest x-ray, blood cultures taken and given a urine specimen. Though they don't have the results he has been started on two antibiotics.
Even with all that is going on in his life right now my amazing husband has shared the gospel with at least four people here on the bone marrow transplant unit. Now that is a slam dunk!!
Richard actually started running a low grade fever yesterday evening and this morning had a cough. He still has walked the hall though with not as much enthusiasm. He has not eaten as much though he did enjoy a Braums sausage and egg biscuit this morning.
This afternoon he enjoyed visiting with Tasha, Jacob and my cousin Charlene. This was the first time he had met her and she came bearing gifts. She brought us lunch from Braums which was great and other various snack items, magazines, word search and writing materials.
The nurse came about 4:30 and discovered that the fever had went up to 102.7. He has since had a chest x-ray, blood cultures taken and given a urine specimen. Though they don't have the results he has been started on two antibiotics.
Even with all that is going on in his life right now my amazing husband has shared the gospel with at least four people here on the bone marrow transplant unit. Now that is a slam dunk!!
Matthew 28:19-20 (New International Version)
19 Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age.”
Friday, May 20, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day 11
Just a short note today to let you know how Richard is doing. He seems to be doing very well. Still tired.
I took my mom to see him yesterday and he enjoyed the company and she was glad she didn't have to drive in the traffic.
The nurse has told us that about day 7 he will probably start feeling bad. That is about the time when the new stem cells will start trying to settle in but the stem cells he has left will start fighting. So Richard will have a battle raging within and it could make him sick. This could range from feeling a little bad to a lot bad. We are hoping his cells will go out with a wimpy battle. He is ready to become A positive!!
“May the God who givesendurance and encouragement give you the same attitude of mind toward each other that Christ Jesus had, so that with one mind and one voice you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ.” - Romans 15:5-6
I took my mom to see him yesterday and he enjoyed the company and she was glad she didn't have to drive in the traffic.
The nurse has told us that about day 7 he will probably start feeling bad. That is about the time when the new stem cells will start trying to settle in but the stem cells he has left will start fighting. So Richard will have a battle raging within and it could make him sick. This could range from feeling a little bad to a lot bad. We are hoping his cells will go out with a wimpy battle. He is ready to become A positive!!
“May the God who gives
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day Nine or +One
The bone marrow transplant transpired at 10:27 pm through 10:59. The donor's stem cells arrived earlier then anticipated so by midnight we were sleeping or at least trying to sleep. They came in about that time and took blood and then took vitals about three more times during the early hours of the morning.
We forgot to bring cake and ice cream last night because it was like a birthday. The birth of a new immune system!! A second birthday for Richard. We watched as the donor's stem cells were hung on the IV pole and then the nurse hooked it to Richard's IV line. Then we watched as it snaked down the tubing and into Richard.
They can't tell us who the donor is or where she is from but we did hear that the flight was an international flight. We also had heard them call the donor a she so we know she is female and being an international flight that she lives far away. We also knows that she is A+. Richard's blood type is B- and earlier this year we had been told by a nurse that it didn't matter what blood type the donor is because they just take the stem cells and put everything back in the donor. Well that may be the case but we found out last week that though it may not matter the blood type is but that the receiving person will eventually become the blood type of the donor. Richard will become A positive.
We do want to thank the donor again. We are so thankful to her and that she was willing to give the chance of life to Richard. The nurses did not know if we would ever know who the donor was so I just want to send out a GIANT online thanks!!
While I was watching this new chance of life flow into my husband it reminded me of Someone Else willing to give us a chance for new life. His name is Jesus and He willingly died for us that we might live. He also sends Something into our being when we accept Him and what He did for us. The Holy Spirit floods our spirit and guide us through life. Another Birthday!!! Richard now has three birthdays!!
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
We forgot to bring cake and ice cream last night because it was like a birthday. The birth of a new immune system!! A second birthday for Richard. We watched as the donor's stem cells were hung on the IV pole and then the nurse hooked it to Richard's IV line. Then we watched as it snaked down the tubing and into Richard.
They can't tell us who the donor is or where she is from but we did hear that the flight was an international flight. We also had heard them call the donor a she so we know she is female and being an international flight that she lives far away. We also knows that she is A+. Richard's blood type is B- and earlier this year we had been told by a nurse that it didn't matter what blood type the donor is because they just take the stem cells and put everything back in the donor. Well that may be the case but we found out last week that though it may not matter the blood type is but that the receiving person will eventually become the blood type of the donor. Richard will become A positive.
We do want to thank the donor again. We are so thankful to her and that she was willing to give the chance of life to Richard. The nurses did not know if we would ever know who the donor was so I just want to send out a GIANT online thanks!!
While I was watching this new chance of life flow into my husband it reminded me of Someone Else willing to give us a chance for new life. His name is Jesus and He willingly died for us that we might live. He also sends Something into our being when we accept Him and what He did for us. The Holy Spirit floods our spirit and guide us through life. Another Birthday!!! Richard now has three birthdays!!
John 3:16 (New International Version)
16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.
Tuesday, May 17, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day Eight, Transplant Day and News Nine
Today is T day, Transplant Day. It will happen tonight around ten. The day and time has changed several times but this will be the day. They are working with the donor to get those stem cells out and to the hospital. We only know that she is a women and we are pretty sure that she is not in Oklahoma City because of the time line of getting the stem cells.
Wherever she is I would like to thank her. She is an excellent match at 10 out of 10!!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!!!!! Maybe someday we will be able to at least send her a thank-you card. We are grateful to her and all those that are registered on the National Bone Marrow Registry!! They are willing to give to those they do not even know. THANKS!!!!!
Richard got a surprise this morning. The News Nine crew, Stan, Robin and Jed told him hello and they are thinking about and praying for him. Richard asked me how'd you do that? I had to tell him well you know I have connections. Facebook!! LOL!! Thanks guys for making Richards and my day!!
Thank you to all who have been praying and will continue to pray!!
Wherever she is I would like to thank her. She is an excellent match at 10 out of 10!!!!! WOOO HOOO!!!!!!!! Maybe someday we will be able to at least send her a thank-you card. We are grateful to her and all those that are registered on the National Bone Marrow Registry!! They are willing to give to those they do not even know. THANKS!!!!!
Richard got a surprise this morning. The News Nine crew, Stan, Robin and Jed told him hello and they are thinking about and praying for him. Richard asked me how'd you do that? I had to tell him well you know I have connections. Facebook!! LOL!! Thanks guys for making Richards and my day!!
Thank you to all who have been praying and will continue to pray!!
2 Chronicles 6:19 (New International Version)
19 Yet, LORD my God , give attention to your servant’s prayer and his plea for mercy. Hear the cry and the prayer that your servant is praying in your presence.
Sunday, May 15, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day Six, Open Letter to Satin
Dear Satin,
Just a short letter to let you know. You are a loser!! You will not win. Just thought you might want to know that no matter what you send our way, Christ is in Richard and He is in me and because of that you can never defeat us!! Jesus is our shield and defender!!
It doesn't matter how many weeks Richard may have to endure in that tiny unit with no treadmill or how many miles I may drive to a book signing, then end up spending more on a meal then what I make, you will not win. The fatigue of chemo and high sugar levels will not defeat Richard. The exhaustion from driving back and forth to the hospital, working and getting my daughter through her last days of this school year does not matter, you still don't win. Coming home to a refrigerator that has stopped working and the spoiled milk inside will not defeat us. God is our strength and comforter and His people are praying for us.
The fact is we get through this time because we are in the Hand of God. He is carrying us and no matter what happens we WIN!!
Just wanted to remind you that we are in the Hands of your Defeater. Now go back to where you belong. You might get a whiff of smoke!
Just a short letter to let you know. You are a loser!! You will not win. Just thought you might want to know that no matter what you send our way, Christ is in Richard and He is in me and because of that you can never defeat us!! Jesus is our shield and defender!!
It doesn't matter how many weeks Richard may have to endure in that tiny unit with no treadmill or how many miles I may drive to a book signing, then end up spending more on a meal then what I make, you will not win. The fatigue of chemo and high sugar levels will not defeat Richard. The exhaustion from driving back and forth to the hospital, working and getting my daughter through her last days of this school year does not matter, you still don't win. Coming home to a refrigerator that has stopped working and the spoiled milk inside will not defeat us. God is our strength and comforter and His people are praying for us.
The fact is we get through this time because we are in the Hand of God. He is carrying us and no matter what happens we WIN!!
Just wanted to remind you that we are in the Hands of your Defeater. Now go back to where you belong. You might get a whiff of smoke!
Psalm 46:1 (New International Version)
Friday, May 13, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day Three and Four
These last two days have been interesting days for Richard. He seems to have found a way to pass the time by playing solitary and trying to sneak a box with an unassembled treadmill past the nurses and into his room. Last August when Richard had his first stay in the bone marrow transplant unit this same treadmill was there in the same spot waiting to be put together. The word was that the safety department had to OK this donation before it could be used by the patients.
This year when it was noticed that the treadmill was still waiting approval, Richard made up his mind that he was going to put that treadmill together whether it was approved or not. He even asked the Dr. if he could put the thing together and was told yes, but the nurses kept saying no, no, not til it is approved. So with the aid of the physical therapist, he did drag that box into his room while she kept his IV pole upright. He wasn't quite sneaky enough though.
He was busy tearing into the box and taking parts out when in ran a male nurse and told Richard that he could not do that. Richard told him ok as he continued to take parts out. The nurse then told him I am going to have to take that, it is not approved by the safety committee and Richard just said ok, taking out parts the whole time. The nurse grabbed the parts and the torn apart box then disappeared with the treadmill. It is no longer on the unit. The Dr. visited Richard twice yesterday, the morning time when he told Richard he could put the treadmill together and then early evening after getting a report on the bad boy of the unit. The Dr. did tell Richard that he was going to try to get approval so that Richard could put the treadmill together before he goes home.
On a medical note, the steroids that Richard has been given is messing with his blood sugar and he has had to have insulin. The nurse told Richard that usually after about three or four days it should regulate. Also they have moved the transplant day to the 17th.
Richard says he feels good and seems cheerful when I call. It is such a shame that the hospital is not using the donations given to the unit. These are items that would benefit the patients. Maybe that safety committee should come and hang out on the bone marrow transplant unit for a week. They might get tired of walking up and down a very short hall and maybe change their ways.
11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and thoseliving in Jerusalem, ‘This is what the LORD says: Look! I am preparing a disaster for you and devising a plan against you. So turn from your evil ways, each one of you, and reform your ways and your actions
This year when it was noticed that the treadmill was still waiting approval, Richard made up his mind that he was going to put that treadmill together whether it was approved or not. He even asked the Dr. if he could put the thing together and was told yes, but the nurses kept saying no, no, not til it is approved. So with the aid of the physical therapist, he did drag that box into his room while she kept his IV pole upright. He wasn't quite sneaky enough though.
He was busy tearing into the box and taking parts out when in ran a male nurse and told Richard that he could not do that. Richard told him ok as he continued to take parts out. The nurse then told him I am going to have to take that, it is not approved by the safety committee and Richard just said ok, taking out parts the whole time. The nurse grabbed the parts and the torn apart box then disappeared with the treadmill. It is no longer on the unit. The Dr. visited Richard twice yesterday, the morning time when he told Richard he could put the treadmill together and then early evening after getting a report on the bad boy of the unit. The Dr. did tell Richard that he was going to try to get approval so that Richard could put the treadmill together before he goes home.
On a medical note, the steroids that Richard has been given is messing with his blood sugar and he has had to have insulin. The nurse told Richard that usually after about three or four days it should regulate. Also they have moved the transplant day to the 17th.
Richard says he feels good and seems cheerful when I call. It is such a shame that the hospital is not using the donations given to the unit. These are items that would benefit the patients. Maybe that safety committee should come and hang out on the bone marrow transplant unit for a week. They might get tired of walking up and down a very short hall and maybe change their ways.
Jeremiah 18:11 (New International Version)
11 “Now therefore say to the people of Judah and those
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day Two
Well it has been an interesting 24 hours with much growling already!! The Dr. had told us to be here at nine and we got here about fifteen minutes late. There was a wreck on 2-35 which had traffic backed up a ways but we got off on 1-40 and hurried to the hospital. Once we got in the hospital it was alot of waiting and much growling from Richard. LOL I hope he doesn't read this one. It seems to be hurry up and get here so you can wait.
Things finally got going with a pic line put in around noon, talking with Dr.s and nurses and getting instructions on what you can do and what you can't do. He can't do much. No fresh veggies or fruits. No fresh plants or cut flowers. He can walk up and down the hall as he wishes and there is an exercise bike in the room next to us, which by the way, we got a bigger room this time but the recliner sucks. Now I am doing a little growling! They are fairly liberal on the visiting and he can have phones calls. No babies that are in diapers or anyone that has just had their immunizations or been sick can visit. Other then that most people can come here but the nurses may screen you, but not like the airports.
The transplant day will be the 18th after those days of chemo and a day rest. We knew that the donor was a woman and that she was an excellent match. They look for 10 matches and the more you match the better. This match is 10 out of 10!!!!!!!! We give thanks to all the people on the Bone Marrow Register who are willing to give.
The nurses have warned Richard that he will feel more sick this time and he frowned at them and growled something like, "We'll see!" His white blood count is down to 2.1 and he has been told that when it goes below 1. he will not be allowed to take showers but can do sponge bathing. LOL I wished I had a camera for the look on his face. They came in at least three or four times during the night. After a night of some sleep he did finally smile this morning!
Things finally got going with a pic line put in around noon, talking with Dr.s and nurses and getting instructions on what you can do and what you can't do. He can't do much. No fresh veggies or fruits. No fresh plants or cut flowers. He can walk up and down the hall as he wishes and there is an exercise bike in the room next to us, which by the way, we got a bigger room this time but the recliner sucks. Now I am doing a little growling! They are fairly liberal on the visiting and he can have phones calls. No babies that are in diapers or anyone that has just had their immunizations or been sick can visit. Other then that most people can come here but the nurses may screen you, but not like the airports.
The transplant day will be the 18th after those days of chemo and a day rest. We knew that the donor was a woman and that she was an excellent match. They look for 10 matches and the more you match the better. This match is 10 out of 10!!!!!!!! We give thanks to all the people on the Bone Marrow Register who are willing to give.
The nurses have warned Richard that he will feel more sick this time and he frowned at them and growled something like, "We'll see!" His white blood count is down to 2.1 and he has been told that when it goes below 1. he will not be allowed to take showers but can do sponge bathing. LOL I wished I had a camera for the look on his face. They came in at least three or four times during the night. After a night of some sleep he did finally smile this morning!
Ephesians 5:20 (New International Version, ©2011)
20 always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
The Journey Continues, Day One
I will be posting updates about Richard on here. We are getting ready to head down to OU Medical Hospital to the Bone Marrow unit. I know from last time that this unit is fairly small and Richard will feel like a caged animal. He will walk up and down the hall as many times a day as he can. He will pace the floor of his tiny room and he will probably growl at the nurses. They seemed to take the growling in stride last time. LOL
I will be back and forth, working, doing laundry to take back to him and attending end of the school year functions for Sarah. Band concert Thursday and Sarah will be playing a solo on her flute and though Richard doesn't want to miss he knows that this stay is what could give him more years to hear many flute solos.
If any of you are in the area of OU Medical Hospital feel free to stop by and I know he would love to growl at familiar faces and even strange faces. He also is taking his cell phone and if you would like to call him, let me know and I will give you the number.
God is in control and we are being carried in His Hands.
If you don't know the first part of the story, scroll back to read "The Journey, the Pain and the Blessings of Cancer".
I will be back and forth, working, doing laundry to take back to him and attending end of the school year functions for Sarah. Band concert Thursday and Sarah will be playing a solo on her flute and though Richard doesn't want to miss he knows that this stay is what could give him more years to hear many flute solos.
If any of you are in the area of OU Medical Hospital feel free to stop by and I know he would love to growl at familiar faces and even strange faces. He also is taking his cell phone and if you would like to call him, let me know and I will give you the number.
God is in control and we are being carried in His Hands.
If you don't know the first part of the story, scroll back to read "The Journey, the Pain and the Blessings of Cancer".
Jeremiah 29:11-13 (New International Version, ©2011)
11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart.
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
Where will you be when the rooster crows?
When was the last time you heard a rooster crow?? I grew up on a part time farm. My dad had a job and the farming was a part time thing. We had cows, horses, chickens and roosters. The thing about roosters are they have a very distinct crow. The roosters on our farm usually chose to make their voices vocal about the time the sun was just peeking over the horizon. I have a feeling that all roosters like to send this wake up call to everybody within earshot. They see the light and want to share the news, "Time to Wake Up!!".
Have you ever struggled with something that is wrong but you tell yourself you will NEVER do that. NEVER!! Days or months go by and then you slip and do whatever it is that you had said, no, I will NEVER do that!! Did you wake up to a rooster crow with the light of the new day bringing pain and shame? If you have you are in good company!
Matthew 26:69-75 tells of one named Peter. Jesus had told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter told Jesus that he would NEVER deny or disown him. NEVER!! Immediately after the third time that Peter denied Jesus a rooster crowed. I am sure that Peter quickly felt the pain and shame of what he had done. He wept bitterly!!
Peter made a mistake but he didn't let it defeat him. He spent the rest of his life telling others about Jesus. His mistake did change him. It made him better! He saw the light and wanted to share the news. When you get your wake up call; what will you do? How will you spend the rest of you life?
Where will you be when the rooster crows? COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!
Have you ever struggled with something that is wrong but you tell yourself you will NEVER do that. NEVER!! Days or months go by and then you slip and do whatever it is that you had said, no, I will NEVER do that!! Did you wake up to a rooster crow with the light of the new day bringing pain and shame? If you have you are in good company!
Matthew 26:69-75 tells of one named Peter. Jesus had told Peter that he would deny him three times before the rooster crowed. Peter told Jesus that he would NEVER deny or disown him. NEVER!! Immediately after the third time that Peter denied Jesus a rooster crowed. I am sure that Peter quickly felt the pain and shame of what he had done. He wept bitterly!!
Peter made a mistake but he didn't let it defeat him. He spent the rest of his life telling others about Jesus. His mistake did change him. It made him better! He saw the light and wanted to share the news. When you get your wake up call; what will you do? How will you spend the rest of you life?
Where will you be when the rooster crows? COCK-A-DOODLE-DOO!
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