Wednesday, September 28, 2011

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Dad made it home last night around 8:00. After completing his chemotherapy, they discovered that his potassium level was dangerously low, so Dad spent all of Tuesday getting potassium pumped into his system. He goes back to the oncologist this morning for his neulasta shot (to help his white blood cell count).

He does have an infection and he's antibiotics and probiotics, but he's definitely in a new state of isolation/protection. He had a sealed room at the hospital, and the nurses used a higher level of caution with their glove and robe-changing procedures. We're hoping that he can beat the infection and get more energy soon.

I'm here now and I stole a picture of what Dad's days are normally like. Mom said, "Why don't you just roll in the coffin, too, and take a picture of that!" I think that Dad looks good, even without eyebrows! :)



Update: When dad when in for his neulasta shot, his heart rate was up, but his blood pressure was down (a sign that he was dehydrated); so he got another infusion of saline. We hung out at the office for an additional hour while he got more fluids. That always makes Dad feel better, but he's still trying to increase his fluid intake. Dad has never been much of a drinker, so it's very difficult for him to drink at least 64 ounces a day.

This is definitely a tough time for Mom and Dad, and we hope that Dad can start to feel a little reprieve from his fatigue soon. Dad will visit the oncologist on Friday, Monday, and Thursday. We're grateful that they're keeping a close eye on things, but the battle is certainly rough. Dad has a plethora of medications that he's trying to keep track of, and it isn't easy sorting through what, when, and where he's supposed to take them. Mom has been a rock, and although Dad admits that he isn't the best patient, I think they do quite well.

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