Proactive

My word for the day is proactive as the medical team assessed every little concern in order to proactively prevent little concerns from becoming big ones. So far, the strategy is working.

Two x-rays today, chest and stomach respectively to determine if Cindy’s tender tummy is anything to be concerned about. “Apparently not,” Cindy reported but the ride to and from x-ray was definitely exciting.

“I am transported to appointments in my bed,” she explained. “The way they maneuver my bed and me through hallways and elevators is practically an adrenaline rush!”

Apparently, the transport rush was not enough to jolt her from the weariness that has her in its grip. Even so, she seemed to me to be alert, communicative and perky, if not quite bright-eyed and bushy-tailed.  Her sister Judy, who accompanied my visit today, even managed to coax Cindy into a lap around the floor.

Cindy’s other visitors today, girlfriends Kim S. and Debbie W., agreed that Cindy seemed more “with-it” vs. last week.  She has even found some rhythm with mealtimes - good breakfast, robust lunch and light dinner.

Our observations notwithstanding, the evidence of life is in the blood, just like the Bible says.  That Cindy received a fourth unit of blood followed by a fourth unit of platelets validates the weakness Cindy reports.  While we were there, she registered an elevated temperature for the first time in a few days and was promptly given some Tylenol to head that off.

We pray that the chemo that is zapping her body is also fatally afflicting her leukemia.

Mouth sores update: Cindy’s first Benxylox "swish and spit" experience went slightly awry.  She is supposed to squirt a small amount into her mouth with syringe-like device but when little came out, she pressed a little harder and then received too much.  

“Not only did it numb the mouth sores, I was unable to taste my food!” Then she ate anyway.  

Good girl!

Photo by Ryan Wong on Unsplash