Hanging In There

Joe had a better day today.  He continues to be in good spirits and didn't feel as nauseous today as he did yesterday.  I was greeted today with "I felt much better today".  Which, frankly, is amazing since his blood counts continue to drop.  

He did have a busy day today.  He didn't get to eat breakfast/lunch until about 2 pm as he had his new central line put into the other side of his chest today, away from the Staph infection. He said the procedure went very smoothly and he liked this "crew" much better than the ones that put the original line in.  He had absolutely no pain or discomfort during the procedure.  The new central line only has two leads vs. his original which had three.  So its not quite as invasive as the original line.  He also had the IVs they had put in his arm removed.  He's quite festive with all his tape and guaze patches! 

His blood counts continue to drop with his White Blood Count at .9.  The RN tell me that it will drop to .1 to .2 by Thursday this week.  Meaning no immune system.  His platelets dropped to 57 but Hematocrit continued to stay fairly steady at 28.1.  We anticipate he'll have some blood transfusions by the end of the week.  He did have some blood pressures issue today with his BP dropping to 98/60.  They've adjusted his BP medicine and started him on some fluids.  He'd likely been dehydrated by all the side effects of this process.  By the evening, his BP was back in normal range - 120/70.    He did gain two pounds today due to all the fluids they are giving him.  

He's been a trooper trying to eat.  Tonight he ordered Chicken Teriyaki (which he had earlier in the week and said was very good) along with a peach cobbler and Blue Bell ice cream.  He didn't eat too much of the Chicken Teriyaki stating his taste buds are messed up, but he did finish his peach cobbler and ice cream.  Concerned about his diabetes, of course, I've talked to the RN staff and they said he's basically on a free pass while in the hospital and he should eat whatever he wants to eat.  They can give him insulin to keep his blood sugars in check, but they want him eating.  

His RN staff have been amazing and keeping a close eye on him - asking lots of questions and keeping him in check - and we all know that is a big job!  

Thanks for your continued calls, prayers and support.  He can feel the prayers!  God is Good!!