Round 1 Day 8
Last night I had an interesting fortune in my fortune cookie. It said I would be attending a party soon. So, naturally, I was expecting Station 74 to throw us a going away party when we walked in today. Also, naturally, my fantasies don't usually come true. Later in the day, I got all dressed up and went to a party. After all, my fortune cookie couldn't have been wrong. It was a Pity Party. I didn't stay for long, but like any good guest, I made an appearance. More on that later. Let's back the bus up.
We both slept terrible. The people in the room above us were having a party or something (maybe that was the one I was supposed to go to?) at 1:00 in the morning. Also, it snowed last night so the parking lot was getting cleared from go to sleep time to wake up time. Mike woke up around 4 and I could tell that he wasn't feeling well. He was super restless and was coughing. When we finally got up around 7:30 I could tell just by looking at him that he was struggling. He said his whole body hurt. He thought he was a little nauseous, so I ran, didn't walk, to get his Zofran. Crisis diverted there. No puking. He said he couldn't really describe the level of fatigue he was feeling. He could barely roll over in bed. He couldn't figure out what he needed. I am not going to say I was a mess, because I wasn't... but my emotions were feeling like they were unraveling a bit. I was sad and frustrated and annoyed. There was nothing I could do to help him. They told us to expect this for a few days following the Neulasta shot. Expecting something and watching your husband feel like his body just got hurled off a cliff are two different things.
We went to Station 74 and the GOOD news is that his heart was doing fine. They were really concerned about how bad he was feeling, though. They were also concerned about his cough. It could mean that he had pneumonia. He didn't have a fever, so that was good. They drew blood, did an ECG, drew more blood to get cultures, and sent him down for a chest x-ray. He said the tech wasn't as pretty of an x-ray tech as me. Aw, he must know Valentine's Day is around the corner. They also decided to hook him up to a bag of fluids and let that run for an hour. The labs came back looking good. His numbers are all where they would expect them to be. The chest xray was clear.
After all that excitement, they gave us a prescription for an antibiotic, more as a precaution from something developing in his lungs. They also told me to get some Claritin for him. We got strict instructions to return to Station 74 if he starts to feel worse, or has any other new symptoms develop. The PA who was treating him asked if the IV fluids were helping. He said, "I feel better." She said, "No you don't, but you will." I thought that was funny. We have some straight shooters up here. I like. She could tell something was still really bugging him and she urged it out of him. He just sighed and said, "I've got a long road ahead of me." I wanted to cry. Yep, we do. But on the bright side, we don't have to have a Round 1, Day 8 again. It's almost over.
Now we are back at the hotel, surrounded by our ever growing collection of medication bottles and boxes. Mike has been resting in bed all evening. I think I will have Chinese for dinner again and see if my fortune improves. That fortune cookie was pretty lame last night, so it can only get better, right?
We are heading back to Station 74 first thing in the morning (assuming tonight goes smoothly). If Mike is feeling up to it, we will jump back on the Yellow Brick Road towards home. I'm still feeling like I'm in a little funk, and I think a hug from my babies could patch that right up. I wish a hug from them could patch everything up for Mike, too. It's days like today that remind me to take this whole things just one day at a time. Tomorrow might be better. It might be worse. We'll deal with it tomorrow. For now, I'll focus on the fact that we made it through Round 1, Day 8.
XOXO
Robin
P.S.
I wanted to let you all know that I am so thankful for each and every comment and post on here. I haven't had the energy to reply to every single one, but I'll try to get better at that. Please know that I read them all, many times, and I read them all to Mike. What a wonderful way to connect with you all. It's amazing to me... to feel all of the love and support. We laugh at the jokes, we talk about how nice it is to hear from you. It is much appreciated.
Comments (18)
Can't imagine Robin...but please Know I think about you, Mike, and your babies daily. Hang in there! Have a safe trip tomorrow. I'm sure it will be nice to be back in Kansas.
I wish you guys weren't going through this but wishing will do no good, prayers and faith will. I say Horton is strong and God is stronger so I believe his health will be restored. Thank you for these posts Robin, your family is always on our minds. Many hugs and prayers are being sent. Be safe traveling home.
Hang in there Robin and Mike. Many prayers and positive thoughts for all of you. I'm a firm believer in both. You have a heck of a support system don't be afraid to use it.
Again many best wishes. I don't know you Robin but from reading all your post I can tell how strong of a woman you really are, even if you don't feel it right now! I can see why Mike was drawn to you and found his perfect match. Hang in there
Hang in there guys!! And taking one day at a time is a great way to be!! You have the best of the best taking care of you and lots of love and prayers from many family and friends!! Stay strong!!
Hope your feeling better tomorrow and get to come home . Be careful and call when your home if you feel up to it.
Q: Why did the patient cross the road? A: Because his babies are across the road and he really needed a hug!! Okay, yes, this is lame but thank goodness your little people are right there waiting for you, keeping it normal and they think you are the awesome-est!! Keep it up! Sending love and prayers!!
No need to reply to all the comments. Proud of you for your strength.....and we do not even know each other but share friends. I've been to the Rochester Mayo Clinic with my hubby. I can relate to breakdowns and pity parties. Beth McManigal
Mike, you always did want all the attention!! So sorry to hear everything you have to go thru. Cancer is a scary word. We found that out, too. But we also found out how wonderful all our family and friends were. Also how important prayers are. We had lots of them from lots of people just like you. Right now all our tests are good. Yours will get there too. And its ok to be scared, its only normal. Let us know if there is anything we can do. Love you all.
Hang in there! Thinking about you and Mike! Yay for Round 1 Day 8 being over and I hope today you are on your way home! Big hugs to you all! I know your babies and Milo will be anticipating your arrival and be ready to snuggle and hug you up! Love you!
Hang in there Mike....very touching reading these posts Robin....you are an amazing writer. Stupid joke of the day: A guy walks into a bar and takes a seat. Before he can order a beer, the bowl of pretzels in front of him says "Hey, you're a handsome fellow." The man tries to ignore the bowl of pretzels, and orders a fine Pilsner beer. The bowl of pretzels then says "Ooooh, a pilsner, great choice. You're a smart man." Starting to freak out, the guy says to the bartender "Hey what the hell, this bowl of pretzels keeps saying nice things to me!" Bartender says "Don't worry about it, the pretzels are complimentary."
Mike and Robin, Hang in there: What's the difference between a dirty bus stop and a lobster with breast implants? One's a crusty bus station and the other is a busty crustacean.
Robin, I think you were meant to be a writer -- it all flows so well and you keep it lively. A writer and a comedian as a pair -- nice match!! ;) This level of "sucky" will, too, pass. Hugs and much love! ~Erin
Lame joke warning! "Did you hear about the kidnapping at school? It's okay. He woke up. " "Which side of the duck has more feathers? The outside." "Where do animals go when their tails fall off? The retail store." Love and prayers to you both!! NO JOKE! :)
Breaks my heart to see Mike so sick. Hang in there. Better days are coming!!!! Love you both!!
Praying for you guys and your journey. It won't be fun but you will be strong people for the rest of your lives.
We are thinking about you guys and praying everyday! Please let us know if you need anything at all. Love, DeWayne & Shirley Reder and Chad & Sara Reder
I am so proud of you both, and I love reading your post. So much so that, I should be studying and you are my "study break". I just wanted to let you know that I find your strength and sense of humor through this stage in your lives so inspiring. Not only as a wife and mother but also as a nurse. Hearing how your nurses and other health care providers are educating, supporting, and becoming apart of your journey warms my heart. Thank you for all the updates. We send our love and prayers and hope you're home soon. Mike you got this!!! Blessings and Prayers.