It is hard for Pop Pop to swallow. Little by little.
December 15, 2010
December 14, 2010
Everyday seems to have it's ups and downs. Although Pop Pop's numbers have been going up (that is until today), he still has his moments. For instance we learned the hard way that he does not metabolize nor respond well to Oxycodone. It apparently makes him hallucinate and Dalaudid gives him tremors. Balancing his medications (accounting for their effects on his kidneys and BP) has been a battle, according to his doctor it is because of this his BP has been out of control. Two days ago, Pop Pop developed pneumonia (thankfully the doctors quickly and aggressively treated it, so it is not as bad as it could be) which has put a strain on breathing (a very important function). Also he has retained an extra liter of fluid. The doctors are trying to eliminate the amount of fluids he receives because his lungs have water.
For the first time in days, Pop Pop's numbers have gone down. He continues having difficulty breathing without the Oxygen. The doctor has given him an idea of where he needs to be (physically) prior to being discharged and has again reiterated that he prefers for Pop Pop and Nurse Lucha to stay at the family housing around the corner once he is discharged.
Nurse Lucha and Assistant Mau have been at Pop Pop's side daily, I know Mau has been a very big help to them both. Twice this week Pop Pop has had a sleep over, once with Nurse Lucha and Assistant Mau, and the other time with Eduardo. Everyone has become very familiar with the hospital staff, personally I like the lady who calls Pop Pop "Papi" and Barbara who sets everyone straight (including Nurse Lucha...sending her to go see her doctors too).
For the first time in days, Pop Pop's numbers have gone down. He continues having difficulty breathing without the Oxygen. The doctor has given him an idea of where he needs to be (physically) prior to being discharged and has again reiterated that he prefers for Pop Pop and Nurse Lucha to stay at the family housing around the corner once he is discharged.
Nurse Lucha and Assistant Mau have been at Pop Pop's side daily, I know Mau has been a very big help to them both. Twice this week Pop Pop has had a sleep over, once with Nurse Lucha and Assistant Mau, and the other time with Eduardo. Everyone has become very familiar with the hospital staff, personally I like the lady who calls Pop Pop "Papi" and Barbara who sets everyone straight (including Nurse Lucha...sending her to go see her doctors too).
December 9, 2010
December 8, 2010
The happy couple celebrated their 43rd Wedding anniversary by renewing their vows to one another (in the hospital room). The whole ceremony was short and sweet and the room was bursting with love. We crammed Mauricio, Eduardo, Allison, Caroline, Juan, Isabella, Alexander, Dr. Woods, a nurse, the chaplin, Nana and Pop Pop(of course), and me as well as a few cameras and Nicole, Ana and Alycia (via Skype)... all in one tiny room (as I said, bursting with love). Though we missed Carlos and the gang very much!
There is something to be said to watch your parents profess their love to one another.
On a side note: I was soooooo happy to see my daddy (yes, I still call him daddy), I miss him too much. Now I just can't wait until the day I can kiss him (I had to keep my mask on).
December 8, 2010
December 7, 2010
I realize that a lot of time has passed since my last post and I feel like I owe you an apology and an explanation. Especially if this is your main source of information on Pop Pop's well being. So, please accept my sincerest apology.
As for a brief explanation of where the time has gone
11/17 - 11/21: We were busy getting "things" in order prior to Pop Pop going into the hospital. During that time, he continued to have his regular lab appointments.
11/22 - 11/23 Pop Pop continued with his lab visits and he was had testing done to be cleared for the Bone Marrow Transplant. On 11/23, we learned that his cancer is still present. We hope that the BMT will kill the remaining cancer, otherwise he may have to have radiation as well.
11/24 Pop Pop was admitted to UNC hospital for a Bone Marrow Transplant (though the transplant does not take place until more chemo is administered) He will remain in the hospital for 3-4 weeks.
11/24 - 11/29 Pop Pop underwent a long & very strong 6 day chemotherapy treatment. During which time his levels began to drop.
11/30 He received his stem cells that were harvested on 11/16
12/1 - 12/6 His levels continued to drop. His white blood cells dropped below 0 and he is very susceptible to germs. Each day is more difficult than the day prior.
12/7 His blood cells are finally on the rise however they are still critically low and a hair above 0 (0.1). During this transition period we are told that he will continue to feel worse with each day. Currently he has soars in this mouth and throat that cause "excruciating pain". He was given a lot of drugs today and was flying high. I still have not seen him, but my understanding is that he is weak, he can not stand, he has barely eaten and is in pain. Yet when I speak with him on the phone, he still jokes and laughs.
ON A HAPPIER NOTE:
Thanksgiving came early this year for Nana and Pop Pop as the Gomez Clan surprised him with a Thanksgiving Feast the night before he went to the hospital. He enjoyed many delectable delights. Also, Mauricio, Nicole and the girls were able to come to NC during the thanksgiving break. Pop Pop was visited in the hospital many times by Mau, Nicole, and the girls & of coarse Eduardo, Allison, and Caroline (Harrison is too little). Nurse Lucha has held strong and has been well cared for by the boys. Mau is back in town for the next two weeks and will be able to help Lucha with the driving back and forth among other things. (I feel like we need a nickname for him). I will have to see if I can get some pictures from some of his visits with everyone.
As for a brief explanation of where the time has gone
11/17 - 11/21: We were busy getting "things" in order prior to Pop Pop going into the hospital. During that time, he continued to have his regular lab appointments.
- 11/22: I was out of town. Although I spoke on the phone daily with everyone, I found it difficult to give an accurate report (hence, no blog). I returned on 12/02 (pm); however, I discovered while away that I had bronchitis...which meant I still could not see him. Tomorrow, I hope to see him for the first time (though I need to check with his nurses first). I miss him so much!
11/22 - 11/23 Pop Pop continued with his lab visits and he was had testing done to be cleared for the Bone Marrow Transplant. On 11/23, we learned that his cancer is still present. We hope that the BMT will kill the remaining cancer, otherwise he may have to have radiation as well.
11/24 Pop Pop was admitted to UNC hospital for a Bone Marrow Transplant (though the transplant does not take place until more chemo is administered) He will remain in the hospital for 3-4 weeks.
11/24 - 11/29 Pop Pop underwent a long & very strong 6 day chemotherapy treatment. During which time his levels began to drop.
11/30 He received his stem cells that were harvested on 11/16
12/1 - 12/6 His levels continued to drop. His white blood cells dropped below 0 and he is very susceptible to germs. Each day is more difficult than the day prior.
12/7 His blood cells are finally on the rise however they are still critically low and a hair above 0 (0.1). During this transition period we are told that he will continue to feel worse with each day. Currently he has soars in this mouth and throat that cause "excruciating pain". He was given a lot of drugs today and was flying high. I still have not seen him, but my understanding is that he is weak, he can not stand, he has barely eaten and is in pain. Yet when I speak with him on the phone, he still jokes and laughs.
ON A HAPPIER NOTE:
Thanksgiving came early this year for Nana and Pop Pop as the Gomez Clan surprised him with a Thanksgiving Feast the night before he went to the hospital. He enjoyed many delectable delights. Also, Mauricio, Nicole and the girls were able to come to NC during the thanksgiving break. Pop Pop was visited in the hospital many times by Mau, Nicole, and the girls & of coarse Eduardo, Allison, and Caroline (Harrison is too little). Nurse Lucha has held strong and has been well cared for by the boys. Mau is back in town for the next two weeks and will be able to help Lucha with the driving back and forth among other things. (I feel like we need a nickname for him). I will have to see if I can get some pictures from some of his visits with everyone.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)