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.
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