DAY 7: "Fine and Dandy"

The nurse practitioner reviewed the test results that have come back so far on the blood cultures, urine tests and the chest x-ray.

So far the blood cultures show no infection and the urine tests were okay. The chest x-ray did show some minimal fluid in both lungs and minimal CHF (coronary heart failure).
Both the fluid in the lungs and CHF are due to the massive amounts of fluids that they've been pumping into her. The doctor and nurse practitioner said it should resolve itself as they've decreased significantly the fluids they've been giving her and she's been getting rid of it just find (in other words -- she's going to the bathroom a LOT!) They seem to not be too worried about these things. I hear "heart" "failure" in the same phrase and it strikes a nerve... but, I'm not a doctor and they see patients through this treatment everyday. They know what's "normal" in this process.
I'm going through yet another process of learning that I'm not in control and to trust others (appropriately - heheh).

The doctor said that everything's looking "fine and dandy" and the doctor and nurses have said that she's looking good. That's reassuring to me.

Thank God...

• The fever went down and her temperature was normal throughout the day.
• The pain she was experiencing on her back, shoulders and neck have gone away.
• Her sinus pressures have also gone away.
• She was able to eat "okay" today. I definitely ate more than her (by a long shot), but she was able to put in and keep down something at each meal.

Ways to Pray...

• Today she mostly was SLEEPY. She felt really sleepy throughout the day. Perhaps it's the meds she's been taking for her sinuses, or the meds she's taking for the nausea, or the fact that she's getting up a few times through the night to use the bathroom, or just a normal side effect of chemotherapy and the decrease in her platelets and hemoglobin levels. Pray for good rest and wisdom to know when to be concerned about her energy level.
• Pray that the cultures will continue to show no growth...and that the chest x-rays show improvement for her lungs and the CHF as the fluids leave her body.
• Pray that the nausea continues to be managed well and that she is able to get the nourishment she needs.
• Pray that her Hickman line stays clean and uninfected - she began to feel like it was "heavy" in that area and the spot around seems to be bruised. The doctor said he's not concerned -- pray that it would continue to not be a problem.
• Pray for her ability to communicate honestly and well the things she's feeling and experiencing. Pray that we'd be quick to bring things to the doctors' and nurses' attention so that it can be checked out right away.
• Pray now for the 14th day -- (Wednesday the 16th). That will be the day they will check the bone marrow to see the effectiveness of the chemotherapy. Pray for successful results!