Back in hospital

Well we went into the week quite optimistic after the good test results. Steve questioned the specialist whether it meant he would only need 6 cycles rather than 8 cycles but he said that was not necessarily the case.

I dare say he was disappointed with that news – it would have meant that after this next cycle he would only have 2 more – somehow this seemed more bearable.

He had a day of feeling down about the thought of more cycles but in his usual amazing manner made the adjustment and accepted he may be in for 4 more instead.

The week in hospital started well – he enjoyed visits from a few different faces and phone calls as well.

He commenced his treatment a day later this time as his doctor had planned for him to have his stem cell extracted after the treatment. The later start he said would be better.

For that procedure he will be required to have daily injections at home to prepare him for the stem cell procedure which is to take place this Friday.

He finished his treatment last Saturday and went home again happy. He was glad that during the first couple of days home he wasn’t vomiting but somehow he seemed even flatter and more fatigued than usual.

It was hard to tell at first – was it worse or was it always that bad during the first couple of days? On the Tuesday he went to have his usual blood taken and dressing changed but this was in fact a day earlier in his recovery than usual.

The trip into the hospital was difficult. You see anything more than a short trip to the bathroom and back was taxing on his body – so to North Adelaide and back was big.

The nurses took one look at him and predicted he would need some extra blood. He was very pale and low.

That afternoon they confirmed he would need to go in on Wednesday for a top up.

Around 5pm I noticed he looked paler and began to have the shakes.

I knew this was indicative of a temperature – but the reading was only 36.5.

Within about 30 minutes this had risen to 37.8 and a little while after to 38 degrees.

We knew from our last incident that anything over 38 he was to go straight to hospital.

So that’s what we did.
It seems the Part B of the HyperCVAD treatment is much more taxing on his body.

He wasn’t happy but knew it was best.

They put him straight on antibiotics and took more blood.

Yesterday they confirmed he does have an infection and today will hopefully be more specific with antibiotics.

It was hard watching him with his shakes and discomfort while his temperature spiked.

I can’t imagine how hard it was for him coping with not only the toxic effect from his chemo but the infection on top.

But you know even after he was very sick from the temperature, it didn’t take him long to smile. He seemed to be grateful for just feeling that bit better.

He is truly an amazing man.

Even the nurse on said he was special.

Not everyone goes through such a tough treatment with his ability to still find something to smile about.

But don’t get me wrong he is certainly feeling the difficulty of this very harsh regime.

As I write this, I can tell you he has just had a good night – he slept well and his temperature has dropped a little – hopefully all good signs that the infection is on its way out.

The doctor said he could still have his stem cell preparation on Friday so that’s good news.

For now they’ll keep him in hospital until he is well and truly over his infection because the intravenous approach works much more effectively.

Now we just have to find ways to relieve a little more of the boredom that sets in with long hospital stays.

I’ll keep you posted on when he is ‘free’ again,

Warmest regards and thanks for everyone’s wishes and thoughts,

Tricia

Good news

After the last cycle of chemo, Steve had his usual 3-4 days of being very unwell but picked up really well. As I mentioned before he didn’t need a blood transfusion and was feeling quite good. In fact Saturday he felt great. He had a great day out with his mates Harold, Robert and Stan and enjoyed visits from others.

His immune system held up really well and his mood and attitude great. I always know how well he feels by the level of cheek he gives - and I’m happy to tell you he was back in fine form!

Today he undertook scans to help the doctor determine the effectiveness of the treatment thus far. We were hoping for some good news and from the way he was feeling felt confident that something good was happening.

Well the doctor confirmed this. He said there was an excellent response to the treatment and many of the nodes were reduced to nearly normal.

While there is still a long way to go – it is great to know this leading into the next 3 cycles.

I’m sure this great result is not only from the treatment but from the quality mindset Steve has kept throughout and from all of your healing thoughts and prayers and ongoing contact.
Thanks also for those who have supplied good books, videos, games, jigsaws etc- they have all played an important part in this!

Thank you again ...

Home again

I’m happy to let you know that at this moment, Steve is home and doing well.

The week in hospital went relatively smooth. What we’ve discovered is that the road back to recovery - is a joint effort by everyone.

Steve is certainly doing his bit – especially in hospital – he’s been keeping the nurses on their toes to ensure all aspects of the treatment are administered correctly (after last cycle’s mishap!).

Good that he did this time too because his sharp eyes and ears picked up a couple of more potential mishaps – but all was good in the end.

This was the first time Steve didn’t need a blood transfusion because his levels after the week long chemo hit were still quite good.

It’s amazing how happy such things can make you! (Well I was anyway because it suggested to me that his body was holding up well)

After his usual Tuesday dressing change and blood test, his bloods were still good! Yeh...

Steve is really doing amazing...

Despite the first 2 or 3 days when he felt soooo sick (and was a couple of times) with reflux, nausea, fatigue – he still managed lots of smiles and good conversation in between.

Speaking of conversation – he seems to always say it’s me who loves the phone – but I’m not sure about that.

I must admit the timely calls he receives (the ones when he is looking for a chat to relieve boredom or get a pick me up) are fantastic.

On the way to Maslin’s today he got a call from a cousin who had him in stiches and quite often that quick touch base or funny email does wanders.

We’re also enjoying My Kitchen Rules – it’s more about the entertainment from contestants than the food I’m sure...

When Steve popped into the salon last time – he saw the big card with everyone’s comments,

He got very emotional but all good emotion.

It’s so nice he is getting to hear and see how much he is loved.

This is certainly a wonderful ingredient along the way to getting back to good health and wellness.

Thanks everyone again,

I’ll keep you posted