13th
We’re still here!
Hello, All!
Sorry it’s been so long since I’ve posted! Our ethernet was out for a few days, and while it’s great that you can post from your iPhone, it’s so hard to type with gloves on a touch screen! However, I think you’ll find that the update was worth waiting for!
Justin’s counts soar higher each day! Since last Wednesday’s post at 1.1, his wbc count is at 2.6 today! His doctor prepping him this week for home as soon as possible! We’ve got to get him off of IV meds, get him walking around and active, and get him eating! His morphine drip is down to 1 mg/hour right now, and he will most likely be off of it entirely by tomorrow night. He is in very little pain from his mouth, and the respiratory team are no longer seeing him for mouth care. The only problem left with his skin is that he’s a little dry and flakey. Tonight, he will receive his last IV antibiotic. He is trying very hard to nibble throughout the day, though he really doesn’t have an appetite. He has been getting nutrition intravenously, and they are lowering that today from 100% of his nutritional needs to 80% to help his appetite. The nurses have said that you kind of have to “teach your stomach” to digest and move food again. It may be a little difficult at first, but Justin is making a great effort! So far, orange jello is the staple of each day. Vegetable broth and cranberry juice have been vetoed. Most things taste wrong — it may take a month or two before his tastebuds are back to normal.
After getting the ok from his doctor on Friday, Justin has been taking a (slow) walk each day. Each day he walks a little faster and a little farther. Today, we walked two laps around his floor! He has had OT and PT (Occupational Therapy and Physical Therapy) today, and is currently in RT group (Recreational Therapy)! He kind of got talked into going to the group… I don’t know what they’re doing in there, but probably playing cards or something. So, hopefully he’s being a good sport and playing nicely with others. This is the most activity he’s had in three weeks, so I am hoping that this will also be the best night’s sleep he’s had in three weeks!
Justin is allowed to have visitors at the hospital now! He wears a special mask and gloves when he’s outside of his room, but don’t come if you’re sick, please. Just give me a call or email either of us if you are around to stop by. We’ll try and pry ourselves from our oh-so-busy schedule to visit with you!
Love,
Holly (& Justin, too)
